WOTUS redefined.5

P A G E Farm Bill passes.16

P A G E Six more AEF grants awarded.31

P A G E

WHAT’S INSIDE

FEBRUARY 2019

CONNECT WITH US

A trusted partnerTennessee producers depend on Co-op for TAEP on-the-farm projects

PAGE8

2 February 2019

February 2019 3

WHAT’S INSIDE

WOTUS redefinedEPA’s Wheeler, USDA’s Perdue detail proposal on water protection that is ‘fair and honest to Ameri-can farmers’ at Lebanon event.

5

A trusted partnerTennessee producers depend on Co-op for TAEP on-the-farm projects.

8

Strengthening rural AmericaPresident signs Farm Bill of 2018 into law offering farmers security, peace of mind for new year.

16

Acclaimed alfalfaAfter trial and error, Giles County’s Lee Gilmore has found the right formula for growing forage of superior quality.

20

‘We needed this’Community enthusiasm high as Monterey Farmers Co-op opens its doors.

24

Why now?State’s agriculture industry partners to create special task force in response to increased farmer suicides.

27

Six more grantsFifth round of Agriculture Enterprise Fund recipients announced in Jackson.

31

PAGE 8

PAGE 5

PAGE38

IN EVERYISSUE

4/SnapshotsA simple monument.13/Priority Co-op ProductsLearn about four products.15/Neighborly AdviceBe deliberate with wheat nitrogen schemes.

34/What’s Cookin’?Scrumptious Super Bowl snacks.38/Every Farmer Has A StoryZimmerman family farm marks 100-year milestone in 2019.

February 2019

4 February 2019

The Cooperator is distributed free to patrons of member Co-ops. Since each

Co-op maintains its own mailing list, requests for subscrip-tions must be made through the local Co-op. When

reporting an address change, please include the mailing label from a past

issue and send to the following address:

The CooperatorP.O. Box 3003

LaVergne, TN 37086 Phone: (615) 793-8339

E-mail: tlewter@ourcoop.com

Guest Subscriptions:Guest subscriptions are available for $12.95 per year by sending a check or money order to Tennessee Farmers

Cooperative at the above address.

Editor: Glen Lifordgliford@ourcoop.com

Assistant Editor: Chris Villinescvillines@ourcoop.com

Communications Specialist: Sarah Geyersgeyer@ourcoop.com

Senior Graphic Designer: Shane Readsread@ourcoop.com

Graphic Designer: Jason Barnsjbarns@ourcoop.com

Layout & Production Coordinator:Travis Merriman

tmerriman@ourcoop.comEditorial Assistant: Polly Campbell

pcampbell@ourcoop.comAdvertising Information: Jason Barns615-793-8316, jbarns@ourcoop.com

NOTICE: This publication is for informational purposes only. Tennessee Farmers Cooperative, its affiliates, subsidiaries, and member Co-ops are not responsible for any damages or claims

that may result from a reader’s use of this information, including but not limited to actual, punitive, consequential, or economic

damages. Tennessee Farmers Cooperative makes no warranties or representations, either express or implied, including

warranties of merchantability or fitness of any product/material for a particular purpose. Each article, document, advertisement, or other information is provided “AS IS” and without warranty of any kind. Tennessee Farmers Cooperative reserves the right

to alter, correct, or otherwise change any part or portion of this publication, including articles and advertisements, without

detriment to Tennessee Farmers Cooperative, its affiliates, subsidiaries, or member cooperatives. Unless otherwise noted,

stock images courtesy of gettyimages.com.

TFC Board of Directors:Chairman — Mark Thompson,

Cumberland Gap, Zone 3Vice Chairman — Keith Fowler,

Martin, Zone 1Amos Huey, Kenton, Zone 1

Tim Luckey, Humboldt, Zone 1Benjie Daniel, Charlotte, Zone 2

Donald Jernigan, Christiana, Zone 2Stephen Philpott, Shelbyville, Zone 2

Johnny Brady, Riceville, Zone 3 David Sarten, Sevierville, Zone 3

Chief Executive Officer — Bart Krisle

Published by Tennessee Farmers Cooperative in the interest of better farming through cooperation and improved technology,

and to connect the Co-op community through shared experiences, common values,

and rural heritage.

February 2019 Volume 60, Number 2

SNAPSHOTS

The white latticework structure sits silently beside the road in the church cemetery. It rises above the gray tombstones scattered throughout the yard. Trent Valley Missionary Baptist Church is just

across the road.The simple building is small, roughly 12-by-12-feet square and perhaps

8-feet high. It’s carefully constructed, its white paint a contrast to the somber setting of the cemetery. A sturdy metal roof shelters the consecrated ground beneath the structure.

Its purpose here is a bit of a mystery. The building seems intended to be more a comfort to bereaved family members than those who occupy the space below.

It captured my attention when I first saw it, and I tried to learn more about it. But the family who built it is long gone. Church members say that their relatives have moved away, though they do return from time to time to visit the graves.

Far from common, grave houses are found in cemeteries throughout Appalachia and parts of the South. I first learned of their existence when I read an stories about them in the Knoxville News-Sentinel by Fred Brown, who wrote many articles about the folklore and traditions of the region. It seems grave houses are considered a mountain phenomena, but they also appear in the South. There are some clusters of the buildings all across Tennessee. Sometimes they’re made of wood like this one. Others are built of rock or concrete and feature wide-ranging designs.

Their origins are murky, but researchers believe the grave houses stem from burial practices of the Scots-Irish settlers or perhaps Native American influences. They serve the practical purpose of protecting the grave from the elements, and some speculate they might have been designed to keep animals away from the graves. There’s also an inherent recognition of the deep grief and devotion behind the act of the construction, as family members honored their loved ones with the simple monument.

Scott Greene, who was raised in the Trent Valley community and still lives near the church, recalls that there were once many more in the county. One local cemetery had several of the grave houses, but they were destroyed when a tornado swept through the area several years ago. Another cemetery still contains multiple grave houses built in a cluster around family graves.

Scott couldn’t offer a definitive answer as to the grave house’s purpose, but he recalls helping dig a grave by hand next to one years ago and noting how the dirt covered by the structure over the adjacent grave was dry and crumbled easily.

The graves covered by the Trent Valley grave house presumably shelter a husband and wife buried in 1886 and 1900, respectively.

A simple monument

Glen Liford

Editor

TFC’s website: www.ourcoop.com

Follow our social media sites: www.facebook.com/ TennesseeFarmersCooperativewww.twitter.com/TNFarmerswww.instagram.com/tennesseefarmerscooperativewww.pinterest.com/tnfarmerswww.youtube.com/TnFarmersCooperative

This grave house sits in the Trent Valley Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery in Hancock County.

February 2019 5

AG NEWS

Story and photos by: Chris Villines

Working hand in hand, the Environ-mental Protection Agency (EPA), U.S. Department of Agriculture,

and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers have acted on the Trump administration’s proposal to redefine the “Waters of the United States,” or WOTUS, rule.

It was this common cause that brought Act-ing EPA Administrator Andrew Wheeler, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue, Amer-ican Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers representatives, Tennessee political leaders, and more than 400 farmers and state agricultural officials to Lebanon on Dec. 18.

At an event hosted by Tennessee Farm Bureau and held at the Wilson County Exposi-tion Center, Wheeler and Perdue detailed the proposal, which they said would replace the Obama administration’s WOTUS rule enacted

in 2015. Under that rule, the federal govern-ment has oversight of a large range of ditches, lakes, and other bodies of smaller streams and tributaries that fed into waterways protected by the 1972 Clean Water Act.

