Federation Prepares for Farm & Land Conference | | |
|
|
Over 600 Alabama farmers will gather in Montgomery Aug. 1-4 for the Alabama Farmers Federation Farm & Land Conference.
The packed agenda includes a Federation Family Reunion, educational sessions, Women's Leadership Division contests and Young Farmers competitions.
| |
|
Thursday, Aug. 1:
- Registration
-
All county Farmers Federations that ordered the American Farm Bureau Federation Book of the Year can pick up their book orders during the Women's Leadership Division contest registration. For more information contact Kim Earwood at KEarwood@alfafarmers.org.
-
Federation Family Reunion — This event replaces the traditional opening banquet. Attendees will gather under the Train Shed in downtown Montgomery (walking distance from hotels) for a fun evening that allows members to mix, mingle and enjoy a dinner showcase of Alabama’s commodities including pork barbecue, catfish, boiled peanuts, watermelon and more. Entertainment includes live music with Wylie Pete and activities for children.
Friday, Aug 2:
- Farm tours — Attendees must be loaded on the buses by 7:45 a.m. Tours depart at 8 a.m. Please be on time.
- While on farm tours, snap photos and post to social media using #AlfaFarmers24 to enter the photo contest. The deadline is Aug. 2 at 5 p.m. Winners will receive an Alabama-themed gift basket during the closing banquet.
Saturday, Aug. 3:
-
Breakfast — This includes the Duncan and Rittenour awards ceremony and guest speaker Mark Purdy of Aimpoint Research
- Educational seminars
- Women's Leadership Division sewing and wreath-making contests
- Young Farmers Discussion Meet and Excellence in Agriculture contests
- Ag Policy Discussion — This includes critical information on H-2A labor and proposed Alfa Health Plans.
- Closing banquet — This includes announcement of Young Farmers competition winners and entertainment from energetic band Roman Street.
Educational seminar topics include:
- Commodity outlooks for row crops, livestock, fertilizer and energy
- Forestry and natural resources
- Poultry
- Row crops
- Specialty crops
| |
Meet the 2024 OYFF Finalists | |
|
Three hard-working couples are in the running to be named Alabama’s Outstanding Young Farm Family (OYFF), an honor that nets the winner bragging rights and more than $70,000 in prizes.
Contest finalists are Drew and Lauren Wendland, Autauga County; Garrett and Robin Dixon, Lee County; and Whit and Amanda Lovelady, Talladega County. The winner will be announced during the Alabama Farmers Federation Farm & Land Conference in Montgomery Aug. 3.
The Federation Young Farmers Division organizes the annual competition for members who are 18 to 35 years old and receive most of their income from production agriculture.
| |
|
Bee & Honey
Auburn University Bee Lab is hosting a hands-on workshop for beekeepers Aug. 24.
Topics include assessing colonies for potential survival, Varroa mites and other pests, feeding, extracting honey and wax processing.
The cost is $40. Register by Aug. 7. Click here to learn more.
Submitted by Blake Thaxton
| |  |
|
Cotton
The most recent Crop Progress and Condition Report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture estimates cotton is developing ahead of the 5-year average. Approximately 88% of the crop is squaring, which is on pace for the 5-year average of 87%. Also, 54% of the crop is setting bolls, which is ahead of the 48% 5-year average. The report rates 55% of the crop as good and 36% as fair. Recent rains across most of the state were a welcome sight and should help cotton continue to develop. Subscribe to Alabama Cotton Shorts for more cotton production updates.
Submitted by Carla Hornady
| | |
|
Livestock Shows
Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) issued guidelines to protect animal health in response to the detection of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in dairy cattle in 12 states. Since livestock shows held in conjunction with fairs across Alabama will soon start, attendees should abide by all ADAI rules.
Even though HPAI has not been detected in Alabama or neighboring states, State Veterinarian Dr. Tony Frazier urges owners to closely adhere to the guidelines to protect livestock and their owners. Click here to read more.
Submitted by Colton Christjohn and Chris Prevatt
| | |
Mullenix to Lead AU Animal Sciences Department | |
|
Auburn University (AU) has named Dr. Kim Mullenix the next head of its Department of Animal Sciences, effective Aug. 19. She succeeds longtime department leader Dr. Wayne Greene.
