May 16, 2024

Federation Grassroots Policy Fuels Legislative Success

Alabama Farmers Federation members successfully defended the organization’s policy on gambling while advancing the Alabama Farm Center and educating lawmakers about the need for reasonably priced health care options during the legislative session.

The Federation’s Brian Hardin said the organization’s grassroots strength was highlighted throughout the session, which concluded May 9. 

“Our policy development process and engaged members are our greatest strengths,” said Hardin, the External Affairs Department director. “Elected leaders know the Federation’s positions on issues are set by members from all 67 counties. The relationships those members have with legislators make the difference when it comes to passing legislation important to farmers and forest landowners or defeating measures harmful to our state.”

Efforts to expand gambling in Alabama took center stage at the State House for much of the session. Federation policy opposes legalizing gambling in any form. The organization’s steadfast position was a safe harbor for lawmakers concerned about the societal costs of gambling as they faced intense pressure to vote “yes” on casinos. Ultimately, gambling failed as the House and Senate differed on the number and type of casinos the legislation would authorize.

In addition to standing firm for the Federation’s core values, the organization further laid groundwork for the Alabama Farm Center at Hallmark Farm. Legislation establishing the project’s governance structure and ensuring sustainable operation was approved. 

Federation members from Lee and Jackson counties visited the State House during the session.

Farm Labor Visa Programs Can Help Alleviate Poverty and Slow Undocumented Migration

It's no secret that local farm labor is increasingly hard to hire. A growing alternative for many employers is hiring workers through the Department of Labor’s H-2A (agricultural) and H-2B (non-agricultural) temporary work visa programs. Participation in H-2A visa programs alone has grown from 75,000 workers in 2010 to 317,000 in 2022, accounting for 10% of employment on U.S. farms.

Dr. Beau Brodbeck of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System and Dr. Fernando Landini of Universidad de la Cuenca del Plata conducted a study showing the impact of H-2A and H-2B temporary work visa programs on worker livelihoods and migratory intentions.

Bee & Honey

• Alabama beekpeers are encouraged to participate in a survey conducted by Auburn University and Apiary Inspectors of America. The survey collects data on colony loss and management practices. The deadline is May 31. Click here to take the survey.

Submitted by Blake Thaxton

Cattle and Cotton

• U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., joined colleagues in sending a letter to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack requesting the department reverse a recent decision to discontinue publishing certain livestock and crop reports because of budget issues. Those include the July Cattle Report, Cotton Objective Yield Survey and County Estimates for Crops and Livestock. Livestock and cotton producers rely on these reports for data as they make management and financial decisions on their operations, including predicting harvests and developing market forecasts. Read more here.

Submitted by Carla Hornady and Chris Prevatt

Cotton

• Alabama farmers may submit comments to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) about the importance of low volatility dicamba. EPA published a notice of receipt request of registration of low-volatility dicamba formulation for use in Roundup Ready 2 Xtend® Technology or XtendFlex® Technology (dicamba-tolerant) soybeans and XtendFlex® Technology (dicamba-tolerant) cotton. Read more here.

Submitted by Carla Hornady

Dairy & Beef

Updates on Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza

• Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A (H5N1) affecting U.S. dairy herds and remnants found in milk supplies led to minor fluctuations in dairy futures prices, suggesting limited market concern about product safety or availability. Live cattle and feeder prices experienced drops in March, reflecting heightened sensitivity to avian influenza outbreaks and potential impacts on beef demand. Supply reductions from lower milk production and consumer fears may stabilize dairy prices, while concerns about beef demand have led to market volatility. Continued monitoring of production data and consumer confidence will be crucial to understanding the evolving impact of H5N1 on dairy and cattle markets. Read more here.

• Officials continue to stress the safety of the U.S. milk supply and low risk of H5N1 transmission to humans. Measures such as restricting cow movement and allocating additional resources for testing and surveillance are being implemented to contain the virus. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is offering reimbursements for personal protective equipment and assistance in developing biosecurity plans for dairy farmers affected by H5N1. Compensation for milk production losses is also being provided through the Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees and Farm-Raised Fish Program. Read more here. 

• Following reports of H5N1 in dairy cattle, Colombia restricted beef imports from nine U.S. states affected. The ban applies to fresh and frozen beef products derived from cattle harvested on or after April 15. The U.S. Meat Export Federation has criticized the ban, citing its lack of scientific basis and potential disruption to trade. Despite the setback, U.S. beef exports to Colombia were valued at $40 million in 2023, a small fraction of total exports. Read more here.

Submitted by Colton Christjohn

Peanuts

• Alabama peanut planting season has begun. While Auburn University Peanut Agronomist Kris Balkcom says the ideal time for planting peanuts is May 7-10, the most recent U.S. Department of Agriculture Crop Progress and Condition Report shows around 30% of the state’s peanut crop was planted as of May 12. With steady rain events through May 17, producers may have to wait as late at May 22 to get back to planting peanuts.

Submitted by Kaye Lynn Hataway, Alabama Peanut Producers Association

Poultry

• A U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) ruling mandates poultry integrators guarantee a minimum number of flocks per year and a set number of birds placed — aiming to provide stability for contract growers. This overlooks biological variability in broiler production and potential farm and company-level challenges that could impact placement. While requiring disclosure of average grower revenue numbers, it may lead to conservative financial evaluations, potentially hindering growers' access to financing and presenting a pessimistic outlook on poultry farming prospects. The implementation is expected to evolve, with the USDA working with companies to ensure compliance. Read more here.