“When the Obama [administration] EPA put forward the 2015 definition [of WO-TUS], they claimed it was in the interest of water quality, but it was really about power — power in the hands of federal govern-ment over farmers, developers, and land-owners,” said Wheeler, who was appointed as acting administrator of the EPA in July 2018. “We are here today to tell you that we are putting an end to that power grab. This proposal respects the limits of the Clean Water Act and provides Tennessee and its landowners the certainty they need to man-age their natural resources and grow their local economies.”

Perdue stressed that to farmers, who he hailed as “rule followers,” the existing WOTUS regulations were burdensome.

“It is very unsettling to be on your own land doing what you’ve done for years and a federal regulator comes out and says, ‘Here’s a summons. You are violating the law,’” said Perdue, who has long been a proponent of repealing the 2015 WOTUS rule. “The rules we were living under were oppressive.”

Wheeler highlighted three principles central to the new proposal:

WOTUS redefinedEPA’s Wheeler, USDA’s Perdue detail proposal on water protection that is ‘fair and honest to American farmers’ at Lebanon event

Environmental Protection Agency Acting Administrator Andrew Wheeler said that the new WOTUS rule “provides Tennessee and its landowners the certainty they need to manage their natural resources.”

On Dec. 18 at the Wilson County Exposition Center, Tennessee Governor-elect Bill Lee addresses farmers and ag industry leaders in attendance for a special announcement on the “Waters of the United States,” or WOTUS, rule. Lee pledged to work closely with the Trump administration to further advance agriculture in the Volunteer State.

(See WOTUS, page 6)

6 February 2019

(1) Property owners should be able to stand on their property and be able to tell if their water is federal or state without having to hire outside professionals;

(2) Clearly defining the differences between federally protected water lands and state-pro-tected water lands; and

(3) Providing the certainty the American public needs in a manner that will be upheld by the courts.

Under the new WOTUS, states and tribes would have the power to manage their waters in a way that best protects natural resources and local economies, Wheeler said.

“Congress did not intend the federal govern-ment to be the nation’s development planner,” he stressed. “Tennessee has invested signifi-cant resources to understand and protect its waterways, and it’s time Washington, D.C., recognized that.”

Wheeler said the new proposal identifies six categories of waters that fall under WO-TUS — navigable waters (a river or some-thing a boat can drive down); tributaries to the navigable waters; certain ditches (used for navigation or ones affected by tides);

certain lakes and ponds in the tributary, navigable water system; impoundments; and wetlands next to these waters.

He added that waterways that do not fall under WOTUS include features that only hold water when it rains or in response to a rainfall, groundwater, prior converted croplands, ditches (most roadside or farm), storm water control features, and wastewater/waste treatment systems.

“Our formula for success is clear and straightforward — incentivize innovation, not stifle it with regulation, encourage cooperation with the states, not coercion, and promote the rule of law,” Wheeler concluded.

Duvall said the proposal for a new WOTUS is part of the current administration’s quest to “help our farmers be more productive and regenerate rural America.”

“The previous Waters of the U.S. rule was the largest land grab in the history of our government,” the American Farm Bureau president said. “Five years ago, we started a campaign called ‘Ditch the Rule,’ and today we’re ditching that ruling. We have the right to do what we want to do with our land again and take care of it like we know how to take care of it. It’s a good day for American agriculture.”

Wheeler urged the farmers to read the new proposal in full and provide their input.

“Please make sure your voices are heard,” he said. “Please let us know if we got it right. Tell us if the definitions are correct.”

Echoed Perdue: “Don’t take a cookie-cutter approach to this proposal. Send a response in your own words and say, ‘I like what you’re do-ing and here is one suggestion you might think about. Don’t think that it doesn’t matter what you say — it does.”

U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue was also on hand to voice his support of the proposed WOTUS legislation.

WOTUS(continued from page 5)

February 2019 7

8 February 2019

Story and photos by: Sarah Geyer

Here’s a tried-and-true, two-step plan for those receiving approval letters from the Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement

Program: Step 1: Celebrate! That on-the-farm project

qualifies for cost-share funds. Step 2: Relax! Let Co-op help with the rest. At the ready with expert advice and out-

standing service, Co-op will be a trusted part-ner through each step of the project process — from product recommendations to installation.

TAEP and Co-op. It’s an essential combina-tion. Just ask Shiloh’s Will and Amanda Lands. After receiving approval for cattle-handling equipment last year, the couple turned to First Farmers Cooperative.

“We had an idea of what we wanted,” says Will who, along with Amanda, raise a small Angus and Angus/Hereford herd on their 80-acre farm. “The guys from Co-op came out, mapped, measured, drew up the plan, placed the order, and then helped us set it all up. With both of us working full-time jobs, I can’t even begin to think about

how long it would have taken us to do all of that ourselves.”

That kind of help is a welcome change for the Lands. Since purchasing the McNairy County farm five years ago, they have tackled

most of the work on their own. With Will’s cattle hauling business and Amanda working at Kimberly-Clark in Corinth, Miss., getting their farm into operating condition has been slow going.

A trusted partnerTennessee producers depend on Co-op for TAEP on-the-farm projects

Livestock producers Will and Amanda Land of Shiloh built their covered working system last year through cost-share funds provided by the Tennessee Agricultural Enhancement Program. Approved for the 2019 program, the couple plans to build pens to extend the facility’s holding area.

FEATURE

Working cattle on the Lands’ farm is stress-free for both producers and the animals, including this baldie calf, part of the Lands’ Angus and Angus/Hereford cow/calf operation.

February 2019 9

Their first project, tearing down and replacing all the fencing, monopolized the couple’s time and budget for nearly two years. However, when 2016 arrived, they were ready to invest in cattle-handling equipment. That’s when the Lands first ap-plied for TAEP funds. They were approved that January and purchased a Priefert S04 squeeze chute from First Farmers the following spring.

Will and Amanda set up the chute in a small barn and, with a makeshift alley and corral, they could work their herd of 24 mamas, their calves, and two bulls. The next year, the couple decided to use TAEP funds to build a complete working system. That’s when they called Jeremy Jones, a livestock specialist with First Farmers. Jeremy, along with fellow First Farmers livestock specialists Jason Hearn and Logan Shull, and Chris Seiber of Tennessee Farmers Cooperative, collaborated with the Lands to create their ideal facility. Along with the chute, the system includes:

• Priefert palpation cage• 28 feet of Priefert Rough Stock adjustable

alley with two adjustable sliding doors • 135-degree Priefert Rough Stock open

sweep tub • 52 feet of W-W Classic panels with high

pole gates to separate panel sections• W-W Chaparral panels for loading out to

trailers • 5 Co-op SHD 7-bar tall gates built in

custom lengths by TFC’s Metal Fabrication plant.

With their new system in place, the Lands had one more TAEP project for the year: build-ing a cover for the new working facility.

“Everything under that cover is bought with TAEP from Co-op,” says Will. “Of course there are other options out there where we can buy farm equipment, but Co-op has a diversity and quality of products that’s just better. And having local people to work with means a lot. I know I’m going to get excellent service.”

The Lands are among 6,344 Tennessee producers who have been approved this year for TAEP funds, bringing the total invested to more than $168 million.

Created in 2005, TAEP has helped the state’s producers improve their operations through nearly 58,000 on-the-farm proj-ects in the areas of livestock genetics and equipment, hay storage, and feed and grain storage, as well as a wide range of producer diversification opportunities.

Most participating producers, like the Lands, say the cost-share program has allowed them to vastly improve farm safety and operational efficiency.

“With this new working system, the two of us can work the cows now with ease,” says Amanda. “[This facility] even allows me to work them by myself if needed, and that’s something I could have never done before. ”

The Lands applied for TAEP funds this year, too, and Amanda says they’ll probably build pens to extend their new cattle-work-ing area. With several other projects in mind, the Lands say they are thankful for TAEP cost-share funds.

