Stubborn tradition Along with their beef cattle and construction operations, ‘foolin’ with mules is a way of life for Lawrenceburg’s Doss family

Inside

Miniature Dexter Management is key Knoxville Zoo cattle are big at Miller Brangus offers fun for all

business – Page 12 – Page 20 ages – Page 32

. O N T I M R E P 7 2 5

GREENVILLE, MI GREENVILLE, July 2010 Volume 51, Number 7

PAID U.S. POSTAGE U.S.

Presorted Standard Presorted Visit our official Web site atourcoop.com . Follow us on . 2 July 2010 contents July 2010 Cover Story Stubborn tradition 28 Lawrenceburg contractors and beef cattle farmers Carlton, Barry, and Jeff Doss also have a thriving mule-training business based on a long tradition of working with the animals. Once found on nearly every Tennessee farm, the mule is making a comeback for pleasure-riding as well as a harnessing, and the Dosses are at the forefront of the industry in the Southeast.

ON THE COVER: From left, Carlton, Barry, and Jeff Doss have made a name for themselves in the mule-training trade after 25 years in the business. — Photos by Mark E. Johnson News and features

Governor hopefuls share agricultural views 5 As primary election nears, farmer-focused forum brings candidates together to discuss important issues to rural Tennessee. Ag heritage on display 8 Grants from the Tennessee Department of Agriculture help Granville establish a new farm-themed museum.

Every chance 10 With diligent management practices, innovative Lebanon producer Wes Suddarth gives his crops the best shot for success. Small package, big usage 12 Warren and Sally Coad of Philadelphia have found multiple purposes for their versatile, miniature Dexter cattle.

An eye for ear 20 E.D., Bert, and Doyle Miller are using Co-op feeds to produce some of the Southeast’s finest Brangus cattle.

Unlikely champions 24 Bridget Hunt and her quarter horse, June, discover it’s never too late for show ring success.

‘In-your-face’ fun 32 Knoxville Zoo guarantees visitors a good time with its animals, exhibits, and hands-on activities. TenneScene In every issue 4 As I Was Saying Jerry Kirk shares readers’ responses to wearing flowers on Mother’s Day. 4 Our Country Churches Robertson Fork Church of Christ in Marshall County. 14 New at Co-op Learn about 10 new products available at your hometown store. 16 Neighborly Advice Summer lawns and pastures, garden pro- duce, pets, wildlife, and electric fences.

Genera Energy LLC, a Knoxville-based renewable energy company, recently planted several 34 What’s cookin’? plots of switchgrass along interstate corridors in Tennessee in conjunction with the Tennessee Everything’s just peachy with these recipes. Department of Transportation (TDOT). The test plots are designed to see if switchgrass can help reduce the need for mowing, limit erosion, and produce biomass for energy. Switchgrass plot locations include Interstate 81 South in Johnson City, Interstate 40 in Knoxville, Interstate 40/840 38 Every Farmer Has A Story in Dickson County, and Interstate 75 South in Chattanooga. — Photo provided by TDOT Meet Tim Luckey, a sixth-generation Gibson County farmer who’s delving into politics.

