Alabama Landowners Approved for Emergency Forest Restoration Assistance | |
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Alabama landowners can now apply for assistance through the U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency’s (FSA) Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP).
Alabama’s 67 counties were approved for the EFRP Sept. 23 to restore and rehabilitate private forest lands impacted by drought and insect infestation. Landowners can apply for assistance through March 31.
The performance-based, cost-share program provides forest owners financial and technical assistance on nonindustrial private forest land. Landowners can contact their local FSA office to submit an application and learn about eligibility requirements.
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USDA Tags Nov. 5 as Start Date for EID Mandate | |
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Thanks to advance work from industry partners, Alabama cattle farmers should be well-equipped when a federal rule requiring electronic ID (EID) tags for mature breeding animals that cross state lines goes into effect Nov. 5.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture will oversee implementing the Use of Electronic Identification Eartags as Official Identification in Cattle and Bison.
Under the new rule, animals that need EID tags when they enter interstate movement include sexually intact cattle and bison 18 months or older; all dairy cattle, including beef-on-dairy crossbred animals; and cattle and bison of any age used for rodeo, recreation events, shows or exhibitions. This rule does not affect feeder cattle.
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Federation Scholarship Program Cultivates Future of Ag, Forestry | |
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The Alabama Farmers Federation scholarship program continues to cultivate the next generation of agriculturists and natural resources professionals.
Seventy-seven students were recognized Sept. 23 during the annual awards program at Lazenby Farms in Auburn. The partnership between the Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation (AFAF) and county Farmers Federations awarded $136,000 to undergraduates pursuing degrees in agriculture, forestry and related fields at Auburn University (AU).
2025-2026 scholarship applications open Nov. 1 at
AlfaFarmers.org/scholarships. The deadline to apply is Feb. 1, 2025.
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Bee & Honey
Enterprise State Community College is offering a Beekeeping 101 course starting Oct. 7. The class is every Monday through Dec. 16. Click here to learn more.
Submitted by Blake Thaxton
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Peanuts
The National Peanut Festival started in 1938 to celebrate the end of the Wiregrass peanut harvest. The festival will celebrate its 80th year, Nov. 1-11. Join the Alabama Peanut Producers Association (APPA) as it honors the state legume during the festival at the Peanut Pavilion. APPA will offer samples of fried peanuts, peanut butter, roasted peanuts and more. Click here to plan a visit to the National Peanut Festival.
Submitted by Kaye Lynn Hataway, APPA
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Pork
In 2024, U.S. pork producers saw improved profitability due to lower feed costs, but rising nonfeed expenses remain a concern. Despite a shrinking breeding herd, pork production is expected to grow by 2.7% in 2024, supported by record pigs per litter. U.S. pork exports have increased, positioning the U.S. as the top global pork exporter with demand from Mexico and South Korea. Even as wages rose 23%, hog farm employment has declined by 7% since 2019, reflecting broader industry challenges. Click here to learn more.
Submitted by Colton Christjohn
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Sales Tax Exemptions Available | |
Bee & Honey
As of Oct. 1, gross proceeds from the sale of honeybees, inputs and byproducts will be exempt from state sales and use taxes. This exemption will be in effect until Sept. 30, 2029, unless extended by the state legislature.
Honeybee byproducts in this act refers to substances and materials produced by honeybees during their life cycle and hive activities. This includes propolis, royal jelly, beeswax, honeycombs, bee venom and honeybee pollen. Click here for more information.
Livestock Fencing
The livestock fencing sales tax exemption began Oct. 1. The exemption allows up to $25,000 in sales of fencing materials — including t-posts, wood posts, barbed wire, net wire, smooth wire and standard metal-gates — to be exempt from state sales and use taxes.
To qualify, farmers must provide a Form ST: EXC-2, an affidavit confirming the materials are for agricultural livestock applications.
This is set to expire Sept. 30, 2029, unless extended by the state legislature. It does not automatically apply to county or municipal sales taxes unless approved by the local governing body. Click here for more information.
Submitted by Preston Roberts
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Port Worker Strike Impacts Ag Exports | |
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Roughly 25,000 dock workers went on strike Oct. 1, leaving ports from Maine to Texas unable to move containers of poultry, soybeans, animal feed, cotton, meat, bananas and other agricultural products on and off ships.
Members of the International Longshoremen’s Association raised the threat of a strike months ago amid disagreements with a coalition of maritime employers over wage increases and future use of automation at ports.
Approximately 40% of U.S. containerized agricultural exports move through East and Gulf Coast ports.
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County Leaders Discuss Proposed Policies | |
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Grassroots leadership was in action Sept. 24 as Alabama Farmers Federation state board members, county leaders and state commodity committee chairmen gathered at the home office in Montgomery.