“Our customers comment every year about how much they appreciate this program, and we’re proud that they turn to us for help with many of their pur-chases,” says Jimmy Ogilvie, manager of TFC’s Farm, Home, and Fleet Department. “That’s why we’ve created a TAEP-focused website. We hope it will be a helpful tool for producers and our member Co-ops.”

The website, www.ourcooptaep.com, features a “catalog” of TAEP-approved prod-ucts available through Co-op. The extensive selection includes bunk feeders, chutes, feed bins, feeders, gates, guidance systems, han-dling equipment, head gates, mineral feeders, panels, scales, sprayers, spreaders, sweep systems, and working products from a variety of manufacturers.

The site also allows customers to find the addresses of participating Co-op stores, con-tact a Co-op customer service representative, or access helpful information and tips about TAEP including the application and reimbursement processes.

Those producers approved for the 2019 TAEP fund should begin planning their purchases soon. April 1 is the reimbursement request deadline for those buying livestock equipment; for all other programs, the reim-bursement requests are due by Sept. 1.

Amanda and Will Land purchased their Priefert S04 squeeze chute with TAEP cost-share funds in 2017, the first year the couple applied for the popular program. The following year they built this cattle-handling facility.

10 February 2019

February 2019 11

MADE IN LAVERGNE, TN

OWNED BY YOU.

BUILT FOR YOU.

Co-op 6-bar Shd gate• Available in 4-ft. to 20-ft.

• 2-in. x 13 ga. Rail

• 2-in. x 16 Ga. Filler

• 3-ft. Latch chain

• Clear coat galvanized

• ¾” x 11” Heavy duty Threaded rod hinges

Co-op 7-bar Shd gate• Available in 4-ft. to 16-ft.

• 2-in. x 13 ga. Rail

• 2-in. x 16 Ga. Filler

• 3-ft. Latch chain

• Clear coat galvanized

• ¾” x 11” Heavy duty Threaded rod hinges

SHD GATES IDEAL FOR CROWDING SITUATIONS!

SEE YOUR LOCAL CO-OP TODAY!

12 February 2019

Former Tennessee Farmers Cooperative Director John Roberts of Lexington has died. Roberts was elected to the TFC board in 1972 to served a seven-year term.

Roberts was also a former director of what was then Henderson Farmers Cooperative, serving five terms as board president. He was a devoted member of the Co-op beginning in the early 1950s and continuing throughout his farming career.

At the time he was elected to the TFC board, Roberts farmed more than 900 acres, raising livestock and row crops. He retired as a colonel in the Tennessee Army National Guard, where he served 38 years. He was also active in his community, including being

a member of the Henderson County Farm Bureau and the Henderson County Livestock Association. Roberts also served on numer-ous other boards including Broad Street Church of Christ, CoBank, Production Credit Association, Farm Credit, and Soil Conservation.

Roberts passed away on Dec. 18, 2018, at his home. He is survived by his wife, Clara Faye Roberts; a daughter, Ann Roberts Eason (Dan) of Memphis; a son, John David Roberts (Tina) of Lexington; a brother, Paul Roberts of Lexington; four grandchildren, Cindy Kay Stephens, Jill Rogers (David), Brian Ea-son (Shanna), and Michael Eason; and six great-grandchildren.

Former TFC Director Roberts dies at 88

National FFA Week kicks off Feb. 16

Nearly 670,000 FFA members will celebrate the role agriculture plays in our dai-ly lives while sharing the message of agricul-tural education as part of National FFA Week Feb. 16-23.

National FFA Week is a time for FFA members to host activities that raise aware-ness about the role the FFA plays in the de-velopment of agriculture’s future leaders and the importance of agricultural education. The National FFA Board of Directors desig-nated the week-long tradition, which began in 1948, to coincide with George Washing-ton’s birthday in recognition of his legacy as an agriculturist and farmer.

During National FFA Week, chapters give back to their communities through service projects and recruit students to become FFA members. On Tuesday, Feb. 19, the National FFA Foundation will celebrate “Give FFA Day,” a daylong campaign encouraging the public to support various needs impacting FFA members. Donations made on Give FFA Day will support teacher resources, educa-tional programs, leadership workshops, and official blue jackets.

For more information on National FFA Week, visit www.ffa.org/national-ffa-week.

February 2019 13

FOR YOU-------------- Priority Co-op Products

3. Suet-n-Seed Chicken-Shaped Dual FeederAttract a wide variety of songbirds with the Suet-n-Seed Chicken-Shaped Feeder (#2140373). This feeder serves one suet or seed cake and 3 lbs. of sunflower seeds, shelled peanuts, safflower, or large seed mix. All metal wire mesh construction, easy open suet and seed compartments. Hanger included.

4. Fruitables Skinny Minis TreatsAmerican-made Fruitables Skinny Minis offer delicious aroma and soft, chewy texture in flavors that create a drooling frenzy in dogs. Each bite-sized piece contains only 3.5 calories, so these mini dog treats are ideal for training rewards. Each recipe has a base of harvest-fresh pumpkin or sweet potato, plus flavor-boosting ingredients unique to the formula, such as apple and real bacon, mango, blueberry, and roasted chicken. Smell the difference yourself, and see why dogs everywhere love them! Available in Pumpkin Mango, Apple Bacon, Pumpkin Berry, Rotisserie Chicken, and Grilled Bison flavors.

1. Miller Manufacturing 3-in-1 De-IcerMiller Manufacturing 3-in-1 De-Icer (#16153) easily converts be-tween a floating, sinking, or drain-plug de-icer. To use as a sinking de-icer, simply remove both the cover and float, then turn the unit over to rest on its sturdy feet. To use in your tank’s drain plug, re-move the cover and float, and use the patented drain plug adapter to route the cord through the drain hole. Energy-efficient opera-tion keeps the entire tank (recommended for 100- to 300-gallon tanks) ice-free without overheating the water. Multiple thermo-stats separately monitor water and heating element temperatures to provide efficient and safe operation. The sturdy, finned base spreads the heat across the water, allowing the unit to run cooler to the touch while still putting the maximum amount of heat into the water. Cooler operation and a non-stick coating helps resist mineral buildup. Can safely operate in any plastic or metal tank without the use of a guard. 6-foot cord with anti-rub protector. 1,500 watts, 120 volts, 60 Hz.

2. Power Service Diesel Fuel Supplement +Cetane BoostPower Service Diesel Fuel Supplement +Cetane Boost is a winterizer/antigel used in the cold winter months to prevent fuel gelling and keep fuel filters from plugging with ice and wax. When temperatures drop, paraffin (wax) in ULSD fuel will gel, stopping fuel from flowing through the engine. Water in the fuel can freeze on the facings of fuel filters, blocking fuel flow. Diesel Fuel Supplement +Cetane Boost provides trouble-free winter operation for diesel fuel. It is intended for use only during cold winter months when temperatures drop below 30˚F. Available in 16-ounce (#63849) and 80-ounce (#63852) containers.

(#63852)

(#63849)

14 February 2019

February 2019 15

-------------- NEIGHBORLY ADVICE

Trevor Smith, TFC Agronomist

EXPERTISE

A side from stand establishment, there are few things that can influence wheat yields as much as

nitrogen management. As the wheat grow-ing season progresses and green up draws near, it’s a good time to think about what production strategies are most likely to provide opportunities for success. Because each growing season presents a unique set of conditions and challenges, it’s important to consider several factors when creating a nitrogen plan that’s best for your farm this spring. Here are a few key concepts to keep in mind as you work through the process.

First, evaluate where you are. It is crucial that you scout each field to eval-uate the crop before deciding how you will manage it going forward. Don’t make generalized assumptions based on the past or other fields you have seen. Specifically, your initial goal should be to determine the density and the consistency of the stand. How many plants do you have per square foot? Additionally, how many tillers per plant are present? Remember, the total number of heads at harvest will be a factor of the number of plants X the number of tillers per plant. Planting date as well as growing conditions in late fall and early winter will largely determine tiller counts; however, we can promote tiller develop-ment to a degree by applying appropriate rates of nitrogen prior to jointing.

