House Ag Committee Progresses Farm Bill | |
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The U.S. House Committee on Agriculture advanced the Farm, Food and National Security Act of 2024, known as the farm bill with bipartisan support May 23. The progress is encouraging for Alabama farmers.
In efforts to move the farm bill, Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell sent a letter to committee members prior to the mark-up session.
The Federation appreciates the work of House Committee Chair G.T. Thompson, R-Pa., U.S. Rep. Barry Moore, R-Ala., and the committee body for putting more "farm into the farm bill."
Federation National Affairs Director Mitt Walker, Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries Commissioner Rick Pate and Macon County farmer Shep Morris were recently featured in a news segment discussing the benefits of the farm bill.
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Airport Road Intermediate’s Stringfellow Rides in Style as Teacher of the Year | |
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Alabama’s 2024-2025 Teacher of the Year Deborah Stringfellow received a new Chevrolet Traverse to use during her reign from Alfa Insurance and the Alabama Farmers Federation. Special guests joined Stringfellow at Airport Road Intermediate School May 17 for an assembly and presentation.
This marks the 28th year Alfa has provided the year’s use of a new vehicle to Alabama’s Teacher of the Year, while the Alabama Farmers Federation covered the cost of insurance.
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From left are Alfa Insurance EVP General Counsel Angie Bradwell; Alabama State Superintendent Dr. Eric Mackey; Elmore County School District Superintendent Richard Dennis; Airport Road Intermediate School Principal Marcia Stephens; Stringfellow; Alabama Farmers Federation and Alfa Insurance President Jimmy Parnell; Federation Executive Director Paul Pinyan; and Alfa Executive Vice President (EVP) of Operations Tommy Coshatt, EVP of Marketing Mark Evans and Senior Vice President of Human Resources Stephanie Palmore. | |
Comments to EPA on Low-Volatility Dicamba Due June 3 | |
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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.
It's important for EPA to hear from growers who depend on approved low volatility dicamba products to control invasive weeds that threaten their soybean and cotton yields. In the comments, consider providing specific details to EPA regarding why low-volatility dicamba products for use in dicamba-tolerant soybean and cotton are necessary components of your farm's weed control strategy.
All comments are due June 3.
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- Alabama's Top 5 cattle-producing counties are DeKalb, Cullman, Chambers, Marshall and Montgomery. The recent report from the U.S. Department of Agriculture National Agricultural Statistic Service shows a state total of 1.17 million head of cattle. Click here to learn more.
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) recent study confirms that cooking ground beef to 145 F -160 F eliminates Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1 virus, validating the recommended cooking temperatures from USDA Food Safety and Inspection Service. Even at 120 F, the virus was substantially inactivated, though not completely eradicated. Another USDA study found no H5N1 virus particles in ground beef at retail stores in states with H5N1 present. Research on beef muscle samples from culled dairy cows is ongoing. Click here to read more.
Submitted by Chris Prevatt and Colton Christjohn
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- Alabama is set to have an abundant peach crop after the 2023 spring freeze devastated last year's crop. Chilton County Farmers Federation President Lynn Harrison discussed his high peach yields on WSFA news last week. Watch the video here.
Submitted by Blake Thaxton
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Cooper Lumber completed the acquisition of Thomasville Lumber Co. Renowned for its top-tier pine lumber, the company aims to bolster customer service and meet rising demand. With origins tracing back to 1966, the facility underwent several transformations before being integrated into the Cooper Group's expanding portfolio. This increases Cooper Lumber's annual output and strategically situates the company to broaden its product range and cater more effectively to its expanding clientele. Read the release here.
Submitted by William Green
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- Gulf Coast Media recently highlighted Baldwin County for its third place rank in the 2023 Peanut County Estimate for Alabama. The report was released May 15 from the National Agricultural Statistics Service. Read the release here.
Submitted by Kaye Lynn Hataway, Alabama Peanut Producers Association
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A new firefighting foam derived from soybeans could provide a new market for U.S. soybean meal and replace some of the substances that have contaminated underground water supplies with forever chemicals known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Click here to read more.
Submitted by Carla Hornady
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Outlook for U.S. Agricultural Trade | |
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U.S. agricultural exports in fiscal year 2024 are projected at $170.5 billion, unchanged from the February forecast. Higher exports of livestock and dairy, as well as increased ethanol sales, largely offset reductions in grains, feeds, oilseeds and horticultural products. At $27.7 billion, China is projected to fall below Mexico and Canada as the third largest U.S. agricultural market. The export forecast for China is cut by $1 billion from the previous quarter largely due to continued strong competition on soybeans and corn. The U.S. trade deficit continues to grow, partly due to increases in imported fruits and vegetables. Read more here.
Submitted by Mitt Walker
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Haubner Joins Federation as Ag Law Pathway Intern | | |
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The Alabama Farmers Federation welcomed William Haubner May 20 as its Ag Law Pathway intern.
Haubner, 24, joins the Federation External Affairs Department. The Jacksonville, Florida, native will conduct legal research, analyze legislation and regulations and update Federation legal resources.
With a grandfather and great-grandfather as past members of the organization, Haubner is ready to carry on the family Federation legacy this summer.
