Aug. 22, 2024

Ag Leaders Selected for Hall of Honor

The Auburn Agricultural Alumni Club recently announced its slate of 2025 Hall of Honor inductees. The Alabama Agriculture Hall of Honor was established in 1984 to recognize and celebrate the work of the state’s top agricultural leaders.


Three individuals are added to the Hall of Honor each year. The program also presents the annual Pioneer Award posthumously for individuals whose careers advanced Alabama agriculture in significant ways.


The following legendary leaders will be honored at a banquet Feb. 28 in Auburn.

Read more.

Alabama AgCast Discusses Alfa Health Plans

Alabama AgCast welcomed Alabama Farmers Federation Director of Agriculture Legislation Preston Roberts to the studio to discuss Alfa Health Plans.


In 2025, the Federation will introduce legislation for affordable, convenient, quality Alfa Health Plans. Complete this anonymous health care survey to help make a difference in lives of Alabamians.

Listen to the AgCast.

Clary Named Catfish Farmer of the Year

Hale County's Heath Clary is Alabama's Catfish Farmer of the Year.


Clary’s American Aquaculture catfish farm and harvesting services is a family affair. He manages 24 ponds while raising three boys — Randall, 7, Jack, 5, and John Hardy, 3 — with wife Christina. They’re also expecting twins later this year.


As Catfish Farmer of the Year, Clary hopes to raise awareness and sales.


“I’m proud of being elected to represent catfish farmers here in Alabama," Clary said. "I appreciate knowing a group of men who have years of experience had enough faith to select me. I hope I can put a face to the industry and the struggles and raise awareness.”


Clary’s message is simple. 


“Eat more U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish,” Clary said. “Ask where the fish came from when eating in restaurants. People are getting high-quality, high-protein, well-cared-for and clean fish when they choose our product. It’s a good, healthy and safe option to feed families.” 

Read more.

Bee & Honey


The Alabama Beekeepers Association annual fall conference is Sept. 20-21 in Clanton. The conference features guest speakers, a presentation from the Auburn University Bee Lab, breakout training sessions and networking opportunties.


The Alabama Farmers Federation Bee & Honey Division is sponsoring keynote speaker Susan Cobey, who founded the New World Carniolan bee breeding program.


Early registration ends Sept. 15. Click here to learn more.


Submitted by Blake Thaxton

Pork


Alabama Cooperative Extension System and the Alabama Pork Checkoff are hosting Pork on the Plains Oct. 12 at Auburn University (AU). The educational event will discuss topics on carcass breakdown, herd health and swine nutrition. Speakers include:

  • Stephen Donaldson, Donaldson Farms nutritionist
  • Kent Stanford, AU Extension professor
  • Rick Tubbs, swine veterinarian
  • Barney Wilborn, AU Meats Lab manager

Click here for registration info.


Submitted by Colton Christjohn

Peanuts



According to a report released by the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Statistic Service Aug. 12, peanuts were planted on 190,000 acres in Alabama, up from the previous estimate. The report shows the production forecast at 614 million pounds, up 28% from 2023.


Submitted by Kaye Lynn Hataway, APPA

Forestry


The Alabama Forestry Commission continues to conduct monitoring flights for the Southern pine bark beetle. If damage is detected on private property, the agency will contact the landowner by mail to inform them of the damage. Click here to check the current status of flights and observed damage.


Submitted by William Green

Row Crops


The August World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report, released Aug. 12, included indicators of record yields and production, lower average prices and mixed market signals. The report predicts that, on average, U.S. farmers will see a record corn yield of 183.1 bushels per acre, a record soybean yield of 53.2 bushels per acre and record production of 4.59 billion bushels of soybeans. 


Cotton production estimates were lowered. Yields are projected at 840 pounds per acre, while planted acres are down by about 500,000 acres. Combined with an expected increase in the abandonment rate from the prior month, production estimates are expected at 15.11 million bales. 


Since the report was released, economic ups and downs now indicate a low-price environment this fall and winter. The reaction shows a continued downward trend in futures prices, with a high likelihood that prices remain depressed through harvest. Click here to read more.


Submitted by Carla Hornady

Corporate Entities Required to File New Federal Report


Important provisions of the federal Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) became active this year, requiring corporate entities to report beneficial ownership information (BOI).

Who

Corporate entities may include:

  • LLCs
  • S and C corporations
  • Limited partnerships
  • Other forms of incorporated entities


If you or someone on your behalf filed paperwork with a Secretary of State’s office to form a corporate entity, you likely must make a BOI report.

When

  • Any entity formed before Jan. 1, 2024, must file by Dec. 31, 2024.
  • Any entity formed after Jan. 1, 2024, must file within 90 days of creation.
  • After Jan. 1, 2025, any entity formed will be required to file within 30 days of creation.


Late reports could result in substantial financial penalties, including fines of over $500 each day filings are not made.

What

The BOI report includes the name and physical address of any beneficial owners of corporations.


The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, a bureau of the U.S. Treasury Department, administers the filings.

How

Visit www.fincen.gov/boi to file this mandatory report or learn more.

Read more here.

Litigation is pending in federal court challenging the constitutionality of the CTA. Until a court issues an injunction that would halt filings, owners still need to file the BOI report.

New Farmowner System Brings eDocs Option

Alfa Insurance is updating its farmowner policy administration system, giving customers the option to access policy documents online. 