Determine an aggressive yet realistic yield goal. Undoubtedly, you had a goal in mind when you planted your crop, but the growing season so far has influenced the yield potential. Objectively consider the pro-duction history of each field. Also, take an honest look at what foundation blocks are in place such as the previously mentioned stand metrics as well as the pH, phospho-rus, potassium, and micronutrient fertility levels of each field. Once you have used your yield goal to decide the total amount of nitrogen you will apply, you can shift your attention to application timing(s).

Often, farmers are conflicted about whether to make one nitrogen application or

two. There are cases, in my opinion, where the best option is obvious, such as late-plant-ed fields that experience harsh winters and have thin, stressed stands (<25 plants per sq. ft. and few tillers). There is little doubt these fields will benefit from early or pre-jointing stage nitrogen applications to promote tiller development followed by another application at green up. In other situations, though, the best answer might be a single application. In years where we have predominantly early planting dates combined with a warm winter, tiller counts will be high in many fields. In my mind, the additional yield advantage of a split application of nitrogen on fields like I just described may not outweigh the risk of losing a significant portion of early applied pre-jointing nitrogen to environmental conditions prior to uptake.

Whatever rates and timings you opt for, be sure your plants get the most out of the nitrogen you apply. This means

maintaining an appropriate nitrogen-to- sulphur ratio in the fertilizer you apply, as well as protecting against the major nitrogen loss pathways present on your farm with a quality nitrogen stabilizer or nitrogen manager product.

Nitrogen management in any crop is a huge challenge and wheat is certain-ly no different. Each year, for each field you farm, there is a “right” nitrogen plan. Hindsight is always 20/20, and the real-ity is that we likely won’t know what the “right” plan for a given year is until after harvest. One thing is for certain, though – the “right” plan will not be the same every year. Instead of doing it the way you always have, consider taking a more deliberate approach to your wheat nitrogen management this year. Contact your local Co-op for more information on nitrogen management and assistance in developing a customized plan for your farm.

Be deliberate with wheat nitrogen schemes

16 February 2019

NATIONAL

President signs Farm Bill of 2018 into law offering farmers security, peace of mind for new year

President Donald Trump signed into law the Agricultural Improvement Act (AIA) of 2018, better known as the

2018 Farm Bill, on Dec. 20. Following a long, often tumultuous journey to the White House, the 1,006-page legislation is based on a five-year budget of $428 billion and $867 billion for 10 years.

“This is a great day for our farmers, ranch-ers, foresters, and producers, as President Trump’s signature on this bill is a Christmas present to American agriculture,” said Secre-tary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue, following the much-anticipated signing ceremony.

“Farmers take financial risks every year as a matter of doing business, so having a farm bill in place gives them peace of mind to make their decisions for the future. The bill bolsters farm safety net programs, protects federal crop insurance, and maintains strong rural development and research initiatives. All told, this is a farm bill that should be welcomed by producers, and at USDA we will eagerly implement its provisions.”

More than 76 percent of the $428 billion is designated for nutritional programs. Of the bill’s 11 titles, crop insurance, commod-ities, and conservation constitute 23 percent

or $99 billion of the five-year budget. Other sections, including trade, miscella-neous, horticulture, research and extension, energy, forestry, revenues, rural development, and credit account for $3.5 billion, less than 1 percent of the budget.

The AIA of 2018 replaces the 2014 Farm Bill, which expired in August. Unlike the 2014 version, which contained new programs and major changes, this new farm bill is based, for the most part, on reauthorizations, with strategic changes focused on strength-ening rural America, especially the country’s farmers.

FARM BILL2018

This is a great day for our farmers, ranchers, foresters, and producers.

– Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue

Story by: Sarah Geyer

February 2019 17

WHAT DOES THE 2018 FARM BILLMEAN FOR ME?

Commodities: • Reauthorizes and strengthens the Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs, but instead of once every five years, producers can annually elect ARC and PLC programs and commodities. • Allows for a 15-percent increase in reference prices depending on market conditions.• Improves ARC by basing payment rates on the physical location of base acres and establishing a separate irrigated and non-irrigated revenue guarantee.• Expands some federal agricultural subsidies to nieces, nephews, and cousins of farmers.• Strengthens dairy safety net by increasing risk coverage, reducing and offering flexibility with premiums.

Crop insurance: • Offers insurance for forage and grazing and harvested grain in the same season for certain crops.• Extends the discount for beginning farmers and ranchers from five years to 10 years.

Credit: • Increases limits of direct farm ownership loans from $300,000 to $600,000 and guaranteed ownership loans from $700,000 to $1,750,000.• Amends the Farm Ownership Loan Program to allow military experience or agricultural education to qualify for a portion of the experience requirement.

Conservation: • Increases the acreage cap by the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) from its current 24 million level to 29 million acres by 2023, while reducing rental rates, cost-share, and incentive payments.

Rural Development: • Creates new broadband standards and incentives for borrowers.

Miscellaneous: • Establishes federal vaccination bank with priority to Foot and Mouth Disease.• Legalizes industrial hemp which includes a crop insurance program.

76.1%

8.9%

0.5%

7.3%

0.3%

6.8%

NUTRITION

CROP INSURANCE

COMMODITIES

CONSERVATION

TRADE

OTHER TITLES*MISCELLANEOUS, HORTICULTURE, RESEARCH & EXTENSION, ENERGY, FORESTRY, REVENUES, RURAL DEVELOPMENT, AND CREDIT

2 0 1 9 - 2 0 2 3

WHERE IT ALL GOES

February 2019 17

18 February 2019

February 2019 19

20 February 2019

Story and photos by: Chris Villines

L ee Gilmore confesses that his first two attempts at growing alfalfa didn’t quite pan out.

“They were utter failures,” he bluntly puts it.But the third try? Jackpot.Literally.Lee, who grows 45 acres of the crop at Sel-

dom Rest Farm near Pulaski, won $1,000 for submitting an alfalfa sample with the high-est relative forage quality (RFQ) in the 2017 Southeastern Hay Contest. His entry beat out 327 others spread out among seven categories.

“I knew I had a pretty good shot at win-ning,” says Lee, whose achievement also

earned him the use of a Massey-Ferguson RK Series rotary rake for a year. “As soon as I got the sample back from the lab with the score, I did a search, and it would have won in 10 of the 11 years the contest has existed. That’s when I decided it would be in my best interests to enter.”

The secret to Lee’s reversal of fortunes with alfalfa is really no secret at all, he contends. It’s just part of the continued educational process he has dived headfirst into after retiring from the oil industry and converting from part-time to full-time farmer in 2005.

“I read everything I can get my hands on and follow advice from Extension, our local Soil Conservation District, and Co-op,” says

Lee, a member of both Giles County and Mar-shall Farmers Co-ops. “I take all that informa-tion and apply it to the best of my ability here on the farm. I try to do everything right.”

Word has spread beyond the county and even the state about the quality of Lee’s alfal-fa, which he square bales and sells, leaving some for his own 15-head commercial cattle herd. He grows two Roundup Ready DeKalb varieties and recently planted another field in Croplan’s RR Vamoose variety, which has a high resistance to the destructive potato leaf-hopper insect. He purchases his seed through the Co-op.

“Most of my customers are horse and goat owners, and there are a few who have high-

Acclaimed alfalfaAfter trial and error, Giles County’s Lee Gilmore has found the right

formula for growing forage of superior quality

FEATURE

With a thorough approach to management and a drive to continually educate himself, Lee Gilmore has achieved premium quality with the 45 acres of alfalfa he grows at Seldom Rest Farm in Giles County. The customer base for Lee’s alfalfa hay extends as far away as Florida.

