Farmers Federation announces political endorsements
The political action committee of the Alabama Farmers Federation (Farm-PAC) has announced its endorsements of candidates for the June 1 Democratic and Republican primaries. The Federation’s philosophy is to support candidates with moral character who will fight for accountability, fairness, security and opportunity. Following are endorsed candidates in races already considered by the committee: • U.S. Senator - Richard Shelby
• U.S. Representative, District 1 - Jo Bonner
• U.S. Representative, District 2 - Bobby Bright
• U.S. Representative, District 3 - Mike Rogers
• U.S. Representative, District 4 - Robert Aderholt
• U.S. Representative, District 6 - Spencer Bachus
• U.S. Representative, District 7 - Earl Hilliard Jr.
• Attorney General - Troy King
• State Treasurer - George Wallace Jr.
• Commissioner of Agriculture & Industries - Dorman Grace
• Supreme Court Justice, Place 1 - Kelli Wise
• Supreme Court Justice, Place 2 - Mike Bolin
• Supreme Court Justice, Place 3 - Tom Parker
• Court of Civil Appeals Judge - Tommy Bryan
Farm-PAC Advisory Trustees, who are farmers from throughout the state, met Jan. 20 at the Federation headquarters in Montgomery. Several candidates seeking the Federation’s endorsement spoke before the committee that day and answered questions from members prior to the committee’s endorsement recommendations. Following an afternoon business session, the Federation hosted its seventh annual legislative reception featuring a “Taste of Alabama.” The reception also gave the farmers a chance to visit with state legislators, constitutional officers and justices. “This is an event of enormous importance,” said Paul Pinyan, director of the Federation’s Governmental Affairs Division. “This gives our governmental leaders a chance to see what Alabama farmers are producing and the role that agriculture plays in our state. It also gives our farmers a chance to meet with their elected officials face-to-face. “During an election year, especially one in which there are so many critical issues facing agriculture, it’s good for our farmers to build personal relationships with our leaders, lawmakers and decision-makers.” This year’s gathering drew 17 state senators, 70 state representatives, 13 constitutional officers and judges and a host of other elected officials who mingled with Federation leaders and state board members. Among those attending were: Attorney General Troy King, Secretary of State Beth Chapman, State Treasurer Kay Ivey, Agriculture Commissioner Ron Sparks, Supreme Court Justice Greg Shaw and his wife, State Auditor Sam Shaw, Supreme Court Justice Mike Bolin, Supreme Court Justice Tom Parker, Court of Criminal Appeals Judges Mary Windom, Beth Kellum, Kelli Wise and Jim Main and Civil Court of Appeals Judge Tommy Bryan. Guests enjoyed barbecue provided by L.O. Bishop of Colbert County, beef tenderloin from Mike Henry of Montgomery County, satsumas from Art Sessions in Mobile County, cornbread and grits from Joe and Patty Lambrecht’s Oakview Farms in Elmore County and shrimp from Dickie Odom of Greene County. There was honey candy and candles from the Alabama Beekeepers Association, pecans from Whaley’s Pecans in Pike County, peanuts from the Alabama Peanut Producers Association, ice cream from Dairy Fresh and even goat milk soap from Sam Abney of Autauga County. Catfish, fried chicken, lamb chops, venison chili, ham, turnip greens and fruit cobbler were also served.
Taste of Alabama
 | | Enjoying a moment at the “Taste of Alabama” legislative reception are, from left: Paul Pinyan, director of the Federation's Governmental Affairs Division; House Ag Committee Chairman Thomas Jackson, D-Thomasville; Senate Ag Committee Chairman Kim Benefield, D-Woodland; Sen. Rusty Glover, R-Semmes; and Federation President Jerry A. Newby. |
Senate committee passes Family Farm Act
The Family Farm Preservation Act was passed by the Alabama Senate Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Committee Wednesday and now heads to the full Senate for consideration. The bill, SB 61, is sponsored by Senate Ag Committee Chairman Kim Benefield, D-Woodland. It received unanimous bi-partisan support from committee members who were present. Those included Sens. Benefield; Larry Means, D-Atalla; Hank Erwin, R-Montevallo; Rusty Glover, R-Semmes; Tom Butler, D-Madison; Wendell Mitchell, D-Luverne; Harri Anne Smith, R-Slocomb; Bobby Singleton, D-Greensboro; Marc Keahey, D-Grove Hill and Zeb Little, D-Cullman. The Family Farm Preservation Act helps protect farmers from frivolous lawsuits so long as they are abiding by all state and federal regulations. During Wednesday’s meeting, committee members adopted an amendment to the bill that specifies existing hog operations are covered under the proposed bill. The amendment would exclude new or expanding hog operations that qualify as concentrated animal feeding operations (CAFO). There has not been a new swine CAFO built in Alabama since the strengthened CAFO rules were adopted in 1999.