July 2010 3 As I Was Saying

Readers’ responses put bloom on timeless tradition Published by Tennessee Farmers Cooperative in the interest of better ecause connecting with our readers is one of the real joys I get out of farming through cooperation and improved technology, and to connect writing this column, I hit a bonding bonanza in May when I broached the the Co-op community through subject of wearing a flower — a red one if your mother is still living and a shared experiences, common values, B and rural heritage. white one if she’s deceased — to church on Mother’s Day. The column apparently struck a nostalgic cord with lots of readers, and some Editor: Allison Morgan clear conclusions can be made, based on their responses: [email protected] Assistant Editor: Mark E. Johnson l Growing up as rural folks, many of us had rose bushes in our yards from [email protected] which to cut blooms to wear to church. Handy. Communications Specialist: Chris Villines Jerry Kirk l People loved wearing red flowers when their mothers were living but found [email protected] it hard to switch to white ones when the time came. Understandable. Contributing Editor: Jerry Kirk Contributing Editor [email protected] l In many cases, the tradition just seemed to fade away. Unfortunate. Advertising Manager: Mack Barrett l In some Tennessee churches, flowers are still worn or mothers are honored in other ways on [email protected] their special day. Good to know. Art Director: Bob Gillespie [email protected] l My May column inspired some people to revive the tradition they had grown up with. Great! Graphic Designer: Shane Read “I honored my mother today by wearing a white corsage to church,” wrote 83-year-old Mildred [email protected] Knowles of Walling on the afternoon of May 9, Mother’s Day. “Only one other lady, a little older Editorial Assistant: Polly Campbell than I, wore one.” Mrs. Knowles’ note set the tone for what I would receive over the next few weeks. [email protected] Three ladies who work here at Tennessee Farmers Cooperative headquarters in LaVergne shared The Tennessee Cooperator is distributed different but meaningful views and memories of the Mother’s Day flower-wearing tradition. free to patrons of member Co-ops. Since each Co-op maintains its own mailing list, Amy Silcox, a regional accountant, said that wearing a red or white flower is still a tradition at her requests for subscriptions must be made church, Defeated Creek Missionary Baptist in Smith County. “We’ve been doing this since I was a through the local Co-op. When child,” Amy added. reporting an address change, please include the mailing label from a past Janet Newman, supervisor of our mailing and printing area, was also introduced to the custom at issue and send to the following address: an early age. “My Granny had a rose bush in her front yard, and on Mother’s Day my Daddy would Tennessee Cooperator go to Granny’s and pick all of us a rose to wear ... they were pinkish red,” Janet said. “Some tradi- Tennessee Farmers Cooperative P.O. Box 3003 tions are lost in our society today. This is one that, sadly, has faded away!” LaVergne, TN 37086 June Meeks of the Accounting Department said, “After reading your article, I decided that I Phone: (615) 793-8339 would honor my late mother this Mother’s Day by wearing the white silk flower corsage she had E-mail: [email protected] worn in observance of her 50th wedding anniversary. It was more than just a flower to me; it was a Guest Subscriptions: Guest subscriptions are available for little bit of my mother celebrating the day with me as we had done so many times before.” $12.95 per year by sending a check Deanna Carey of Gray in upper East Tennessee said she was the only person in her little Brethren or money order to Tennessee Farmers church to wear a rose this Mother’s Day. And she proudly reported that hers was a red one: “Not Cooperative at the above address. many 62-year-olds are fortunate enough to have their mothers still with them. She sat beside me in TFC’s website: church as always.” www.ourcoop.com Find us on Facebook: Retired Tipton County Agent Bob Whitworth of Mason recalled that as he grew up in Newbern in www.facebook.com/TennesseeCooperator Dyer County, the practice of wearing rosebuds on Mother’s Day was carried out in his family and in www.facebook.com/ their church. “My paternal grandmother was most influential in my upbringing and is the one who TennesseeFarmersCooperative taught us,” Bob said. “She and my mother are gone, but on this Mother’s Day morning, I will go out TFC Board of Directors: and cut not one but two tiny white rosebuds to wear that day, one in memory of Mama and one in Chairman — Lowry “Whitey” Dougherty, Madisonville, Zone 3 memory of Mom-ma as we lovingly knew them. I have no intention to cease the custom.” Vice Chairman — Larry Rice, In a note from Landon and Ruby Hampton, who have owned and operated the landmark Hamp- Covington, Zone 1 ton’s Skullbone Store in Gibson County for more than 46 years, Ruby said that the Sunday before Larry Paul Harris, Wildersville, Zone 1 Mother’s Day, their preacher at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church recalled the tradition of wearing flow- Amos Huey, Kenton, Zone 1 Clint Callicott, Only, Zone 2 ers. “And as I was growing up, we all tried to wear a rose to honor our mothers,” Ruby added. Donald Jernigan, Christiana, Zone 2 (See Flowers, page 22) Kenneth Nixon, Carthage, Zone 2 Wayne Brown, Chuckey, Zone 3 George Smartt, McMinnville, Zone 3 Our Country Churches Chief Executive Officer ­­— Bart Krisle NOTICE: This publication is for informational purposes only. Tennessee Farmers Cooperative, its affiliates, Robertson Fork subsidiaries, and member Co-ops are not responsible for any damages or claims Church of Christ in that may result from a reader’s use of this information, including but not limited to actual, punitive, consequential, or economic Marshall County damages. Tennessee Farmers Cooperative The oldest records of Robertson makes no warranties or representations, either express or implied, including warranties of Fork Church of Christ in Marshall merchantability or fitness of any product/ material for a particular purpose. Each County date to 1830. The first article, document, advertisement, or other meeting house was built in 1832 information is provided “AS IS” and without warranty of any kind. Tennessee Farmers on land given by William Perkins Cooperative reserves the right to alter, at the site of the present-day correct, or otherwise change any part or portion of this publication, including articles church, which was built around and advertisements, without detriment to 1912 after the original structure Tennessee Farmers Cooperative, its affiliates, subsidiaries, or member cooperatives. burned.