February 2019 21

value cattle,” says Lee. “I have one customer from Georgia who drives five hours each way to get 100 bales and has for the past four years. My best cutting last year got sold out of the field before I could even test it.”

Talk to Lee and those who partner with him on the progress of his alfalfa, and two words ring clear on why the crop flourishes: thorough management.

“He is very conscious of putting up good quality hay,” says Kevin Rose, Extension direc-tor for Giles County. “I think part of the prob-lems some hay producers have is their timing on cutting and managing all the details. Lee is constantly scouting his fields and searching for ways to make his alfalfa better. He knows you have to treat alfalfa differently because it’s a different crop, and that’s what makes him a great manager.”

In preparing for seeding, Lee says he soil tests at least six months beforehand to get fer-tility and pH levels where they need to be.

“If the test shows I need to put down lime, I will do that as soon as I can,” he explains. “Sometimes I will put it down as soon as I get the ground broken up or just before. That tends to incorporate it a little better than spreading it on top of the surface. If I am going to no-till and need to lime, I will definitely do it at least six months before I plant.”

With fertilization, Lee says he uses mostly potassium and phosphorus along with trace minerals and says he takes a different approach from the norm.

“A lot of people fertilize once a year, but I like doing split applications,” he reveals. “I’ll put it out in spring and after the third or fourth cutting, I’ll put out more. That has worked out well for me.”

Tennessee Farmers Cooperative Agronomy Specialist Brett Jones says nitrogen is also a possible addition to the alfalfa fertilization lineup.

“Sometimes, you can add nitrogen as a boost to what’s already there,” says Brett. “You don’t want to make the plant lazy, because it is producing some nitrogen, but it’s something to examine especially as long as that plant is nodulating and pulling in nitrogen when you look at the roots on it.”

With each cutting, Lee sends a forage sam-ple to the University of Tennessee’s Soil, Plant and Pest Center for analysis and reports that his hay has tested premium every time except once in the four years since he started his third run with the crop. Again, how he manages his alfalfa factors into the good results.

“I try to cut it as soon as it starts blooming, weather dependent,” he says. “I cut it as high as I can set my mower for two reasons — one, you get the better-quality stuff at the top and

two, I’ve got rocks in my fields. Even though I have equipment that picks rocks up, some can still get through and that can damage your mower and baler.”

On days that he bales alfalfa, Lee says the hay gets raked early in the morning while it is still damp with dew to help preserve the leaves, where most of the nutrients are locat-ed. The raking is usually done by his 88-year-old mother, Trudy Gilmore, who also mows pastures, discs fields, helps work cattle, and performs other farm work.

“She’s amazing,” Lee says. “I’m not sure what I would do without her.”

By mid-afternoon, the hay will be dry enough to bale. Moisture-wise, Lee says he likes to put up hay that is below but close to 18-percent moisture.

“Whenever I can, I do a microwave moisture test prior to baling and then use a moisture probe for monitoring while baling,” he stresses. “Moisture content can be tricky. I have put up 20 percent hay that remained beautiful and 17 percent hay that molded.”

Alfalfa hay, says TFC Feed Specialist Rick Syler, provides many benefits to animals.

“Ruminants and equine all require forage in their diet,” Rick explains. “The higher-quality forage they get, the healthier they’ll be. With alfalfa especially, you’re providing high-quality protein, good energy, and high levels of calci-um and potassium, all essential nutrients for proper growth, health, and maintenance.”

Never wanting to stand pat, Lee emphasizes that he’s always seeking ways to improve his alfalfa.

“My yields are not what I would like them to be,” he says. “This past year, I got around 4 tons per acre. I’m going to experi-ment with my fertilization. I always soil test and am thinking about managing the fertilization program for greater yields.”

This mindset of continuous improvement is why those who work closely with Lee, like Giles County Farmers Co-op Outside Sales-man Larry Dickey, admire him.

“He didn’t give up when his first two tries at growing alfalfa didn’t work out due to cir-cumstances beyond his control,” Larry says. “I’ve seen a lot of alfalfa in my time, and Lee’s is hard to beat.”

To learn more about the benefits of Roundup Ready alfalfa, talk with the crop experts at your local Co-op.

Regularly consulting with the agricultural organizations in his area is another factor Lee credits for the progression of his alfalfa. Here, he shows a forage sample to, from left, Giles County Cooperative Outside Salesman Larry Dickey, Tennessee Farmers Cooperative Agronomy Specialist Brett Jones, and Giles County Extension Director Kevin Rose.

After cutting, Lee rakes his alfalfa while morning dew is still on it to preserve the nutrient-rich leaves. (Photo courtesy of Lee Gilmore)

22 February 2019

February 2019 23

Grain conference returns to Manchester

Tennessee Forage and Grassland Conference

Dicamba Certification Training, as well as practical insight to a number of emerging corn, soybean, and wheat production concerns headline this year’s Middle Tennessee Grain Conference, which is set for Tuesday, Feb. 5.

Held at the Coffee County Fairgrounds in Manchester, the conference, hosted by University of Tennessee Extension and Ten-nessee State University Cooperative Exten-sion, will begin with registration at 7:30 a.m. Starting at 8:30, a series of speakers will address timely topics such as “Tariffs, Trade and Farm Bill,” “Grain Bin Insect Control

and Safety,” “Decision Aid Tools and Smart Phone Farming,” and “Cover Crop Residue Management and Planting.”

John Duke, Tennessee Farmers Coopera-tive crop nutrient manager, will give a fertil-izer market update during the lunch period. TFC is sponsoring the catered lunch from Christy “Q” Barbecue.

Following lunch, Dr. Bryon Parman, assistant professor and agricultural finance specialist at North Dakota State University, will discuss “Input Costs and Profitability in a Declining Market.”

At the conclusion of the sessions and starting promptly at 3 p.m., there will be an op-portunity to attend the Dicamba Certification Training. This new training is a requirement for producers intending to apply XtendiMAXX or Enginea products on Xtend soybeans and/or cotton. The cost of the training is an additional $25 per person to be paid onsite.

For the conference itself, registration is $10, and the fees cover the cost of program materi-als, refreshments, lunch, conference proceed-ings, and one conference hat per person.

The event will also feature one of the area’s largest trade shows, where more than 30 ven-dors will showcase the newest, most useful ag industry products.

For complete details on conference topics and to preregister, contact your local UT-TSU Extension office. The link to the event flyer can be found under “Events & Activities” at ag.tennessee.edu.

The Tennessee Forage and Grassland Council will be holding a forage conference on Tuesday, March 5, at the West Tennessee Research and Education Center in Jack-son. The conference will focus on practices that livestock producers can use to be more efficient in their forage programs. Dinner will be served starting at 5:30 pm, with the program running from 6 to 8:30 pm.

Registration for the meeting is $25, which includes dinner and a one-year membership in TFGC. For more informa-tion, contact Gary Bates at gbates@utk.edu or 865-974-7208.

24 February 2019

Story and photos by: Chris Villines

L ocated equidistant between Nashville and Knoxville, the quaint town of Mon-terey is near the point where Putnam,

White, and Cumberland counties meet.With the recent opening of a Co-op store

in the community, it’s now a place where lo-cals can meet, too, and find bagged feed plus other products for farm, home, and outdoors.

Monterey Farmers Co-op opened for business on Dec. 8 and held its grand opening celebration on Dec. 15. The store, a branch of White County Farmers Co-op, set up shop on 202 South Holly Street in a 4,000-square-foot building that formerly served as an inventory overflow warehouse for the Cumberland Container Fulfillment Center.

And judging from the reactions of those who steadily streamed through the doors for

the grand opening, this addition to the small town’s business lineup is a welcome one.