Testifying for farmers
 | | Autauga County Farmers Federation President Andy Wendland testifies before the Senate Agriculture Committee, which held a public hearing on the Family Farm Preservation Act, Jan. 20. Wendland told senators the legislation would provide some assurance to farmers without infringing on others’ legal rights.
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Hardin named assistant director of Commodity and Governmental Affairs
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Brian Hardin, director of agricultural legislation for the Alabama Farmers Federation, has been named to the position of assistant director of Commodity and Governmental Affairs. He will begin his new duties Feb. 1. This new department will have the responsibility for commodity education, promotion, and national and state agriculture program areas.Hardin’s promotion was announced Monday to the Federation Board of Directors by Paul Pinyan, who will assume the duties of executive director Feb. 1. “Brian is a man of integrity and is well prepared to lead the legislative efforts of the Federation,” Pinyan said. “Since he joined our organization, he has gained experience and earned the respect of our members. Additionally, he has won the confidence our state lawmakers and regulatory agencies. He is a true advocate for agriculture.” Hardin said he’s looking forward to the challenges of his new job. “This position will be an exciting new opportunity and will allow us to streamline the efforts of governmental affairs on behalf of our members,” Hardin said. “Bringing together the Governmental Affairs Department and the Commodity Department, we expect this to provide more opportunity for our commodity staff in the legislative process.” Hardin, a native of Moulton in Lawrence County, joined the Federation staff in April 2000 as director of the organization’s Pork and Horticulture and Greenhouse, Nursery & Sod Divisions. Hardin is a graduate of Auburn University with a master’s degree in horticulture. Prior to working for the Federation, he was employed by Dow AgroSciences in Bradenton, Fla. He lives in Wetumpka with his wife, Kelli, daughter Emma (10) and sons Judd (8) and Jake (three months).
OBITUARIES
Trenton Adam Stewart of Oneonta, a former state board member of the Alabama Farmers Federation, died Jan. 24. He was 84. Mr. Stewart was a board member of the Blount County Farmers Federation and formerly served as county president. He was in the U.S. Navy during WWII and flew to Washington, D.C. last year as part of the Honor Flight program. He was a member of Union Hill Baptist Church where he served in numerous leadership positions and was a deacon more than 50 years. He was a longtime member of Lions International. Mr. Stewart founded and operated Stewart Dairy for 41 years. He consistently had one of the highest-average producing dairy herds in Alabama and was a pioneer in the use of genetic techniques for herd improvements. Survivors include, his wife, Marjorie Stewart; sons Stephen (Karen) Stewart and Timothy (Amanda) Stewart; daughters Cindy (Randy) Tidwell and Jan (Jack) Lupas; 12 grandchildren and four great grandchildren. The family suggested memorials be made to the American Cancer Society or Union Hill Baptist Church Building Fund. Cornelia Watson Butler of New Hope, who served as chairman of the Alabama Farmers Federation State Women’s Committee in 1978, died Dec. 17. She was 82.
Mrs. Butler was a native of Barbour County. She graduated from Auburn University with a degree in home economics. In addition to her role as a former teacher, wife and mother, Mrs. Butler took an active role in the management of the family farm. She was a member of the New Hope United Methodist Church, where she served as Sunday school teacher and other positions. She was a member of the United Daughters of the Confederacy. Survivors include her husband, John Ed Butler of New Hope; a son, Charles (Donna) Butler of New Hope; a daughter, Alice (Brad) Eaton of Madison; a sister-in-law, Vicki Watson of Georgetown, Ga.; a brother-in-law, Charles O. Butler of Rochester, Minn.; three grandsons; a step-granddaughter; two nieces and a nephew. Memorial donations may be made to the New Hope United Methodist Church Building Fund, P.O. Box 420, New Hope, AL 35760.
Food drive
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Members of the Shelby County Farmers Federation Women’s Committee recently collected items for a local food shelter as part of Food Check-Out Week that will be celebrated Feb. 21-27. Federations throughout the state will be conducting food drives and holding events to remind consumers of the nutritious, affordable food supply Americans enjoy thanks to U.S. farmers. From left are Area Organization Director David Farnsworth, Gloria Tate, Nina Kent, Joyce Bice and County Women Chairman Karen Wyatt.