“I look forward to working with our faculty, staff, students and stakeholders to cultivate leaders, drive innovations and support our state’s vibrant animal agriculture industries,” Mullenix said. “Together, we will build upon the department’s strong foundation to foster partnerships and enhance our impacts on agricultural communities.”
Mullenix understands the needs of Alabama’s livestock industry. In addition to her vast Extension experience, she and her husband, Daniel, raise beef cattle in Lee County and are involved in the Alabama Farmers Federation. Mullenix said her goals include seeing the department become a regional leader in animal agriculture research and a premier information source for animal science practices. She’ll also work closely to engage students, alumni and stakeholders.
Mullenix earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in animal sciences from AU and a Ph.D. in agronomy from the University of Florida.
She joined AU’s faculty in 2014. Currently, Mullenix is serving as associate professor, Extension beef systems specialist and program team coordinator for Extension’s Animal Science and Forages Team.
| |
Southern Peanut Growers Meet in Savannah | |
|
The 2024 Southern Peanut Growers Conference was in Savannah, Georgia, July 17-19. Several hundred peanut farmers from Alabama, Georgia, Florida and Mississippi attended. The conference featured sessions on peanut exports, research on new uses for peanuts, and peanut policy and economics.
A tour of the Savannah Port gave participants an inside look at peanut exports at the largest container terminal in the Western Hemisphere. Other highlights included the Peanut Efficiency Award, the presentation of the Valor Award and discussion of the farm bill.
| |
|
What’s So Special about Special Use Valuation?
A Chronicle of Current Use
| |
In Alabama, farm or timber landowners can use a particular method to calculate their property’s value for the purposes of taxation.
This special use valuation usually results in an appraisal that’s lower than the traditional market value. While not mandated, this valuation can help lower a landowner’s payment to the government.
Alabama is not unique in this approach. All states have now adopted laws that tax agricultural land differently than other land in an effort to lower the amount of property taxes farmers pay. Motivations vary by state, but in general, these policies help preserve agricultural land, keeping it in production even as urbanization spreads to more historically rural areas.
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.
| |
New Farmowner System Brings eDocs Option | |
Dairy Workshop a Success for State Committee | |
|
The Alabama Farmers Federation State Dairy Committee hosted an educational workshop July 12 at Blue Ribbon Dairy in Elmore County.
Over 40 attendees toured the dairy milking parlor, discussed industry updates and heard from The Dairy Alliance staff.
| |
Federation Leaders Gather in Gulf Shores | |
The 2024 Presidents Conference was July 11-14 in Gulf Shores. Farmers Federation presidents and state board members brought their ideas to Alabama Farmers Federation leadership and Alfa Insurance executive management. | |
-
The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) is accepting applications for its annual Century & Heritage Farm and Bicentennial Farm programs until Aug. 23. ADAI created these programs to recognize and celebrate family farms that have significantly impacted Alabama history and agriculture. Click here to read more.
-
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.
| |
|
The second half of season 10 is underway with brand new episodes.
July 28 and 31: Red Land Cotton in Lawrence County; revisiting Bobby’s Restaurant; What’s in Season with Sweet Grown Alabama; and a Southern Bite recipe for Easy Beef Ramen Skillet, sponsored by Alabama Cattlemen’s Association.
*This episode is being preempted on stations due to Olympics coverage. It will air Aug. 17 at 11 a.m. on WSFA-TV out of Montgomery, Aug. 18 at 5:30 a.m. on WPMI-TV out of Mobile, and Oct. 6 at 12 p.m. on WAFF-TV out of Huntsville.
Aug. 4 and 7: Growing barley in Alabama with HudsonAlpha; revisiting Bienville Bites in Mobile; the Bee Lab at Enterprise State Community College; Discover Extension segment on Loose Parts; and a Southern Bite recipe for Elmer’s Cornbread.
*This episode is being preempted on stations due to Olympics coverage. It will air on the same day on WPMI-TV out of Mobile (Aug. 4) but earlier than usual at 5:30 a.m. Also, it will air Aug. 31 at 11 a.m. on WSFA-TV out of Montgomery. There will be a different air date for this show out of WAFF-TV out of Huntsville.
Follow Simply Southern on Facebook and Instagram to get the latest news about the show, including changes to show dates and air times due to preemptions from Olympics coverage.
| |
Alabama AgCast: Meet AFVGA's President | | | | |