“We needed this,” said local resident Aus-tin Harris, a beef cattle and hay farmer who was accompanied by wife Adrianne and their infant daughter, Amelia. “When I heard we were getting a Co-op, I was very, very excit-ed. This will definitely be closer and more convenient for me.”

Chris Walker, another Monterey resident, also expressed his happiness with having a close-by option to buy feed and other supplies for his goats and horses.

“When I was growing up here, there were three feed stores in town, but they all went away,” said Chris, who, in addition to farming, owns Barkbusters, an area tree service. “Now we have this store, and I hope the people of this area will take advantage of it. It’s going to save me a lot of time and fuel.”

Having a store in the same town in which she graduated high school is a dream come true for White County Farmers Co-op Manager Deb Dunn.

‘We needed this’Community enthusiasm high as Monterey Farmers Co-op opens its doors

FEATURE

White County Farmers Cooperative’s new Monterey Farmers Co-op branch store held its grand opening event Dec. 15, and part of the festivities included the traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony. Marking the occasion are representatives from the Co-op, the Town of Monterey, and Tennessee Farmers Cooperative. From left are Ben Clark, Deb Dunn, Julie Bohannon, Mark Davis, Bill Wiggins, John (Bobo) Keyes, Aaron Pittman, Andrew Baisley, Kaydee Johnston, Ray Lyons, Rick Syler, and David Simmons.

TFC Feed Specialist Rick Syler, left, discusses the nutritional advantages of Co-op cattle feeds with David Grissom.

February 2019 25

“I had been approached several years ago about putting a store here, but the timing wasn’t right,” said Deb. “There was nothing here for the farmer. They had to go about 20 miles in any direction to get what they needed.”

Considering that the Co-op didn’t even begin leasing the building until Nov. 15, Deb said the turnaround time to get the store opened was nothing short of “mirac-ulous.” She gave credit to the two people who will staff the store, Kaydee Johnston and Aaron Pittman.

“Kaydee practically lived here for a month,” laughed Deb. “It’s been a team effort to trans-form this place. We’ve worked very hard.”

As he surveyed the grand opening activities, White County Farmers Board President Ben Clark talked about how the Monterey store fits with the Co-op’s growth strategy.

“Our goal has always been to try and grow the business in whatever way we can,” he said, “and still be able to provide the farmer a qual-ity product at a reasonable price. We thought Monterey would be a great place to keep the Co-op’s name out there. And we want to be actively involved in the community.”

Kaydee stressed that she hopes every cus-tomer feels at home and a sense of pride when walking into the store.

“We want them to feel like they have ownership,” she said. “When they leave here, we want them to tell others that this is their hometown store.”

Monterey Mayor Bill Wiggins called the opening of the Co-op a “welcome addition” to the town’s business lineup.

“There’s definitely a market for the Co-op’s products here,” Wiggins said. “This will be helpful to a lot of folks. We’re glad

White County Farmers Co-op has made an investment in Monterey.”

Monterey Farmers Co-op is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. On Wednesday and Saturday, the store is open from 7:30 a.m. to noon. For more information, call the Co-op at 931-559-2278, or visit the store’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Monterey-Farm-ers-Co-op-317696242397188/.

LEFT: Kaydee Johnston, left, and Aaron Pittman staff the Monterey store. Both say they’re excited about the opportunity to help the area’s farmers and homeowners. RIGHT: Carson Stout, 7, is happy with the patriotic work gloves his father, Gerald, purchased at the grand opening.

26 February 2019

February 2019 27

Story by Allison Parker

T he farming community has recently made national headlines for a reason most would have never guessed.

Suicide.In late 2018, the Center for Disease Control

and Prevention released a report stating that in 2016 the occupational group of farming, fishing, and forestry had the highest rate of suicide in males.

Although the report was later retracted for further statistical review, the results confirmed what many in the agricultural community already suspected.

Throughout history, farming has always been a stressful job filled with lots of un-knowns. So, the report begs one big question: Why now?

The truth is, no one knows why.The taboo nature of the topic and lack

of statistics provide few answers, but some experts suggest the recent increase in farmer suicides might stem from the following:

• The lack of mental health resources in rural areas.

• The negative stigma of reaching out for help with mental health struggles.

• The increase in sales of cherished multi-generational farmland.

• The tremendous burden of providing for a family with the rising cost of living and an uncertain commodities market.

Unfortunately, no one can pinpoint what has sparked the recent increase in suicide among those in the farming community nationwide. But the Tennessee Department of Agriculture (TDA) and those within the agri-culture industry are determined to find out.

The partnership has created the Tennessee Farmers Suicide Prevention Task Force.

This task force has a plan to proactively address this critical issue in the state.

“Farming isn’t just a job – it’s a life’s work,” says former Tennessee Agriculture Com-missioner Jai Templeton. “Many Tennessee farmers are facing challenges right now and experiencing different kinds of stress. Howev-er, those in the agriculture community look af-ter one another. Our producers deserve access to resources that support them, and we plan to provide just that.”

In order to accomplish this mission, the task force was created by the Gubernatori-al-appointed Advisory Council of Tennes-see Suicide Prevention Network (TSPN) in

June 2018. The group’s primary goal is to work alongside TSPN to create and carry out action items to best help the at-risk population of farmers across the state.

The task force includes representatives from the TDA, Tennessee Farmers Co-operative, Tennessee Farm Bureau, Farm Credit, Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association, Middle Tennessee State University, Univer-sity of Tennessee Extension, Centerstone, the Farm Animal Care Coalition of Tennes-see, Tennessee Dairy Producers Associa-tion, Tennessee Pork Producers, Tennessee Poultry Association, Tennessee Soybean Association, Tennessee State University, and University of Tennessee.

“With the support of the task force mem-bers, TSPN will be better prepared to assist Tennessee farmers in getting the help they need to continue to prevent suicide in our state,” says TSPN’s Executive Director Scott Ridgway, expressing his enthusiasm about the task force.

Tennessee Suicide Prevention Network has a wide variety of resources available at tspn.org for anyone interested in learning more about how they can help bring awareness to the public about the warning signs of suicide, how to make a difference in their communities, and help to save lives.

“We want to do everything we can to help Tennessee farmers who may be strug-gling with these challenges,” says Ryan King, TFC marketing and events coordina-tor. “Tennessee Farmers Cooperative will work hard along with industry partners to support the work of the task force. We plan to do everything in our ability to provide resources to the committee so those who have thoughts of suicide can get the proper treatment.”

AG HEADLINES

Why now?State’s agriculture industry partners to create special task force in response to increased farmer suicides

If you are feeling desperate, alone, hopeless, or just need someone to talk to, the National Suicide Prevention Life-line can be reached at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). This hotline provides access to trained phone counselors, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can also text TN to 741741 to connect to the Crisis Text Line and a trained counselor.

28 February 2019

February 2019 29

30 February 2019

February 2019 31

Story and photo by: Sarah Geyer

S ix Tennessee businesses now have the opportunity to grow and positively impact rural economies through grants

provided by the Tennessee Department of Ag-riculture’s (TDA) Agriculture Enterprise Fund (AEF).

On Dec. 17, TDA Commissioner Jai Templeton and Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development Deputy Assistant Commissioner Brooxie Carlton announced the fifth round of recipients of funding through the program during a ceremony held at the Farmers Market in Jackson. Several of the recipi-ents attended the event, along with local, state, and industry leaders.

The newest AEF grant recipients and projects are:

• Clark Lumber, Macon County — adding equipment that will double production capac-ity, hire more skilled employees, and purchase more lumber from the surrounding area;

• Fayette Packing, Fayette County — adding a processing room to increase capacity and process more local livestock and reduce wait time for farmers;

• Lost State Distilling, Sullivan County — creating a new distilling business that will use locally produced grain from two to five local farms and create 15 new jobs;

• Nash Family Creamery, Bedford Coun-ty — adding a creamery to process milk, ice cream, and cheese, as well as build a restau-rant and retail shop, creating an estimated 12 new jobs;

• Shop Springs Creamery, Wilson County — adding a creamery to bottle their own milk for sale at their farm store and local farmers markets;

• Waverly Wood, Humphreys County — adding a pine scragg mill to produce lumber for pallet manufacturers, allowing them to purchase pine from area landowners and cre-ate a new market for that lumber in the area.