Members reviewed policy recommendations from county Federations that will be voted on by 500 delegates during the organization's annual meeting in December.
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This Month in Neighbors Magazine | |
On The Cover: Joel and Patti Sirmon were honored earlier this year when their family's Sirmon Farms was named Alabama's Farm of Distinction. As the winner, Joel will compete in the regional Sunbelt Ag Expo Farmer of the Year contest this month. | |
Alabama Farmers Visit Tennessee for Beef Tour | |
Fifty Alabama farmers toured cattle and hay operations across Tennessee Sept. 16-20 for the annual Beef Tour. Farmers brought back valuable information to implement on their own operations. | |
Brooks Receives National Service Award | |
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Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries' (ADAI) Hassey Brooks received the James A. Graham Award for Outstanding Service at the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture annual meeting in Indiana. The award recognizes remarkable work in providing service to farmers and ranchers.
During Brooks' 17 years at ADAI, he's brought millions of federal dollars to Alabama through programs and grants directly benefitting farmers. Brooks is a fourth-generation farmer and works on his family’s cattle operation.
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Federation Hosts Successful Campaign School | |
The Alabama Farmers Federation hosted Campaign School Oct. 1 in Montgomery for present and prospective elected officials. Participants received an in-depth overview on how to run a successful campaign for local, state and national offices. | |
Alabama FarmPAC-Endorsed Datcher Wins HD52 Special Election | |
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Alabama FarmPAC-endorsed candidate Kelvin Datcher was victorious in a House District 52 special election Oct. 1.
Datcher, Birmingham’s deputy director of community development, received 84% of the vote and will now represent the district in the Alabama House of Representatives.
HD52 was vacated in March after former Rep. John Rogers, D-Birmingham, resigned amid criminal charges.
“It’s really humbling, particularly because we have real challenges in some of our communities,” Datcher told BirminghamWatch. “We have the opportunity to do something special, I think, and work very closely with other people.”
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Attend the Federation's 103rd Annual Meeting | |
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The Alabama Farmers Federation 103rd annual meeting is Dec. 8-10 in Montgomery.
- Housing accommodations must be submitted by Nov. 4. Meal ticket orders are due Dec. 2.
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Special entertainment by Neal McCoy is Dec. 8. Members can order tickets through Ticketmaster. Use code ALFA24 to purchase.
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Alabama farmers who donate $100 or more to Alabama FarmPAC can meet Will Cain of Fox News at the annual meeting Dec. 9 during a special, invitation-only reception.
- Following the reception, Cain will bring the keynote address during General Session III.
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Farm-City Pop-Up Shop Closes Oct. 4 | |
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The Alabama Farm-City Pop-Up Shop is an online store stocked with branded items perfect for upcoming meetings and events.
This year’s items include measuring cups, spoons, yard sticks and calculators based on the 2025 theme “Our Community Counts on Farmers.” Other items include caps, cups and T-shirts. Proceeds from the shop will support the 2025 Farm-City Awards Luncheon, prizes and luncheon tickets for state contest winners.
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Support Ronald McDonald House Charities | |
The Alabama Farmers Federation Women's Leadership Committee is raising money for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Alabama through a special online store. Branded, ag-focused offerings include hats and T-shirts. | |
- U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville is demanding the Biden Administration protect farmers amid inflation and rising input costs. Tuberville recently addressed the Senate floor on issues farmers are facing. Click here to listen.
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Important provisions of the federal Corporate Transparency Act became active this year, requiring corporate entities to report beneficial ownership information. Click here to learn more.
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Alfa Insurance is updating its farmowner policy administration system, giving customers the option to access policy documents online. Farmowner customers interested in signing up for eDocs are encouraged to contact their local Alfa service center, Federation area organization director or the Alfa Customer Resource Center at (800) 964-2532. Click here to read more.
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Simply Southern TV Season 10 Continues | |
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Simply Southern TV enters the final three months of its 10th season. Be sure to tune in and enjoy these stories!
Oct. 5/6/9: Joel and Patti Sirmon of Baldwin County talk about the honor of being Alabama’s Farm of Distinction; the Wetumpka Impact Crater Visitor Center; the Mooseum at Alabama Cattlemen’s Association; and a Southern Bite recipe for Sweet Corn Salad, sponsored by Sweet Grown Alabama.
Oct. 12/13/16: Farming and urbanization with Ben Looney and David Lee, both north Alabama farmers who picked up land in Lowndes County; Wildly Blessed in Elmore County; an interview with the Alabama Farmers Federation’s Paul Pinyan about 10 seasons of Simply Southern; Discover Extension segment about Graham Farm; and a Southern Bite recipe for Slow Cooker Roast Beef Debris Po’Boys, sponsored by the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association.
Follow Simply Southern on Facebook and Instagram to get the latest news about the show.
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