“I plan to restart the family tradition by operating my own farm,” Haubner said. “I know this internship will help create relationships with the agricultural community while I serve members of the Federation. I’m excited to see ag law in practice.”
The Ag Law Pathway memorandum was signed in 2021 by the Federation, Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries, Faulkner University and the National Agricultural Law Center.
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Federation Workshops for Women in Ag, Young Farmers | |
Women's Ag Communications 101 | |
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The Alabama Farmers Federation State Women's Leadership Committee hosted the Women's Ag Communications 101 Workshop May 21 in Montgomery. Topics covered ag advocacy, media relations, social media and best practices when speaking to decision makers.
Speakers included:
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Casey Rogers, External Affairs Director for Gov. Kay Ivey
- Mary Wilson, Federation Communications Outreach Director
- Marlee Jackson, Federation Publications Director
- Maggie Edwards, Federation Ag Communications Specialist
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Young Farmers Competitive Event Workshop | |
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The Alabama Farmers Federation State Young Farmers Committee hosted a competitive event workshop May 17 in Montgomery. The event prepared contestants for Discussion Meet, Excellence in Agriculture and the Outstanding Young Farm Family (OYFF) contests.
Past state and collegiate Discussion Meet winners showcased a mock competition. Participants were:
- Ellie Watson, Autauga County
- Will Meadows, Houston County
- Garrett Dixon, Lee County
- Greyson Lauderdale, Limestone County
Additionally, Winston County's Zack Brannon presented his winning Excellence in Ag presentation, while 2023 OYFF Brady and Anna Peek of Limestone County led a small group session on the OYFF contest.
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Federation Communications Department Receives National Awards | |
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Alabama was honored May 14 during the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Communications Awards Ceremony in Waco, Texas. The annual conference and awards program was held at the Texas Farm Bureau headquarters.
Awards included:
| From left are Worthington, Edwards, Jackson, Mary Wilson, Unger and Matt Wilson. | |
Roberts Named Power & Influence: Who's Next | | |
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Alabama Farmers Federation Agricultural Legislation Director Preston Roberts was recognized in the Yellowhammer News Power & Influence Top 50 list.
Roberts, a recent graduate of the Thomas Goode Jones School of Law at Faulkner University, serves Alabama farmers in the Federation External Affairs Department.
“Preston has distinguished himself as a leader in agriculture and public policy through passionate advocacy for Alabama Farmers Federation members and unshakable integrity," said Federation Executive Director Paul Pinyan. "He is guided by deep faith and driven by a commitment to give his best in every endeavor. We are proud Yellowhammer has recognized Preston’s servant leadership and are confident he will continue using his influence to benefit Federation members, his colleagues and the state of Alabama.”
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Alabama Farm Center Updates Highlighted on News Segments | |
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Alabama Farmers Federation Organization Department Director Matthew Durdin joined ABC 33/40 last week to give an overview of plans for the Alabama Farm Center, located at Hallmark Farms in Jefferson County.
A Jefferson County pre-commission meeting was held May 21. Local leaders agreed to amend the agreement with the Federation and the Hallmark Cooperative to extend the time allotted to fundraise. The entire project is estimated to cost $158 million. Gov. Kay Ivey signed a bill that created the corporation and board of directors overseeing the Farm Center May 17.
Durdin also joined CBS 42 WIAT May 29 for an update on property plans.
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Farmers Encouraged to Nominate Experts for Annual Awards | |
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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.
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Alabama Farm & Land Conference in Montgomery | | |
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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.
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Green Industry Tour June 26 & 27 | | |
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The Alabama Farmers Federation Greenhouse, Nursery & Sod Division and the Alabama Nursery and Landscape Association (ALNLA) are hosting a green industry workshop June 26-27 in Montgomery.
Day 1 will include breakout sessions, and Day 2 will feature farm tours.
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National Rural Grocery Summit in Montgomery | |
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Alabama farmers can attend the National Rural Grocery Summit June 24-25 in Montgomery. The deadline for the room block is June 3, and the deadline for conference registration is June 10.
The National Rural Grocery Summit is the premier networking and resource-sharing venue for independent grocers and rural food access stakeholders. It brings together grocery store owners and managers, community leaders, food suppliers, academic researchers, healthy food access stakeholders, policy makers, and funders to connect, share lessons learned, and innovate around best practices for sustaining locally-owned rural grocery stores and improving access to healthy food in rural communities.
The summit is cohosted by the Rural Grocery Initiative at Kansas State University and the Hunger Solutions Institute at Auburn University.
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Be sure to tune in for weekly episodes of Simply Southern — whether you watch on broadcast stations, RFD-TV or online through YouTube. Upcoming episodes include:
June 1/2/5: Mason Hills Beef Processing in Grand Bay, the Penguin Project in Wetumpka, an overview of the 2024 Alabama Legislative session, Discover Extension’s segment on Operation Grow and a Southern Bite recipe for Cream Cheese Bacon Chicken Pasta.
June 8/9/12: The Side by Side Choir in Montgomery, Center Stage All-Star Cheer in Lineville, What’s in Season for June with Sweet Grown Alabama and a Southern Bite recipe for Carrot Cranberry Salad.
To find out where and when the show airs near you, visit simplysoutherntv.net and click “Where To Watch.”
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