“The Agriculture Enterprise Fund pro-gram has made an economic impact of more than $25 million for our state since we first began to award these grants one year ago,” said Templeton, adding that with this fifth round of recipients, the AEF has funded 34 projects in 25 counties. “While we are proud of the successes so far, we are excited to see the continued opportunities and new jobs that will result from this program.”

As part of the event, recipient Jeffrey Turner, owner of Shop Springs Creamery, addressed the crowd.

“This grant money is really going to benefit our operation,” said Turner. “[My wife Eliz-abeth and I] are humbled and honored to be one of the recipients. We want to say a big thank you to [the TDA] for making these funds available, and we encourage anyone who is interested in adding value to a product to learn more about the AEF program.”

Successful grant recipients must demon-strate strong potential for impact on local farm income, access to markets, increased capacity, or agricultural innovation. Priority is given to businesses located in at-risk or distressed counties.

A product of the Governor’s Rural Task Force, the AEF is an incentive program that supports the priority of job creation and eco-nomic growth by facilitating agricultural de-velopment in Tennessee. It provides assistance to new and expanding Tennessee agriculture, forestry, and food businesses, particularly in rural areas.

For more information about the AEF, visit www.tn.gov/agriculture or email Kyle Hensley at kyle.hensley@tn.gov.

Six more grantsFifth round of Agriculture Enterprise Fund recipients announced in Jackson

Six Agriculture Enterprise Fund grants were announced on Dec. 17 in Jackson. Participating in the ceremony were, from left, Jai Templeton, commissioner for the Tennessee Department of Agriculture; Dolores Gresham, state senator; Hugh and Jo Clark of Clark Lumber Company, Inc.; Steve, Cody, and Terry Nash of Nash Family Creamery; Elizabeth and Jeffrey Turner of Shop Springs Creamery; Skip Taylor of Fayette Packing Company; Brooxie Carlton, deputy assistant commissioner for economic and community development; and Ed Harlan, assistant commissioner for agricultural advancement.

AG NEWS

32 February 2019

Community In Focus

Located in Alamo’s court square, the Crockett County Veterans Memorial was built solely on donations and dedicated in 2008. The gray tablets are filled with more than 5,000 names of Crockett County veterans. The center black tablet, etched with 82 names, pays tribute to those killed in action. – Photo by Sarah Geyer

February 2019 33

With 17 unique events across the state, the 2019 field days schedule released by University of Tennessee AgResearch has topics of interest to farmers, gardeners, and anyone interested in Tennessee agriculture.

Included on the schedule are two events making a return: the biennial “Ag in the Foothills,” to be held Oct. 3 at the East Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center in Knoxville, and “Woods and Wildlife” on Oct. 16 at the Forest Resourc-es AgResearch and Education Center in Oak Ridge. There will also be equine-

focused field days in each of the state’s three regions and a springtime “Organic Crops Field Tour.”

More information about each field day will be posted closer to the scheduled time at the UT Institute of Agriculture “News and Announcements” site. For each center’s address and phone number, visit agresearch.tennessee.edu.

Here is the complete schedule:• April 25 – Organic Crops Field Tour, East

Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center, Organic Crops Unit (Knoxville)

• June 11 – Fruits of the Backyard, Middle Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center (Spring Hill)

• June 25 – Green Industry Day, UT Gardens (Knoxville)

• June 27 – Tobacco, Beef & More, High-land Rim AgResearch and Education Center (Springfield)

• July 11 – Summer Celebration, West Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center (Jackson)

• Aug. 3 – UT Arboretum Butterfly Festival, Forest Resources AgResearch and Education Center (Oak Ridge)

• Aug. 6 – Steak and Potatoes, Plateau AgResearch and Education Center (Crossville)

• Aug. 27 – Fall Gardeners’ Festival, Plateau AgResearch and Education Center

• Aug. 29 – Turf & Ornamental Field Day, East Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center, Plant Sciences Unit (Knoxville)

• Sept. 4 – Cotton Tour, West Tennessee Ag Research and Education Center

• Sept. 12 – Horse Management Field Day, UT Ag Campus (Knoxville)

• Sept. 17 – Horse Management Field Day, Middle Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center

• Sept. 19 – Horse Management Field Day, AgResearch and Education Center at Ames Plantation (Grand Junction)

• Oct. 3 – Ag in the Foothills, East Tennes-see AgResearch and Education Center

• Oct. 10 – Northeast Tennessee Beef Expo, AgResearch and Education Center at Greeneville

• Oct. 16 – Wood and Wildlife, Forest Re-sources AgResearch and Education Center

• Oct. 18 – Beef Heifer Development School, Middle Tennessee AgResearch and Education Center at Lewisburg.

UT announces 2019 field days

34 February 2019

RECIPES WHAT’S COOKIN’? --------------

February 2019 35

The starting lineup for your Super Bowl party should be filled with snacks that are sure to be a big win with your guests. These winning submissions from Cooperator readers will get the whole crew cheering on game day!

When looking for lunch options that are not messy and are easy to transport, wraps of any kind are a go-to answer. Filled with meat, vegetables, and even fruit, wraps make a unique and delicious meal.

Send us your favorite wrap recipes—chicken club, low-carb, Southwestern, or other delicious ideas. The person submitting the recipe judged best will be named “Cook of the Month” for the April Cooperator and receive $10. Others sending recipes

chosen for publication will receive $5, and each winner will also receive a special certificate.

Monday, Feb. 25, is the deadline for your wrap recipes.Only recipes with complete, easy-to-follow instructions will

be considered. Send entries to: Recipes, The Cooperator, P.O. Box 3003, LaVergne, TN 37086, or email them to pcampbell@ourcoop.com. Include your name, address, telephone number, and the Co-op with which you do business. Recipes that are selected will also be published on our website at www.ourcoop.com.

Wraps in April

Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp

Linda BainBethel SpringsMid-South Farmers Cooperative

7 slices of bacon20 raw jumbo shrimp

(peeled and deveined) Cajun seasoningCut bacon crosswise into

three pieces; wrap one piece of bacon around the shrimp until all is done. Place on baking sheet. Sprinkle cajun season-ing over the group.

Broil for 2-3 minutes per side. Serve with favorite dipping sauce.

Mississippi Sin DipPeggy BryanHillsboroCoffee Farmers Cooperative

1 (16 oz.) container sour cream

1 (8 oz.) pkg. cream cheese2 cups Cheddar cheese,

shredded½ cup ham, chopped2 green onions, chopped¼ teaspoon hot sauce1 teaspoon Worcestershire

sauceSalt and pepper to tasteFrench loaf breadCrackers or chipsIn a large mixing bowl, com-

bine sour cream, cream cheese, Cheddar cheese, ham, onions, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Hollow out the bread, creating a boat to pour your mixture in.

Wrap in foil and bake at 350º for one hour. Serve with bread, crackers, or chips.

Chicken DippersPolly DoddTooneMid-South Farmers Cooperative

2 lbs. chicken strips1 cup BBQ sauce½ cup Dale’s seasoning

sauce¼ cup of hot sauce1 tablespoon mustard2 tablespoons brown sugar 1 lb. baconIn a sauce pan, mix all ingre-

dients except meat and heat until sugar is melted. Pour over chick-en wrapped in bacon. Let set for 2 to 3 hours. Remove from sauce and place on cookie sheet.

Cook on 350º for at least 1½ hours or until done. Serve with favorite dipping sauce.