— Submitted by John C. Hickman 186th in a series of photos to show where our rural Co-op friends worship ®

4 July 2010 Governor hopefuls share agricultural views Farmer-focused forum brings candidates together to discuss important issues for rural Tennessee Story and photos by Allison Morgan Airport Marriott, the event brought together all of the ennesseans will soon go governor hopefuls — which at to the polls to choose the time also included Kim Mc- Tthe state’s next governor, Millan of Clarksville and Bill and campaigns are culminating Gibbons of Memphis, both of for the four remaining guber- whom dropped out of the race natorial candidates — Mike shortly afterward — to explain McWherter of Jackson, Mayor their agricultural views and Zach Wamp, Republican candidate for the Tennessee governor’s seat, addresses a crowd of several hundred farmers, conservationists, and agricultural leaders Bill Haslam of Knoxville, Lt. answer questions posed by the at a forum on agriculture and rural issues held March 1 as part of the Tennessee Gov. Ron Ramsey of Blount- moderator and the audience of Association of Conservation Districts’ annual convention in Nashville. All of the ville, and U.S. Rep. Zach Wamp more than 250 farmers, con- contenders in the gubernatorial race spoke at the moderated forum. of Chattanooga. servationists, and agricultural ers and how much agriculture given to agriculture in this Their views on industry, leaders. means to this state.” campaign,” said Sells. “They’re education, and health care are “Since we had this many Danny Sells, TACD execu- talking about getting a Nissan well-publicized, but the only candidates and only a few had tive director, says the timing of or Volkswagen plant, but they chance these candidates have farming experience, we thought the convention was perfect to don’t talk about how much had to specifically address this would be a good oppor- bring all of the gubernatorial agriculture provides to the agricultural issues came on tunity to hear their opinions contenders together under one economy. Ag and ag-related March 1 during a moderated on agriculture,” said Barry roof and “quiz” them on rural jobs are still the largest employ- forum staged by the Tennessee Lake, TACD president and a and agricultural issues. It’s the er in the state, and I don’t think Association of Conservation 30-year member of the Harde- only farmer-focused forum for folks realize that.” Districts (TACD), an organiza- man County Soil Conservation the candidates that will be held During the three-hour-long tion composed of supervisors District board. “We learned a before the primary election on forum, candidates took turns from the state’s 95 county soil lot about them, but more im- Aug. 5, he added. making introductory remarks conservation districts. Held as portantly, I think they learned “In the reality of our dif- and then answering questions part of the TACD’s 66th annual something about us — what ficult economic times, there convention at the Nashville issues are important to farm- isn’t nearly enough attention (See Governor, page 6) News briefs ‘Tomato wars’ to be waged at Rutledge festival July 23 Widely acclaimed “tomato wars” will be a featured attraction at the Grainger County Tomato Festival, one of East Tennes- see’s largest free events, to be held Friday, July 23, through Sunday, July 25, in Rutledge. The three-day festival, at which fresh — and famous — Grainger County tomatoes will be available for sale, will be on the grounds of Rutledge Elementary School on Highway 11W. The tomato wars will be launched at 10 a.m. Saturday, as rotten tomatoes fly at 40 miles per hour. The festival also features a 5K run, car and art shows, living history exhibits, children’s games, entertainment, plenty of food, and much more. For more information, including a complete list of events, visit online at www.graingercountytomatofestival.com. Tennessee to host national beef symposium A national symposium designed to help beef cattle producers enhance their operations is coming to Nashville next month. The University of Tennessee Extension will host the 11th Ap- plied Reproductive Strategies in Beef Cattle Symposium on Aug. 5 and 6 at the Nashville Airport Marriott. This conference is the premier event for beef cattle produc- ers, Extension educators, veterinarians, and the allied industry to learn about enhancing reproductive efficiency in their opera- tions. This is only the second time since its inception that the conference has been in the Southeastern U.S. The cost of the conference is $150 for registration prior to July 22. Student registration is $75. To register and find more information, visit online at http://beefrepro.unl.edu.

