Feb. 6, 2025

Alabama Farmers Shine at AFBF Convention

During the 106th American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) annual convention in San Antonio Jan. 24-29, Young Farmers from Alabama shined as they celebrated a first — competitors in all three Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) contests advancing to their second rounds.

Those included Alabama’s 2024 Outstanding Young Farm Family Whit and Amanda Lovelady, who were selected for the Top 10 in the YF&R Achievement Award contest, as well as Will and Ali Gotcher of Colbert County, who made the Top 10 in Excellence in Agriculture. After two rounds of competition, Levi Noles of Randolph County advanced to the Sweet 16 in Discussion Meet.

Additional highlights included a farm bill informational session with House Agriculture Committee Chair G.T. Thompson, R-Pa., and Ranking Member Angie Craig, D-Minn; a private rodeo and barbecue supper at Pedrotti’s Ranch with Florida Farm Bureau Federation members; Annual Meeting of Farm Bureau Women; delegate voting business session; and the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture Book of the Year announcement.

During an award ceremony, Alabama was recognized in four categories: Advocacy, Coalitions & Partnerships, Engagement & Outreach, and Leadership & Business Development. The Federation also received the Navigator Award for membership growth and the Apex Award for increased contributions to the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture.

Read more about AFBF Convention.

Hear more on the Alabama AgCast.

Weekly updates on legislative issues impacting agriculture, landowners and rural Alabama will be sent in the Alabama Farmers Federation's Capitol Connection e-newsletter each Friday during the legislative session.

Alfa Health Plans Resource Available Online

The Alabama Farmers Federation created the website AHealthyOption.org, as an easy-to-use resource highlighting the need for affordable, convenient, quality Alfa Health Plans. It houses stories and testimonials from real farmers and small-business owners who are championing cost-effective health care coverage.

SB84 by Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, which was recently introduced in the Alabama Legislature, would authorize the Federation to offer Alfa Health Plans. Similar legislation in 10 states has lowered members’ health coverage costs anywhere from 30% to 60%.

Visit the website.

Hear more about Alfa Health Plans on the Cattle Connect podcast.

Beef

The U.S. Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Statistics Service released its Southern Region Cattle Inventory report Jan. 31. The results showed all cattle and calves in the U.S. totaled 86.7 million head, down 1% from 87.2 million head reported on January 1, 2024. All cows and heifers that have calved, at 37.2 million head, were below the 37.4 million head counted last year. Beef cows, at 27.9 million head, were down 1% from one year ago. Click here to learn more.

Submitted by Chris Prevatt

Peanuts

U.S. Rep. Barry Moore, R-Ala., and U.S. Rep. Sanford D. Bishop Jr., D-Ga., re-registered the Congressional Peanut Caucus and will serve as caucus bipartisan co-chairs. The Peanut Caucus works to ensure policy issues related to peanut production, management and marketing are considered in agricultural legislation. The caucus also helps become familiar with peanut-related issues and express support for peanut growers, shellers and manufacturers. Click here to read more.

Submitted by Mitt Walker

Fertilizer

Over the last few years, farmers have been challenged to balance decreasing commodity prices against high input costs. One major factor has been above-average fertilizer prices. Nominal fertilizer prices decreased throughout 2023 and 2024 as these shocks were largely corrected. Regardless of the nominal fertilizer price, it’s easier for producers to purchase fertilizer when they can sell corn for $7 a bushel, as opposed to $4 a bushel. Regional demand fluctuations and seasonal factors may lead to varied pricing trends across different markets. Farmers and industry stakeholders are encouraged to closely monitor trends and adopt proactive strategies to mitigate potential risks. Click here to read more.

Submitted by Colton Christjohn and Carla Hornady

Poultry

Propane and natural gas prices impact commercial poultry growers’ heating decisions, influenced by global markets and local factors like weather. Growers face choices between locking in contracts or relying on cash markets, with risks tied to unpredictable price shifts. Long-term solutions such as improved energy efficiency through insulation help mitigate costs. These decisions are critical for balancing operational expenses and maintaining profitability during winter. Click here to learn more.

Submitted by Colton Christjohn

Enroll Now in Crop, Dairy Safety-Net Programs

Applications are now open for U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) key safety-net programs — Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC), as well as Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC).

Farmers can submit applications to USDA’s Farm Service Agency for ARC and PLC until April 15. DMC applications close March 31.

ARC and PLC provide financial protections to farmers from substantial drops in crop prices or revenues. DMC offers producers price support to help offset milk and feed price differences.

Learn more.

Peanut Trade Show Hosted in Dothan

Over 400 peanut farmers and 60 exhibitors attended the Alabama-Florida Peanut Trade Show Jan. 30 at the National Peanut Festival Fairgrounds in Dothan.

Researchers from Auburn University and the University of Florida showcased peanut research supported through the Peanut Checkoff. Trade show attendees also visited with the Planters® NUTmobile and Mr. Peanut®.

The event was hosted by the Alabama Peanut Producers Association (APPA) and the Florida Peanut Producers Association.

More featured articles:

Aid Package Gives Farm Country Glimmer of Hope

A Healthy Option: Alfa Health Plans Could Keep Farmers on the Farm

Sweet Grown Alabama Refuels Rocket City Runners

Farmer-Driven Research Contest Yields Exciting Results

Farmhouse Kitchen with Karah Skinner of Cleburne County

Read the January/February issue.

Farmers to Advocate on Capitol Hill in March

The Alabama Farmers Federation's Washington Legislative Conference is March 4-7 in Washington, D.C.

Attendees will visit with members of Alabama's Congressional delegation, participate in small group meetings and attend the Federation's Congressional Barbecue.

Events and Deadlines

Feb. 14-16 - Young Farmers Conference in Muscle Shoals

Feb. 28 - Alabama Agriculture Hall of Honor Banquet in Auburn

March 4-7 - Washington Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C. Registration ends Feb. 10.

March 14-16 - Southeastern Livestock Exposition (SLE) Rodeo in Montgomery

March 23-26 - Alabama Extension's Spray Drone End-User Conference in Mobile

April 15 - Deadline to apply for the Alabama Ag in the Classroom Summer Institute. The event is June 11-13 in Mobile.

April 16-18 - Women's Leadership Conference in Auburn. Registration ends March 7.

Simply Southern TV Continues Season 11

Enjoy more new episodes of Simply Southern TV during the show's 11th season!

Feb. 9 and 12: Seed Swap with EAT South in Montgomery; an interview with legendary broadcaster Fred Hunter; a Rural Roundup of agricultural news; and a Southern Bite recipe for Chocolate Chip Pecan Cookies sponsored by Priester’s Pecans.

Feb. 16 and 19: Little Mountain Growers in Elmore County; Navy Cove Oysters with Fred Hunter; an interview with Jamie Mitchell of Alabama PALS (People Against a Littered State); Discover Extension segment on pollinator; and a Southern Bite recipe for Deviled Ham.

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

Watch Simply Southern TV on YouTube.

Alabama AgCast Covers Heirs Property

Listen here.

In Memory

Glen Allen Walters, Covington County

Nancy Gail Coker Dickerson, Lauderdale County