Farmers Endorse Tuberville for Governor | | |
The Alabama Farmers Federation recently endorsed U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville for Alabama governor.
Federation President Jimmy Parnell said unanimous support by Alabama FarmPAC trustees reflects farmers’ appreciation for Tuberville’s representation in Washington and confidence in his ability to lead state government.
“The Farmers Federation was among the first groups Coach Tuberville met with when deciding to run for Senate, and he has never forgotten the support he received from Alabama farmers and rural families,” Parnell said. “He sought an appointment to the Senate Agriculture Committee and has been a champion for Alabama farmers and Southern agriculture.”
| | Alabama Farmers Benefit From Ending Mexico Tomato Agreement | | |
Alabama Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association (AFVGA) members hailed the recent federal decision to discontinue the U.S.-Mexico Tomato Suspension Agreement.
President Donald J. Trump imposed a 17% tariff on most fresh Mexican tomatoes July 14.
Since the first version of the agreement in the ‘90s, Alabama growers have struggled to compete with imports under what they call an unfair system, said AFVGA Executive Director Blake Thaxton.
“The termination of this deal is long overdue and gives our family farms a real chance to thrive again,” Thaxton said. “Our growers are committed to producing Sweet Grown Alabama tomatoes for our communities — and now they can do so on an even playing field.”
| | FarmPAC Endorses Young Boozer for Treasurer | | |
Alabama FarmPAC, a political action committee of the Alabama Farmers Federation, today announced its endorsement of Young Boozer for re-election as Alabama State Treasurer.
Federation President Jimmy Parnell said Boozer is a friend to Alabama farmers with a proven record of conservative fiscal management.
“Alabama has never had a more experienced treasurer than Young Boozer,” Parnell said. “Following a successful banking career, he served two full terms as State Treasurer from 2011-2019 before being asked by Gov. Kay Ivey to return in 2021 to fill a vacancy created by another appointment. Alabama is financially stronger and more efficient thanks to Treasurer Boozer’s leadership. His conservative management has benefited state government, and he’s helped thousands of Alabamians save for college and their long-term needs.”
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Beef
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Alabama Farmers Federation Beef Division Director Chris Prevatt joined a University of Florida Extension specialist to discuss the New World Screwworm on the Cow Talks podcast. Listen here.
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Dairy
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Beef on dairy calves have gained popularity, going from $75 in 2019 to over $800 each. With fewer dairy heifers being raised, more of the calves born are crossbreds headed for beef production. They now make up around 23% of feedlot placements, up from just 13% in 2016. Read more.
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Over 40 U.S. ice cream brands, covering 90% of the market, have agreed to eliminate synthetic food dyes by 2028. Companies will switch to natural alternatives like butterfly pea flower and gardenia blue. Learn more.
Submitted by Colton Christjohn
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Forestry
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Huge shipments of Brazilian lumber, pulp and structural panel products are in the crosshairs of the U.S. government. The Trump Administration kicked off a probe that will determine if the Lula government promotes unfair practices, preferential tariffs, corrupt activities, illegal deforestation and other activities. Learn more.
Submitted by William Green
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Poultry
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture is ending the tournament system for broiler growers starting July 1, 2026. Instead of being paid based on how they compare to other farmers, growers will get a guaranteed base pay per pound of live birds. Companies can still offer bonuses for good performance, but they can’t cut pay for poor rankings. Learn more.
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The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is suing California over laws such as Proposition 12 that require cage-free conditions for egg laying hens. These rules are driving up the cost of eggs across the country. DOJ argues California is overstepping by forcing its rules on other states and hurting interstate business. This fight highlights the tension between animal welfare laws and rising food prices. Learn more.
Submitted by Colton Christjohn
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Specialty Crops
- The Marketing Assistance for Specialty Crops (MASC) program provides financial assistance to specialty crop producers to help them expand domestic markets or develop new markets for their crops. As of July 2, 98% or $9,598,490 has been paid out to over 903 producers.
Submitted by Blake Thaxton
| | | A.L.F.A. Leaders Explore Brazilian Ag | | |
Alabama Farmers Federation A.L.F.A. Leaders Class VI recently returned from its international agricultural institute, where members explored Brazilian culture, learned history and expanded knowledge of the country's diverse agricultural industry.