July 2010 5 nally intended to be supported es, such as alternative watering using the state’s tobacco settle- Governor through recurring funds from systems, grazing systems, and ment money, and has continued (continued from page 5) the real estate transfer tax, but stream crossings,” said Sells. to be funded and supported by in the recent tight budget years, “This cost-share is often the the governor and the legislature from moderator Perry Stevens, those dollars have been diverted difference in whether a project each year since. state public affairs specialist for to the general fund, where the gets done, so we want to make Other topics addressed by the Natural Resources Conser- programs must compete with sure this program stays alive the candidates included wildlife vation Service. Each candidate many others for appropriations. and viable.” policies, support for the Exten- received the same two questions Though this year’s budget has The second question asked sion service, alternative energy and then others collected from restored the ARCF to its original of all candidates was about sources, job creation, sales tax the audience as time permitted. place under the realty transfer their support for the Tennes- exemptions for farmers, animal The first common topic tax, Sells said the TACD had a see Agricultural Enhancement welfare, and environmental concerned the Ag Resources vested interest in learning how Program (TAEP), which pro- regulations. Conservation Fund (ARCF), the candidates felt about keep- vides producers with cost-share Here, listed in alphabetical a state program that provides ing it there in the future. funds for long-term investments order, are some excerpts from up to 75 percent of the cost of “The ARCF is the only in livestock and farming opera- the candidates’ introductory re- practices that conserve, protect, program the state of Tennes- tions. The popular program be- marks and what they had to say and restore working agricultural see funds for projects that help gan in 2006 under current Gov. about these important agricul- lands. The ARCF was origi- protect soil and water resourc- Phil Bredesen’s administration, tural and rural issues: H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H H portant to us. I think you have to take a common-sense approach Bill Haslam, about what is exempt and what is not. But 30 years ago, 54 per- Republican cent of our state’s economy was subject to the sales tax; today that Knoxville Mayor Bill Haslam, number is down to 41 percent. Even aside from the recession, 51, is now in his second term and that leads us to the difficult budget situation we’re in now.” seventh year as leader of the city On job creation: “No matter where I go across the state, peo- where he was born and raised. ple are really concerned about not only their jobs but also their Before he was first elected as mayor children’s and grandchildren’s jobs. We need a governor who in 2003, he graduated from Emory understands how companies and people invest their money. I’ve University in Atlanta with a degree been part of that process before. I’ve been doing that as mayor of in history and served as president Knoxville, and I’ve also done that as part of a private business that of his family’s fuel center business, started right here in Tennessee.” Pilot Corporation, for 13 years. The Haslams’ Pilot Travel Centers Mike McWherter, now have more than 300 locations in 39 states. Democrat “Some of you might say, Bill, you’ve been in the truck stop West Tennessee native Mike business, you’ve been the mayor of an urban city. What makes us McWherter, 54, the only Demo- think you would know and care about the issues that matter to us? crat remaining in the race, is the Fair question. The first thing about any leader, you should always son of former Tennessee Gov. Ned know the things that you don’t know. When I started running for McWherter, who served from 1987 this office, I understood how important agriculture is to our state’s to 1995. He’s also the only candi- economy. So I started asking questions. A year ago, I had some date who has not previously held folks from the Farm Bureau come together and let me ask them an elected office, earning a law questions. My pledge to you is that I will work very hard to ask degree from Vanderbilt University questions the whole time, to understand the importance of what and working as an attorney in you do, and to make certain that your industry is protected.” private practice before moving to On the ARCF: “It is very important that those funds be Jackson, where he’s owned and operated a beer distributorship for restored to the budget, and I was pleased to see Gov. Bredesen the past 20 years. do that this year. That being said, we face an incredible budget challenge, and the answers are not going to be easy. We are going “I’m a businessman — I’m not a professional politician, but as to have to be much more strategic and surgical. One of the things I look across this state I see some huge issues in our future such you learn in business is to be very strategic about where you put as health care and education as well as unemployment. I learned money, making certain that the return is there.” from my father that the most important job of being governor is to On Ag Enhancement: “Every time I sit down with a group put the interest of working families first. If you do that, every- of farmers, that is one of the first questions asked. The answer is thing else falls into place. For Tennessee to prosper, all regions ‘Yes,’ I would continue to support those funds. I think you keep of the state must be successful, especially our rural areas — they investing where things work. As we look at best practices, our job feed our urban areas.” is to see where we can leverage the success of that program and On the ARCF: “When the legislature passes a program such copy it in other places.” as this, where the fund is dedicated to a certain purpose, then On support for Extension: “Budgets are going to remain that purpose should be honored. I’m proud that Gov. Bredesen tight, and it is going to be very tough. But again, [Extension] is has restored that funding to a recurring basis in his current bud- one of those places where you always look and ask, ‘Is it critical to get, as tight as it is. I know times are tough, but agriculture is a both our employment base and to our quality of life?’ There is no mainstay for this state, and we need to make sure that you’ve got question that our Extension agents are doing that, and I will work the tools to be successful.” hard to protect it.” On Ag Enhancement: “I truly believe the Agriculture En- On sales tax exemptions for farmers: “The current exemp- hancement Program has probably been the most important piece tion is obviously a good thing to protect an industry that is so im- of legislation passed for agriculture in the history of the state. I