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Peanut butter sent to Haiti earthquake victims
Two truckloads of peanut butter — almost 75,000 pounds — were sent to Haiti last week in wake of the devastating earthquake which struck near the capital of Port-au-Prince on Jan. 12. Alabama Peanut Producers Association (APPA), a division of the Alabama Farmers Federation, sent the peanut butter as part of a relief effort by a coalition of peanut producers, peanut butter manufacturers and food distributors who pledged at least $70,000 toward combating the food shortages in the small island republic. The project, Peanut Butter for Haiti, was initiated by Barton Rice, executive director of Early County 2055, a Blakely, Ga., non-profit organization that made the first financial pledge. The project quickly grew and within two days, donations reached $67,000. Jeff Johnson, president of Birdsong Peanuts, said the effort could reach 1 million servings of peanut butter. The APPA joined with individuals and organizations in other Southeastern states to assist in the efforts. The peanut coalition is working with Tara Foods (Kroger) and ConAgra (Peter Pan) to obtain the peanut butter. The J.M. Smucker Company donated one truckload of peanut butter. The first two truckloads of peanut butter were delivered to Norfolk, Va., and loaded onto the USS Sacagawea. It was expected to arrive in Haiti Jan. 22 and was to be distributed through Operation Blessing. The next load of peanut butter was scheduled to be delivered to Miami this week for transfer to Haiti. “Peanut butter is the perfect food for this type situation,” said APPA and Federation Board Member Carl Sanders. “It is highly nutritious, requires no refrigeration or preparation and can be eaten right out of the jar.” Tax-deductible contributions may be sent to: EC 2055 - PNB for Haiti, P.O. Box 725, Blakely, GA 39823. Checks should be made payable to “Early County 2055” and note “PNB for Haiti.” For information, contact Teresa Wilson at the APPA at (334) 792-6482 or twilson@alpeanuts.com, Sally Tabb Wells at stabb@birdsongpeanuts.com or Lisa Collins at lcollins@earlycounty2055.com.
New A.L.F.A. class selected
The class for the 2010-2011 Agricultural Leaders for Alabama (A.L.F.A.) program was recently selected. The program provides structured, two-year leadership development training for Alabama Farmers Federation members ages 25-45. The program assists with personal and professional development in the areas of agricultural policy, industry leadership and organizational involvement. Selected for this year's class were Kevin and Rachel Holland of Baldwin County, Clay Scofield of Blount County, Troy Tindal of Butler County, Jon Hegeman of Calhoun County, Bradley Stewart of Clay County, Monica Carroll of Dale County, Jay Minter of Dallas County, Toby McCormick of DeKalb County, Scott Poague of Elmore County, Deana Mann of Madison County, Corey Hill of Marshall County, Hassey Brooks and Trey Flowers of Montgomery County, Kelly Pritchett of Pike County and Jeremie Redden of Russell County. “The inaugural A.L.F.A class graduated in December and was recognized during our annual meeting,” said Federation Young Farmers Director Brandon Moore, who directs the program along with Federation Commodity Department staff member Mitt Walker. “Participants have told us the training and experiences during the two-year program have been invaluable. They learned skills they can use not just on their farm and in our organization, but within their communities and the entire agricultural industry.”
Estate tax viewed as big ag issue in 2010
The estate tax will be one of the big issues in Congress for farmers and ranchers in 2010, according to Mark Maslyn, executive director of public policy for the American Farm Bureau Federation. “The exemption levels at the end of 2009 were $3.5 million per household. In 2010 that has gone away,” Maslyn said. “However, leadership in Congress and the administration are opposed to keeping it dead, and it will come back to life in 2011, but it will do so in a way that encompasses far more people than it previously affected: a $1 million per household exemption. That’s going to cover a lot more people, particularly in agriculture.” AFBF advocates a repeal of the estate tax and action to provide certainty for estate tax planning. AFBF backs H.R. 3905, the Estate Tax Relief Act of 2009, sponsored by Reps. Shelley Berkley (D-Nev.), Kevin Brady (R-Texas), Artur Davis (D-Ala.) and Devin Nunes (R-Calif.). It phases in a $5 million exemption and 35 percent top rate over 10 years while preserving stepped-up basis.
Research meeting
 | | Leaders of Auburn University, including President Dr. Jay Gogue, recently met with leaders of the Alabama Farmers Federation to discuss future research initiatives at the university. From left are AU Director of Public Affairs Brian C. Keeter, Dr. Richard Guthrie, retiring dean of Auburn University’s College of Agriculture and director of the Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station, AU Provost and Vice President for Research. for AU Dr. John M. Mason Jr., Alabama Farmers Federation President Jerry A. Newby, Gogue and Federation Executive Director Mike Kilgore. |
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