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Washington trip will focus on Cuban trade and farm program cuts
Concerns over proposed farm program budget cuts and new trade restrictions with Cuba will be on the minds of more than 200 Alabama farmers when they visit the nation’s capital as part of the Alabama Farmers Federation’s annual Washington Legislative Trip March 15-18. Federation President Jerry Newby said farmers will hear from newly appointed Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns. Newby said farmers are likely to voice their opposition to the president’s proposed cuts to farm programs and Newby expects farmers to relate the harmful effects to agriculture that Alabama would experience should the president's recommendations become law. Those recommendations include imposing further payment limits on farmers to $250,000, elimination of the triple entity rule and generic marketing certificates, and tying marketing loans to historical production. “This is a key time for Alabama farmers to be in the nation’s capital,” said Federation National Affairs Director Keith Gray. “Their visit puts a face on Alabama agriculture for the decision makers here in Washington.” While in Washington, farmers also will hear from U.S. Rep. Collin Peterson, D-Minn., the ranking House Democrat on the Agriculture Committee. Peterson already has joined every Republican and Democrat on the House Agriculture Committee in sending a letter to the House Budget Committee insisting that no cuts be made to the farm bill.
Farmers also will meet in breakout groups for a breakfast with their respective congressmen. The group will attend a luncheon at the Russell Senate Office Building where farmers will hear from U.S. Sen. Saxby Chambliss, R-Ga., chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee. Alabama’s senior senator, U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby, will introduce Chambliss at the luncheon.
Greenhouse tour
Members of the Federation’s State Greenhouse, Nursery and Sod Committee recently toured Bonnie Plant Farm in Bullock County. In this photo, tour participants are examining vegetable plants. From left are, Keith Pugh of Bonnie Plant Farm who also serves on the state committee, Committee Member Hank Richardson of Cherokee County, Ed Dennis of Dallas County and State Committee First Vice Chairman David Wright of Dallas County.
Ruling could hamper ag exports to Cuba
A recent ruling issued by the Treasury Department has drawn criticism from Alabama agricultural leaders who say it could mean the loss of export dollars for Alabama farmers. The Alabama Farmers Federation Board of Directors unanimously adopted a resolution Feb. 28, calling on Alabama’s congressional delegation and all of Congress to oppose the new cash-in-advance policy. Alabama Farmers Federation Executive Director Mike Kilgore visited Cuba with Alabama Agriculture Commissioner Ron Sparks in December to discuss Alabama agricultural trade. Kilgore said the Treasury Department’s ruling could cause Cuban officials to shop elsewhere for agricultural products. “History has proven that embargoes don’t work,” Kilgore said. “This ruling doesn’t reflect the intent that Congress had when it passed the law in 2000 allowing Cuba to purchase food and medical supplies. To date, Cuba hasn’t defaulted on a single payment. But, this does send a message to Cuban officials that the U.S. is placing additional barriers regarding trade with their country.” Kilgore said under the new ruling, Cubans could still purchase American-grown foods, but they would go through another buyer to get it. In 2000, Congress passed a law allowing cash sales of agricultural items and medical supplies to Cuba – changing the effects of a 40-year-old trade embargo with the communist country. In recent years, shipments of Alabama agricultural items such as poultry, soybeans and timber have risen dramatically. From 2003 to 2004, for example, Alabama increased its poultry business there 54 percent to $57.1 million. While all sales transactions have been on a cash basis, at issue now is when the money actually changes hands. Prior to last week’s ruling, exporters could ship their products to Havana Bay, with the physical turnover of the merchandise coming after a third-country bank transferred funds to a U.S. bank. Last week’s ruling, which is set to go into effect in 30 days, states that payment of cash must be before shipment. Following the trip to Cuba in December, Sparks announced that trade negotiations between Alabama agribusiness leaders and Cuban trade officials have resulted in approximately $18 million in additional contracts for Alabama products.
Agreements were made to purchase nearly $9 million in poultry products and over $10 million in transmission poles—with negotiations ongoing for additional lumber sales—plus several containers of snack foods.