6 July 2010 am absolutely supportive of that. I was recently in Rogersville, but it is worth a try. Switchgrass will be one of those ways to and I always try to go by the Co-op when I’m visiting the different make biofuel that doesn’t need corn or soybeans and at the same counties. The gentleman there at [Hawkins Farmers Co-op] told time gives farmers an alternate market. If we start taking every me they’d sold a tremendous number of cattle chutes since Ag kernel of corn and turning it into gas, then we have a secondary Enhancement came aboard, and it’s really helped move the cattle problem, and that is growing beef.” program forward in their area. I’ve seen firsthand how important On job creation: “I’m the only one in this race who started that program is to the development of agriculture, and I want to not one but two small businesses from scratch. I know what see it progress and go forward in the future.” small businesses want from the government — nothing. Leave On animal welfare issues: “We need to make sure the cattle me alone, get out of the way, and we’ll create the jobs. That’s how industry is always competitive and able to progress. My family is we get out of the situation we’re in now. We’re not going to tax in the cattle business. We own a farm in a little community north our way out of it; we’re not going to spend our way out of it. The of Dresden named Palmersville, and I have my own farm down in government doesn’t create jobs; businesses create jobs.” Gibson County. I understand the issues that cattle farmers are facing in that regard; we face them as well. I believe the govern- ment should be here to help, but not tie down family farmers in Zach Wamp, red tape. That will never, ever be the goal of my administration.” Republican On job creation: “As you look across the landscape of Tennes- U.S. Rep. Zach Wamp, 53, a see, we have all seen literally thousands of jobs disappear. Our Chattanooga native, has represent- state unemployment is the highest it’s been in my lifetime. For ed Tennessee’s 3rd Congressional this state to be successful, the next governor has to be someone District since 1995. He serves on with the skills and the background to understand how to build the House Appropriations Commit- this economy, how to create jobs, and how to maintain jobs. That tee’s Energy and Water Subcom- is why I’m running for governor.” mittee and the Subcommittee on Military Construction and Veterans Ron Ramsey, Affairs. Before being elected to Congress, he attended both the Republican University of North Carolina in Lt. Gov. Ron Ramsey, 55, of Chapel Hill and the University of Tennessee at Knoxville and spent Blountville is the first Republican 12 years as a small businessman and commercial real estate broker. Senate Speaker in 140 years. He served two terms in the Tennessee “About a year ago, I was quoted in Progressive Farmer maga- House of Representatives before zine, talking about production. I said if someone doesn’t make winning election to the State Senate, it, build it, or grow it, you can’t service it or sell it. I went on to representing Johnson and Sullivan say that growers were our country’s first manufacturers. There counties, in 1996. After graduating will not be a governor more supportive of the agriculture industry from East Tennessee State University in this state than me. Our economic development has revolved with a degree in industrial technol- around interstates and big cities and not near enough from rural ogy in 1978, he started his own Tennessee. We have to support all of the economic development surveying business, which has grown into a real estate and auction that goes with a rural, ag-based agenda in this state.” company, Ron Ramsey and Associates, in upper East Tennessee. On the ARCF: “Keep your hands off the money that was collected for a specific purpose. Let it go back to the people who “I grew up on a small farm in northeast Tennessee, raising basically paid the money in. Yes, we need this fund. These are tobacco and milking cows until I was about 16 years old, when valuable programs.” Granddad finally sold the dairy herd and we got into the beef On Ag Enhancement: “I do support this program. Using the business. I think it’s safe to say that I’m the only gubernatorial tobacco settlement proceeds in an area like this fund is impor- candidate who actually has ever put on a set of milkers, and I still tant.” have a dozen cows or so. I understand what you all go through.” On environmental regulation: “We all want clean water, but On the ARCF: “I’ve been trying to defend this fund from the growers and producers are the best stewards of the land. Do not start. On my own farm, I put in a few cattle waterers and hon- treat them like polluters; do not over-regulate them. What I want estly could have gotten the 75-percent match from this fund. But to do is make sure Tennessee is a shining example of how this is being in politics, I didn’t want to take the heat, so I just paid for supposed to be done — care for the people but keep the govern- them myself. So yes, I will protect that money if I’m governor, ment in its limited role. You have to have a balance of regulation because I understand the good that comes from it.” so we can have production agriculture in our state without an On Ag Enhancement: “From the very beginning, I worked overzealous federal government.” with [State Agriculture Commissioner] Ken Givens to get the On animal welfare issues: “You know there are protections Ag Enhancement put into the budget. I think these grants are that need to be made, but growers and producers don’t want to a shining example of something that has actually worked. The be told what to do. Don’t put us out of business with things that money actually made it to the people it was supposed to go to, don’t work. Listen to us, and we will tell you how best to do this. and I think our beef herd and hay storage across the state have The main thing a governor can do is work with other governors been improved because of that.” to say, on behalf of our growers and producers, this is what will On support for Extension: “The first elected office I ever had work. It takes people who understand the issues and can pull was president of the 4-H Club in fourth grade. That’s what got together to stand against an over-reaching federal government.” me started as the lieutenant governor of the state of Tennessee. On job creation: “My production agenda, I think, will go a I also know that the Extension agents today provide a valuable long way toward creating jobs in Tennessee. I created the tech- service. What it is all about is setting priorities, and you have to nology corridor in East Tennessee, and we need a defense cor- understand how important the agriculture business is to our state. ridor running up the middle part of our state. But the agriculture I am one who can do that.” sector has got to be put at the forefront of our state’s economic On energy policy: “I’ve been very supportive of the whole activity. With the legacy, the history, the open lands, the steward- switchgrass deal. I don’t know whether it’s going to work or not, ship, agriculture has to be central to a new economy.”