Farmowner customers interested in signing up for eDocs are encouraged to contact their local Alfa service center, Federation area organization director or the Alfa Customer Resource Center at (800) 964-2532. They will register their policy at AlfaInsurance.com; acknowledge receipt of a confirmation email; and complete a consent form authorizing eDocs enrollment. Customers can choose to still receive billing notices by mail.

Learn more.

Open Fields Doctrine Opens Door to Law Enforcement

The Fourth Amendment of the U.S. Constitution protects citizens from unreasonable searches — but not from all searches. In many instances, warrantless searches by law enforcement officers are considered reasonable under the Fourth Amendment.


Under the Open Fields Doctrine, searches occurring on private property are generally permissible. Usually, the test to determine if police need a warrant hinges on whether there is an expectation of privacy that society believes is reasonable.


Despite its name, the field does not necessarily need to be open for the Open Fields Doctrine to apply. Law enforcement does not need a warrant to enter and search any part of someone’s property outside of the immediate area of their home. This means they may enter privately owned fields, pastures and forests no matter how secluded and inaccessible the area might be. Even if there are no-trespassing signs posted and locked gates or fences surrounding the field, law enforcement officers are still able to enter the field to conduct a search without a warrant.


The material presented above is for educational purposes only. The content does not constitute legal advice. If readers require specific advice or services, a lawyer or other professional should be consulted.

Read the article here.

On the Move in Ag

Taylor Tagged to Lead AU Ag Econ Department

Alfa Endowed Eminent Scholar Dr. Mykel Taylor was tagged to serve as interim head of the Auburn University (AU) Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology, effective Aug. 19.


As interim department head, Taylor will oversee all academic, research and Alabama Cooperative Extension System programming for the department. Taylor was named the Alfa Endowed Eminent Scholar in 2020.


Taylor has engaged regularly and effectively with producers, industries and nonprofits to form food and agricultural policies.

Read about Taylor.

Brantley Named Alabama Extension Associate Director

Eve Brantley is the new associate director for the Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES) at Auburn University (AU).


In this position, Brantley will provide leadership to county Extension offices statewide as they work to better communities through science-based programing and events.


Brantley began her role as associate director Aug. 12. She previously served as the ACES water resources specialist and director of the AU Water Resources Center. Through these roles, Brantley worked with residents to positively impact Alabama’s abundant streams, rivers and lakes.

Read about Brantley.

Order Farm-City Calendars by Aug. 26

The Aug. 26 deadline to purchase 2025 Farm-City calendars is quickly approaching. Each month features award-winning artwork and essays from Alabama students grades K-12. 


Orders can be placed at the link below or by completing and mailing in the paper form. The minimum for standard orders is 10 calendars, while the minimum for personalized orders is 100.



Calendar sales support the Alabama Farm-City Committee's mission of bridging the gap between urban and rural communities. All purchases help make the annual luncheon, awards for student winners and programming possible.

Order calendars.

Zeanah Named Farm Bureau Bank Rookie of the Year

Alabama's Neal Zeanah was recently awarded the Farm Bureau Bank (FBB) Rookie of the Year award.


Zeanah joined FBB last year as a relationship banking market manager. His work has been crucial to the growth and success of FBB in Alabama.

Read more about Zeanah.

AFVGA Members Meet in Hartselle

The Alabama Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association hosted a networking event for specialty crop farmers Aug. 16 at Reeves' Peach Farm in Hartselle.


Forty-five producers gathered to recap the summer season as fall approaches. The group toured Reeves' peach orchard and engaged with presenters.

Alabama Landowners Conference Oct. 2-4

The Alabama Landowners Conference & Alabama Natural Resources Council Awards Banquet is Oct. 2-4 in Gulf Shores.


Conference topics include turkey management, forest health, market updates, harvest strategies, first aid and more. Field tours Oct. 2 include a sea turtle seminar and prescribed burning workshop.

View agenda and conference registration.

Quick Clicks

  • The Alabama Farmers Federation Women's Leadership Committee is hosting a pop-up shop to raise money for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Alabama. The shop includes ag hats and t-shirts. Click here to shop.


  • The Adopt A Cow program is taking applications for classroom teachers to receive photos, stories and updates on dairy cows to then share with students. Enroll in the free program by Sept. 15. Click here for more information.


  • Alabama Ag Credit is accepting applications for its JumpStart Grant Program for beginning farmers. Five $10,000 grants will be awarded. Applications are due Aug. 30. Click here for more information.

Simply Southern TV

New episodes of Simply Southern TV continue this month and next. Be sure to tune in for stories about people you may know and things that make Alabama a great state!


Aug. 24/25/28: Outstanding Young Farm Family winners the Loveladys of Talladega County, Pizzelle’s Confections in Huntsville, What’s in Season with Sweet Grown Alabama, and a Southern Bite recipe for Macaroni Salad.


Aug. 31 and Sept. 1 and 4: Farmer and Faulkner University President Mitch Henry; Phillips Metalworks in Montgomery; Rural Roundup of agricultural news; Discover Extension segment on oyster farming; and a Southern Bite recipe for Vinegar Slaw, sponsored by Sweet Grown Alabama.


Follow Simply Southern on Facebook and Instagram to get the latest news about the show.

Events & Deadlines


  • Sept. 5 - Women's Leadership Division Heritage Cooking Contest in Montgomery.



  • Sept. 23 - Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation Scholarship Banquet in Auburn. The event is invitation only.


  • Sept. 24 - Policy Development Meeting in Montgomery. The event is invitation only.



In Memory


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