Alabama farmers spent time on small specialty crop farms; an indigenous reservation; a large diversified row crop, dairy and beef cattle farm; and a JBS beef plant.
They also heard from the governor and agriculture secretary of Mato Grosso do Sul. Additionally, they toured various agricultural organizations, such as Brazil's Farm Bureau.
Class VI members will present their capstone project related to workforce development and graduate during the Federation's Farm & Land Conference in August.
| | Federation Representatives Advocate in D.C. | | |
Alabama Farmers Federation leaders and staff advocated for agriculture in Washington D.C. during visits earlier this month.
Federation President Jimmy Parnell attended the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Council of Presidents, where he heard remarks from White House staff, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Lee Zeldin and AFBF President Zippy Duvall.
Federation National Affairs Director Mitt Walker, Commodity Director Blake Thaxton, District 6 Director Phillip Hunter and intern Cohen Luker visited with Alabama's delegation on Capitol Hill and thanked them for their continued support of agriculture, while working toward agricultural labor reforms.
Hunter serves as the AFBF Agricultural Labor Issue Advisory Committee chairman and is a champion for the guest worker program.
| | Celebrate Sweet Grown Alabama Day July 26 | | |
Celebrate all things locally grown on Sweet Grown Alabama Day July 26. Participating in Sweet Grown Alabama Day is simple — do at least one activity that supports an Alabama farmer.
Possible celebrations include purchasing from a local farmer, cooking a meal made with local ingredients, picking Alabama-grown flowers, eating at a restaurant that serves locally grown products or visiting a local farmers market.
| | Morgan County Farmer Discusses AI in Ag | | |
Morgan County's Forrest Anders represented agriculture well during the Southern Legislative Conference July 19 in Birmingham.
Anders participated in a panel discussion focused on utilizing artificial intelligence (AI) in agriculture. He discussed how he uses various apps to check his crops on his family's operation, Anders Farm.
Anders is the Federation State Young Farmers Committee secretary.
American Farm Bureau Federation's Emily Buckman also participated.
| | Apply for Century, Heritage, Bicentennial Farm Destinations | | The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) is accepting applications for its annual Century & Heritage Farm and Bicentennial Farm programs until Aug. 29. | | Enter the Farming Feeds Alabama Photo Contest | | |
The Alabama Farmers Federation is searching for a bumper crop of snapshots displaying forestry and agriculture through the Farming Feeds Alabama Photo Contest.
Online submissions will be accepted through Sept. 15.
| | Nominations Open for AU Animal Sciences Awards | |
The Auburn University (AU) Department of Animal Sciences recently launched its new awards program, which will recognize outstanding alumni and stakeholders who have shaped the department and the livestock industry in Alabama.
Awards include:
- AU Animal Sciences Hall of Fame
- Graduate of Distinction
- Advanced Graduate of Distinction
- Producer of Distinction
The awards were developed by the Department of Animal Sciences Awards and Nominations Committee and modeled after similar honors from peer departments around the country. They are designed to recognize career achievement, innovation, leadership and contributions to AU and the broader agricultural community.
Nominations are due Aug. 6. Honorees will be recognized during the alumni cookout Sept. 12.
| | This Month in Neighbors Magazine | | On the Cover: Red, white and blue ring true on Bryan and Mary Hammonds' Calhoun County farm. In addition to displaying Old Glory on their barn, Mary decorates their '39 farmhouse with a plethora of patriotic elements each summer. | | Coming Up on Simply Southern TV | | |
Enjoy more episodes of Simply Southern TV during the show's 11th season.
July 27 & July 29: Opelika's Botanic Restaurant, Justalil’ Rodeo Co., tips for growing summer tomatoes and Stacey Little's Fruit Salad
Aug. 3 & Aug. 5: Discussing shrinking numbers of farmers in Alabama, Fayette's Scrap Iron Quilts, What’s in Season and Stacey Little's Classic Macaroni and Tomatoes
Follow Simply Southern on Facebook and Instagram to get the latest news about the show.
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