July 2010 7 Present for the dedication of the museum are, from left, Rep. Henry Fincher, Tennessee Commissioner of Agriculture Ken Givens, Rep. Les Winningham, Ag Museum Committee Member James Clemons, Sen. Charlotte Burks, Ag Museum Committee Chairman Stan Webster, Granville Museum President Randall Clemons, and museum donor Zelma Custer. wood from the original struc- from that. It used to be that in ture. There is even a children’s the [state] Senate, everybody “Farmer of the Day” interactive was either raised on a farm or exhibit where kids can gather had parents that were, but that’s Ag heritage farm products to be bartered for not the case anymore. It gets candy inside the nearby Sutton harder in Nashville to tell the General Store. rural story, and things like this After spending several min- museum really help.” on display utes touring the museum, In his thanks to the lawmak- Grants from the state of Tennessee help Givens called the facility “incred- ers, Clemons acknowledged ible” and said he hoped it would the significance of the donated fund Granville’s new agricultural museum become a model for other com- funds. Story and photos by Mark E. Johnson munities in Tennessee. “We are going to try to do our Murfreesboro resident Joey Persico, left, Sen. Charlotte Burk, center, and others “Children can come in here part in our museum and make tour the Granville Museum’s new agricultural wing during Heritage Day festivities on and see how things used to be,” sure the tax dollars you have Saturday, May 29. he said. “I just think it’s great given us are used in a wise way,” he tiny, historic, south- Ag Tag Program and funds from that a community would do this, he said. “Granville’s just a wide ern Jackson County the 2010 Tennessee Agricul- and my head is already spinning place in the road. Sometimes Thamlet of Granville tural Enhancement Program for on what other places might be it takes somebody like these came alive with bluegrass making the museum a reality. able to do. It’s exciting that our people to have faith in you to music, homemade ice cream, Construction on the project Ag Enhancement program can accomplish a project like this arts and crafts, classic cars, and began in August 2009 and was be involved in projects like this. museum, and we greatly appre- thousands of curious visitors mostly completed in time for the We have a category that helps ciate that.” Saturday, May 29, as the town festival. fund farmers markets, county Granville Museum will host staged its 12th annual Heritage “When Cordell Hull Lake was fairs, and so on, and this project The Smithsonian Traveling Ex- Day festival. created, a lot of our fertile river fits right in. These enhance- hibit “Journey Stories” from bottoms were taken, and agri- ment dollars are so important to Oct. 2 through Nov. 14. For l culture took a step back,” said rural communities in a variety of more information, visit the ex- Granville Clemons during the dedication. ways.” hibit website at www.museum “By developing the museum, Givens said next year’s Ag En- onmainstreet.org/journey Among the events drawing at- we’ve tried to preserve the agri- hancement Program will include stories. Normal business hours tention to this year’s festival was cultural history that is so impor- a category to help fund commu- of the museum are noon to the dedication of a new agricul- tant here. We are so fortunate to nity and school garden projects 3 p.m., and admission is free. tural wing of the town’s mu- be able to take that to a different in both rural and urban areas. For more information about the seum. Tennessee Commissioner level as a result of the state of Burks, a longtime farmer in museum, visit online at www. of Agriculture Ken Givens, Sen. Tennessee and what they have Monterey, said projects like the granvillemuseum.com. Charlotte Burks of Monterey, been able to help us do. We museum bring and Representatives Henry can’t say ‘thanks’ enough.” much-needed Fincher of Cookeville and Les The impressive facility is attention to the Winningham of Huntsville were packed with an assortment of an- ag industry. on hand to officially open the tique farm implements and tools “This is what facility to the public during the and exhibits on subjects ranging all rural commu- morning ceremony that kicked from tobacco to blacksmithing. nities are built off the day’s festivities. There is a 1950s-era photo essay on; it’s what our Randall Clemons, president of on tobacco production, a collec- nation is built the Granville Museum, credited tion of photos of area farmers, on,” she said. a 2009 grant from the Tennes- and a partial scale reproduc- “On a national see Department of Agriculture tion of a historic barn in nearby level, we keep Area residents ??? ?????? and ???? ???? check out some of with proceeds derived from the Chestnut Mound using actual getting away the photos on the museum’s Farmers of Granville display.