Federation opposes diverting Forever Wild funds
In 1992, voters approved a constitutional amendment to set aside a portion of revenue from the Alabama Trust Fund that would provide funding for purchase of land to be designated for public use. Funds, not to exceed 10 percent of the revenue annually with a cap of $15 million annually, was placed in a land trust known as Forever Wild and was placed under the supervision of the Commissioner of Conservation and Natural Resources and an appointed board of citizens who recommends the purchase of land. Over a period of 15 years the Forever Wild program has acquired 107,000 acres across Alabama. Nine of the board's 15 members are required to vote for the purchase of a tract, while 12 of the 15 may vote to pay as much as 125 percent of market value for the desired property. In excess of $70 million has been spent for these purchases. Sen. Gerald Dial has proposed to divert one-third, or a maximum of $5 million of the annual revenue, to the General Fund Budget to be divided among the Alabama Department of Environmental Management, Soil and Water Conservation Committees and the rural fire districts. In addition, Dial's proposed constitutional amendment would extend the life of the Forever Wild program from 2012 by eight years to 2020. Alabama Farmers Federation will oppose SB 255 because of the time extension. The Federation believes 20 years is sufficient for the program because Alabama has more pressing needs and Section One of the legislation promotes regulated growth which is another form of land use planning. Deregulation Bill - SB 114
The Alabama Senate spent three legislative days this week in a filibuster by members opposed to a bill that would deregulate telecommunication services in Alabama. SB 114, sponsored by Sen. Hap Myers of Mobile and pushed by BellSouth and Century Tel, would allow the two companies authority to determine which customers they would serve and at what cost. Sen. Bobby Singleton of Uniontown and Sen. Quinton Ross of Montgomery led opposition to the proposal, alleging rural homes and businesses could see bills for landline phone service increase dramatically. Current law requires telephone companies designated as carriers of last resort serve all customers in their assigned area at a blended price of the highest and lowest cost of service. In addition, BellSouth receives $26 million and Century Tel receives $14 million in federal funds annually that subsidize high-cost areas. If the deregulation bill passes, the companies would continue to receive these funds, but could not be required to serve any customer in any location at any specified price. AFF opposes this bill.
Bills in Brief
Two agricultural related bills passed out of their respective committees this week. The bills are now headed to the full House for consideration. The bills are listed below. All Terrain Vehicle Registration HB 386
HB 386, sponsored by Rep. Ron Johnson, R-Sylacauga, would require a certificate of title from the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources for all off-road vehicles, with certain exceptions, beginning with the 2007 model year. This bill would provide procedures for the titling of off-road vehicles including procedures for the transfer of titles, and the perfection of liens. This bill would also provide for the issuance of regulations by the department.
This bill would also prohibit the unauthorized alteration of identification numbers or registration information relating to off-road vehicles, or identifiable component parts and would provide criminal penalties for violations of this act. This bill would also require the owner of off-road vehicles, as defined, to register their vehicle and pay any applicable sales taxes in the same manner as for other motor vehicles. AFF is opposed to the bill as currently written but supports the registration of ATVs to prevent theft. AFF Monitoring. Seasonal Cotton Module Tag and Weight Exemptions - HB 520
Sponsored by Rep. Richard Lindsey, D-Centre, the bill provides that the annual license tax and registration of a vehicle designed and especially constructed to transport raw cotton from harvest to a cotton gin could be no more than $250.
This bill would exempt the vehicle from certain width, height, or length requirements, and gross weight requirements. Under existing law, there is no limit on the annual license tax and registration that may be charged for a vehicle designed and especially constructed to transport raw cotton from harvest to a cotton gin nor is the vehicle exempt from certain width, height, or length requirements, and gross weight requirements.
This bill was needed because this is the only piece of farm equipment that pays road taxes for 12 months and only travels on the road for three of those months. Because of the way the truck is manufactured with the axles located toward the front of the truck, it makes it almost impossible to comply with the weight laws. AFF Supports.
Federation beef tour bound for South Dakota
The 2005 Alabama Farmers Federation Beef Tour will be May 29-June 4. This year’s tour will visit some of the most beautiful country in the United States as it heads to South Dakota. The tour includes visits to purebred and commercial cattle operations from extreme eastern South Dakota all the way to the breathtaking scenery of the Black Hills and the Badlands in the western part of the state. Other stops include Mount Rushmore plus other historic areas. Registration deadline for the trip is April 8. The cost is $800 per person for double occupancy, single occupancy is $1,020. This does not include airfare. For more information contact Ginger Mullins at 1-800-392-5705, ext. 4293 or by email at gmullins @alfafarmers.org.
Auburn University to host turfgrass field day
The Auburn University Turfgrass Research and Extension Field Day will be April 6 at the Auburn Turfgrass Research Unit. Cost is $25 per person. An optional fishing tournament also will be held that day. For more information contact Dr. Dave Han, 334-844-3980 or email him at handavi@auburn.edu.
Training aimed at helping farm rescues
 | | An overturned tractor could be a real life situation rescue workers would face during a farm accident. This demonstration taught rescue workers the correct way to remove a victim. |
More than 35 volunteer firefighters and emergency workers attended a farm emergency rescue training session recently in Pike County at Henry Farm Center. The daylong workshop included classroom instruction and hands-on training. State Young Farmer Director Brandon Moore was the guest instructor. Moore, a state certified firefighter and emergency medical technician, spoke about the unique situations emergency personnel could face when responding to a farm accident.
“Emergency personnel are highly trained to respond to most automobile and home accidents,” Moore said. “However, because of the type and size of the machinery found on a farm and the possible remote locations of farm accidents, such instances offer special challenges to emergency personnel.”
Training sessions like the one conducted in Brundidge, help responders conduct the rescue in a safe manner. By being familiar with heavy farm equipment and the limitations of rescue equipment, responders increase the chance of a successful outcome following an accident.
Steve Stroud, Pike County Young Farmers chairman, said there have been several instances in Pike County of injuries or fatalities resulting from overturned farm equipment or entanglements.
“The Pike County Young Farmers recognized a need for this specialized training that could realistically result in lives being saved in our county,” Stroud said. “Such training also helps protect the safety of the responders who are valuable members of our communities.”