Spinach and Feta Crescents

Jean LewisOneidaScott Farmers Cooperative

1 (12 oz.) package frozen spinach, thawed and squeezed dry

4 oz. feta cheese, crumbled4 oz. mozzarella cheese,

shreddedGarlic powder, salt, and

pepper to taste2 tubes crescent rolls (total

16-roll count)Preheat the oven to 350º.

Mix spinach, cheeses, and

seasonings (to taste). If too wet, add 2 teaspoons of bread crumbs. If too dry, add a bit of melted butter or cream cheese.

Unroll dough and separate into triangles. Put approx-imately 1 teaspoon of the spinach filling on each triangle and roll up.

Place on greased baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes until golden brown.

Bacon Cheese Fries

Linda KnoxNiotaAgCentral Farmers Cooperative

3 Bacon strips3 tablespoons butter½ onion, diced1 garlic clove, finely

chopped3 tablespoons all-purpose

flour1½ cups milk2½ cups shredded sharp

Cheddar cheese½ cup sour cream2 teaspoons saltFreshly cooked fries2 tablespoons fresh

chives to garnishFry the bacon in a dry

skillet until crisp, then remove and drain on paper towel, crumble, and set aside.

Melt the butter in a sauce-pan over medium heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring for about 4 minutes until soft. Add the garlic and cook for an additional minute. Whisk in the flour and cook for an additional

30 seconds. Slowly add the milk and cook over medium heat, whisking constantly, for 3 min-utes until the sauce thickens. Reduce the heat to low and add the Cheddar cheese, ¼ cup at a time, stirring after each addition until the cheese is completely melted. When melted, stir in the sour cream, mustard, and salt. Keep the sauce warm until ready to serve.

Deep fry the fries. When they are done, place them in a large bowl and pour the sauce over them. Sprinkle with the crumbled bacon and chives and serve immediately.

Hot Pizza DipEster StoltzfusPembroke, Ky.Montgomery Farmers Cooperative

1 (8 oz.) package cream cheese

1 teaspoon Italian seasoning¼ teaspoon garlic powder½ cup pizza sauce2 cups mozzarella cheese,

shredded½ cup finely chopped red or

green pepperCombine cream cheese,

seasoning, and garlic powder. Spread in greased 9-inch pie plate. Sprinkle half of the cheese over the cream cheese mixture. Top with pizza sauce and peppers. Sprinkle with re-maining cheese. Bake at 350º for 20 minutes.

Serve warm with tortilla chips or breadsticks.

Recipeof the month

36 February 2019

Our Country Churches

Latham’s Chapel Baptist Church in Gibson County

Latham’s Chapel Baptist Church is located at 135 Latham Chapel Road in Milan. This Gibson County church was organized with a congregation of only nine people in 1915 under the direction of Brother W. A. West and has been growing ever since. Today, the membership is led by Pastor Tommy Stutts and Youth Minister Stephen Ballard. Join them for Sunday school at 10 a.m. and morning worship at 11 a.m.

280th in a series to show where our rural Co-op friends worship

February 2019 37

38 February 2019

Story and photos by: Glen Liford

It’s been 100 years since Louie Albert Zimmerman Sr., purchased his first parcel of property in the western North Caroli-

na mountains where he would establish the family’s Cedar Cliff Farm.

Today his grandson, Louie Ray (Louie R.), son of Louie Albert Zimmerman Jr., and great grandson, Cody, carry on the patriarch’s legacy with a thriving beef cattle and hay operation on the family’s original farm in Marshall County, N.C., and at several locations across the state line in Greene County.

Louie A. Zimmerman Sr. was raised amidst the wheat fields of Kansas and graduated from Wichita State University with a degree in agriculture. He and his wife, the former Emma Jaunita Engle, were recruited by the Presbyte-rian Church to come to Appalachia to serve as missionaries as part of the church’s emphasis on education and faith. They arrived in the area in 1917.

Within two years, the couple was ensconced in the close-knit community and bought a farm. He pastored five churches — preaching at two churches on one Sunday and at the oth-er three churches the following Sunday.

“He was a steady worker,” recalls Louie R., noting that his grandfather would work every day on the farm, preparing sermons between chores.

He named his new home Cedar Cliff Farm for the adjacent granite outcroppings and the property’s ubiquitous evergreens. He set about

improving the farm, filling in deep gullies, and implementing modern agriculture methods like rotational grazing and contour plowing to control erosion.

“If you look closely at these hillsides, you can still see some of the markings from those old planting practices,” says Louie R.

The elder Zimmerman grew corn and wheat, raised pigs, and milked cows. He also had tenants who grew tobacco. He and his wife raised seven children, who each went on to attend Presbyterian schools and obtain their college degrees. Louie A. Jr. was the eldest son.

The family’s agricultural pursuits continued through Louie Albert Zimmerman Jr.’s life-time, until the family quit milking in the 1980s and stopped growing tobacco in 2008. Louie A. Jr. and his wife, the former Francis Pauline Ray, also worked as teachers at Laurel High School and raised seven children on the farm.

Louie R. attended the school where his parents taught and recalls that it wasn’t always easy.

“My junior year I had mom for English and social studies and Dad for algebra, trigonom-etry, and physics,” he says. “There wasn’t any lying about your homework.”

After high school, Louie R. tried college but found he preferred to work outside, learning to weld and entering the construction business. Over the years, he traveled throughout the South with his jobs, returning home to the farm on weekends. He became a DOT-certified welder and worked on numerous construction

projects, equipment, and bridges. He then joined the pipefitters union and went to work at TVA’s Watts Bar Nuclear Plant as a weld-er. He was laid off from his job in 1988 and returned to the farm for good.

He married wife Sandy in 1983, and son Cody was born in 1987. Daughter Rachel was born in 1995.

Louie R. began following in his father’s and grandfather’s footsteps at an early age. He re-calls his first paying job on the farm — helping his grandfather put up hay with a wagon and a pitchfork.

“He paid me 12-and-a-half cents an hour,” says Louie R. “I worked for two hours, and he wrote me a check for a quarter. I went to the local store and cashed that check, bought a drink, a snack, and had a nickel left over. That was 1964, and 54 years later I’m still in the hay business.”

Louie R. now owns six of the seven deeds that made up his grandfather’s farm. His brother, Robert, who lives in the family home-place just across the ridge, owns the seventh. The North Carolina farm consists of about 150 acres. Cody and wife Lindsay and their 19-month-old daughter Ryla live on a farm in Greene County. Daughter Rachael and hus-band Mathew live on a nearby North Carolina farm and maintain their own little herd of cattle and help operate a Christmas tree farm with Mathew’s family.

The father and son duo manage a beef oper-ation consisting of 150 or so mama cows, along with 150 calves, yearlings, and heifers, and five herd bulls. They grow hay for their cattle and produce premium forages, which they market to horse owners. Last year, they harvested some 25,000 total square bales of alfalfa and orchardgrass, Timothy, and Kentucky blue-grass hay, 1,000 rolls of silage, and 300 dry rolls of hay.

Looking ahead has always been a family trait. And Louie A. Zimmerman Sr. was care-ful to make sure the farm was in better shape than he found it when it was passed to his children, says Louie R.

“The farm was very well taken care of,” he says. “Grandpa left it better than he found it. My dad left it better than he found it. And I’m hoping to leave it better than I found it.

“It’s a neat little corner of the world.”

FEATURE EVERY FARMER HAS A STORY ---------

100 years of farmingZimmermans mark family milestone in 2019

Tobacco barns like this one that sits on a steep ridge have been converted to house hay at Cedar Cliff Farm.

with the Zimmerman family

February 2019 39

“The farm was very well taken care of. Grandpa left it better than he found it. My dad left it better than he found it. And I’m hoping to leave it better than I found it.”

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