8 July 2010 Co-op continues to be Celebration supporter Still the ‘official feed’ of walking horse industry’s premier event Aug. 25-Sept. 4 ince Tennessee Farmers debut at “Co-op is knowledge for their owners and Cooperative began its the event. fully sup- trainers.” Spopular partnership with Through- portive of and For more information and the Tennessee Walking Horse out the committed schedule of events, call 931-684- National Celebration® in 2008, Celebra- to the walk- 5915 or visit the Celebration’s Co-op has not only become the tion, Co-op ing horse website at www.twhnc.com. “official feed” of this premier feed experts like Kim Smith, industry,” says Smith. “We For more information about event but also the brand of TFC equine specialist, will be want to not only be a source of Co-op horse feeds and other choice for many walking horse on hand to answer questions quality products for these hard- equine products, visit owners and trainers. on equine nutrition and Co-op working horses but also serve as www.ourcoop.com and click The show of support that horse feeds. a resource of information and on the “Round Pen” logo. Co-op has given the walking horse industry is a good reason to show support in return, says Allan Callaway, a well-respected stable owner and highly ac- claimed trainer in Shelbyville. “It’s critical that we have quality sponsors for the Cele- bration, and the fact that Co-op is so involved makes it even bet- ter,” says Callaway, a customer of Bedford Moore Farmers Cooperative. “Being a local, farmer-owned company, Co-op knows the industry and under- stands the needs of the trainers and breeders. That’s why I feed their feeds and use their equine products at my stables.” Along with the honor of be- ing named the “Official Feed of the Celebration,” TFC’s ongo- ing corporate sponsorship of the Celebration is helping to promote the Co-op brand and give horse owners and visitors a chance to learn from TFC equine experts. “I’m excited to have Co-op as a major corporate sponsor for the Celebration again in 2010,” says Dr. Doyle Meadows, chief executive officer of the Cel- ebration. “Both are longstand- ing Tennessee traditions, so it’s only natural for our organiza- tions to work together.” During this year’s 72nd Cele- bration Aug. 25 through Sept. 4 in Shelbyville, the breed’s World Grand Champion Tennessee Walking Horse® and some 33 other World Grand Champions will be crowned with more than $700,000 in prizes and awards given. Other activities include a barn-decorating contest, a trade fair, and a dog show. TFC’s “Premier Sponsor” status includes an extensive presence at the Celebration shows and trade fair with two new promotional videos that will

July 2010 9 With diligent management practices, Lebanon soybean and forage producer Wes Suddarth gives his plants the best shot for success Story and photos by Mark E. Johnson