Moore said several Young Farmer Committees have planned similar events. For more information, contact Brandon Moore at 1-800-392-5705, ext. 3153 or by email at bmoore@alfafarmers.org. For more information about the Young Farmers’ programs, visit their website at www.AlfaYoungFarmers.org.
Federation mourns death of Sonny Corcoran
 | | Corcoran |
Walter Liston 'Sonny' Corcoran, Sr., a former president and long-time board member of the Barbour County Farmers Federation, died, Feb. 23 at his residence. He was 72. Sonny Corcoran was a leader and active member of many different agricultural and community organizations. His business affiliations included the Alabama Boll Weevil Eradication of Alabama in which he was chairman and founder, he was a director of the Southern Cotton Growers, he was with the Southeastern Boll Weevil Eradication Foundation, the Alabama Cotton Commission, Director of Cotton Incorporated, delegate on the National Cotton Council, he was on the Alabama Farmers Federation Cotton Committee, a director of Alabama Peanut Producers Association since 1978 and on the executive committee of the association. He was on the Peanut Administration Standards Board for U.S.D.A., and was a member of the National Peanut Growers Group. Alabama Farmers Federation President Jerry Newby described Corcoran as a devoted pioneer to Alabama agriculture. “Sonny Corcoran was one of the pioneers of the Boll Weevil Eradication Program. He not only promoted the benefits of the program among his fellow producers, he signed the note to make sure the program could continue in south Alabama,” Newby said. “He will be greatly missed as a leader not only in cotton but peanuts as well. I have a tremendous love and respect for the way he gave of his time and energy to help other farmers in the state and nation. He will always be remembered.” Corcoran's community and civic groups included: deacon of Mt. Lebanon Baptist Church, board of directors of MidSouth Bank, Barbour County commissioner, founder and member of Board of Directors at The Lakeside School. Survivors include his wife, Ann Corcoran of Eufaula; two sons, Walt (Kim) Corcoran and Tom (Denise) Corcoran, both of Eufaula; two daughters, Susan (Dave) Haney of Macon, Ga. and Cindy (Tim) Clark of Eufaula and 11 grandchildren. Donations may be made to the Wiregrass Hospice, P.O. Box 1378, Eufaula, Ala. 36072 or the American Lung Association of Alabama, 3125 Independence Drive, Suite 325, Birmingham, Ala. 35209.
Finalists named in Alabama’s Farm of Distinction competition
Six of Alabama’s top farms have been selected as finalists in the Alabama Farm of Distinction competition. The winner will be announced April 25 at the State Farm-City Awards Program luncheon at the Wynfrey Hotel in Birmingham. Judging of the finalists was held earlier this week. Cash and prizes awarded to the state's top farmer will exceed $10,000 this year, thanks to new sponsors of the Farm-City program. Representing District 1, which includes the northern counties in Alabama, will be Ronald and Ann Vaughn of Huntsville in Madison County. Mark and Debbie Randall of Ethelsville in Pickens County will represent District 2 which includes north central counties. District 3, which covers counties in central Alabama, will be represented by Bill and Leeta Thomas of LaFayette in Chambers County. Alvin and Dot Stone of Pine Apple in Wilcox County will represent District 4, which includes south central Alabama. District 5, which includes southern counties of the state, will be represented by James and Joyce Wise of Samson in Coffee County. Joe and Debbie Roberts of Fayette in Fayette County were chosen as the state’s at-large contestant. Finalists are judged on their management, conservation and environmental practices as well as the overall aesthetic appearance of the farm and leadership of the farm owner. Alabama’s Farm of Distinction will receive a John Deere Gator CX valued at $5,200 that has been donated by Wire Road Tractor in Auburn, Lawn & Leisure in Montgomery and Henry Farm Center with stores in Abbeville, Brundidge and Dothan. In addition, the Alabama Farmers Cooperative has agreed to be a major sponsor of this year's award. AFC will present a $1,000 gift certificate to the Alabama Farm of Distinction winner, redeemable at any of its member Quality Co-op stores. AFC also will present each of the other five state finalists with a $250 gift certificate. The Alabama Farmers Federation and Alfa Health will award the state winner an engraved, mahogany farm sign valued at more than $1,300. The Alabama winner also will receive a $2,500 cash award and an expense-paid trip to the Sunbelt Agricultural Expo from Swisher International of Jacksonville, Fla. The state winner will represent Alabama at the Sunbelt Agricultural Expo Oct. 18-20 in the Southeastern Farmer of the Year competition in Moultrie, Ga. The Sunbelt winner will receive $14,000 plus several additional prizes. The Farm-City Committee of Alabama presents the Farm of Distinction Award annually. Farm-City Week is observed nationally each year the week before Thanksgiving as a way to help bridge the gap between rural and urban residents. During the awards program where the Farm of Distinction winner will be announced, Farm-City Committees from throughout Alabama will be recognized for their work during the past year. Awards are divided into two divisions - counties with a population greater than 35,600 and those with less than 35,600. Winners in the Farm-City poster and essay contests also will be announced at the program.
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