Submitted by Colton Christjohn

Wildlife

• The 2023-2024 turkey season closed May 8. Hunters reported a statewide harvest of 18,171 birds across all 67 counties. This reported number is nearly identical to the 2022-2023 reports of 18,225 birds statewide. Click here for more information and county statistics.

• Leif Stephens was named state director for the U.S. Department of Agriculture Wildlife Services’ Alabama, Puerto Rico and Virgin Islands Program. Stephens is a certified wildlife biologist, National Rifle Association instructor and aerial gunner field trainer.  

Submitted by William Green

Class of 2024 Graduates from Forestry Academy

Eighteen Alabama Forestry Commission (AFC) employees graduated from the Forestry Academy at the Solon Dixon Forestry Education Center in Andalusia April 26.

Composed of recently hired AFC employees from 15 counties who serve as foresters or forest rangers, the academy graduates are returning to their work units with a wealth of knowledge that will last the entirety of their careers.

Farmers Encouraged to Nominate Experts for Annual Awards

Alabama farmers are encouraged to nominate research and Extension personnel whose work tangibly impacted their farms for two awards from the Alabama Farmers Federation. Nominations are due June 7. 

The Rittenour Award for Production Agriculture & Forestry Research will recognize Auburn University faculty for creative and original research. The winner receives up to $10,000 in program support, which can fund graduate students or research operations.

The Duncan Award for Excellence in Production Agriculture & Forestry Extension will honor Alabama Extension staff developing or implementing solutions for stakeholder-identified problems. The winner receives up to $5,000 for programming costs.

Winners will be recognized in August during the Federation’s Farm & Land Conference in Montgomery.

On the Record: Pocket Calendars Still Popular with Farmers

Light rain drips outside as Augusta and Dorothy Cook gather around their kitchen table March 26, thumbing through a stack of small black calendar books.

It’s just before lunch, but Augusta’s next-day agenda already includes this task: Slipping 2024’s palm-sized planner from his shirt pocket, clicking open a fine-point pen and jotting down the previous day’s rain.

“Years ago, the Farm Service Agency wanted to keep up with rainfall in the south end of the county,” said Augusta, 89. “(Current Crenshaw County Farmers Federation President) Tony Beck told them, ‘I know someone who can tell you what it rained five years ago.’”

That’s because Augusta has recorded rainfall at his home in Brantley for decades, primarily in the little black books. Precipitation joins a treasure trove of details inside its cover, which sports the Alabama Farmers Federation’s square logo in gold.

Birthdays, anniversaries, church attendance and appointments fill the book, in addition to friends’ contact information and meeting reminders for the Federation and its affiliated Alabama TREASURE Forest Association. A forest landowner and former mail carrier, Augusta noted mileage and fuel for his 100-plus-mile route until he retired in 1999. 

Get Ag-Tive

Alabama Farm & Land Conference in Montgomery

The Alabama Farmers Federation is hosting its Farm & Land Conference Aug. 1-4 in Montgomery.

The agenda includes farm tours, educational sessions, Young Farmers contests, Women's Leadership Division contests, Federation Family Reunion and more.

The lodging deadline is June 24, and the ticket deadline is July 26.

Young Farmers Contest Applications Due June 1

The Young Farmers of Alabama Excellence in Agriculture and Discussion Meet competitions will be Aug. 3 during the Farm & Land Conference in Montgomery.

The deadline to enter is June 1.

ACA Regional Cookouts Kick Off in June

The Alabama Cattlemen's Association kicks off its Summer Regional Cookouts in June.

Each meeting will be a forum for cattlemen to provide comments, concerns or opportunities in the cattle industry that can be gathered to develop policy and/or programming to address topics. 

Simply Southern TV

Simply Southern’s 10th anniversary season continues. Be sure to tune in for these great episodes!

May 18/19/22: Rebuilding Milstead Gin; wood turner and artist Bud Rogers; What’s in Season; Discover Extension’s ForestHER; and a Southern Bite recipe for Slow Cooker Beef Stroganoff, sponsored by Alabama Cattlemen’s Association.

May 25/26/29: Athens Main Street; Negro Southern League Baseball Museum; Rural Roundup; and a Southern Bite recipe for Peanut Butter Balls, sponsored by Alabama Peanut Producers Association.

To find out where and when the show airs near you, visit simplysoutherntv.net and click “Where To Watch.”

Alabama AgCast

The Alabama Farmers Federation hosted its Beef Cattle & Forage Summit in Montgomery in March. GreenPoint Ag's Perry Mobley and Auburn University's Mason Henson joined as guest speakers.

Mobley and Henson were recently featured on the Alabama AgCast to discuss cattle operations and forage production in the Southeast.

• May 17 - Young Farmers Competitive Events Workshop in Montgomery. Click here for the agenda.

• May 21 - Women's Ag Communications 101 Workshop in Montgomery

• June 4-7 - Alabama FFA State Convention in Montgomery

• June 6 - Precision Management Soil Health Field Day in Colbert County



• June 30 - Registration ends for the Southern Peanut Growers Conference. The event is July 17-19 in Savannah, Georgia.

In Memory

• David Johnson, DeKalb County

• Dan Smalley, Marshall County