Soybean producer Wes Suddarth, left, inspects his crop with Wilson Farmers Cooperative salesman Morgan Locke, center, and Tennessee Farmers Cooperative agronomy specialist Jack Christian. Wes says that based on recommendations from Morgan and Jack, he averaged a yield of 66 bushels last year. The county average was 41 bushels. alf of Wes Suddarth’s best inputs, and best recommen- tough bean as well as the 4877, typical week is devoted dations.” which has some defense to it.” Hto filling cavities and Wes says he’s found this Both varieties have strong performing root canals at his “trifecta” of great management genetics against diseases such Alexandria dentistry practice. at Wilson Farmers Cooperative. as frogeye, stem canker, sudden During the other half, Wes is In addition to purchasing all of death syndrome, and phytophi- filling spray tanks and improv- his inputs from the Co-op, Wes thora (root rot), Jack points out. ing the root systems of his depends heavily on the exper- “Wes was looking for a bean 100 acres of Croplan Genetics tise of Wilson Farmers outside that would stand up to some of soybeans. salesman Morgan Locke and the problems he was experienc- “I’ve been in practice as a Tennessee Farmers Coopera- ing before,” he says. “These vari- dentist for 32 years,” says the tive agronomy specialist Jack eties are defensive but also offer native Wilson Countian who Christian. great yield potential. In fact, I’ve lives on his Lebanon farm with “Those two guys do all the seen the 4886 make 80 bushels his wife, Pat. “But I’ve been in work; I just follow their instruc- in one of our test plots.” agriculture practically all my life. tions,” laughs Wes. “I’d put Jack Wes says going to the Croplan That may sound odd, but for me, and Morgan up against anybody varieties “made all the difference it’s a great way of life.” in the Mid-South when it comes in the world.” Wes, a Wilson County native, and to [soybean management].” “They performed as adver- his father, George, produced Santa Gertrudis cattle for years before Wes began growing soybeans tised, for sure,” he says. “I plan switching to soybeans. Lebanonl around 2006 after 30 years to double-crop next year with of producing Santa Gertrudis whatever wheat variety Morgan Coat (#96875), a combination of cattle and square-baled Bermu- and Jack recommend.” vitamins, amino acids, enzymes, With the skill and precision dagrass hay. Based on Wes’ two Prior to planting, Wes began and nutrients designed to en- one might expect from a sure- seasons of dealing with drought his intensive management plan hance the bacterial activity in the handed dentist, Wes has created conditions and under-achieving by treating the DAP (diammo- rizosphere surrounding the seed. a model of exceptional health brands of beans, Jack recom- nium phosphate) in his crop Some three to four weeks after and yields in his soybeans. Last mended Croplan 4886 and nutrient mixture with SFP’s Avail planting, he sprayed the crop year, he averaged 66 bushels per 4877. fertilizer enhancement (#96846). with Universal Crop Protection acre, in contrast to the county “Year in and year out, late “Avail simply keeps the phos- Alliance’s (UCPA) Gly-4 generic average of 41 bushels. group 4 beans tend to be phate from being tied up in the glyphosate (#47272) along with “When I put that seed in the dominant in this area,” the soil by calcium and magnesium,” DeltAg’s Perc Plus (#96866) — a ground, I want to give it every agronomist explains. “The late says Jack. “This allows the plant foliar crop nutrient that gives chance of growing and produc- 4s make up the majority of to take up more phosphate than plants an added boost on top of ing the most it possibly can,” acres, but there are some earlier would be possible otherwise.” that provided by the initial ap- Wes says. “That means I’m varieties as well as some 5s. We At planting, Wes treated his plication of dry fertilizer — and looking for the best varieties, knew that the 4886 was a good, seed with DeltAg Products’ Seed the UCPA adjuvant Astound

10 July 2010 (#49979), a surfactant and liquid the transition to Teff to be a AMS (ammonium sulfate) com- “breeze.” bination. “I’ve planted a lot of Bermu- “After I applied Perc Plus dagrass from seed and was ac- last year, the beans became so customed to preparing ground dark green they were nearly that way, so I did the same with black,” says Wes. “It stimulates the Teff,” he says. “As soon the plant to send those roots as I could get into that field down deep. Astound really in the spring, I began disking drives the glyphosate into the the ground to keep the weeds weeds, and you get a much bet- down.” ter kill as a result.” After applying crop nutrients The producer adds that he and cultipacking the field in ABOVE: From left, Morgan, Wes, and believes the Perc Plus applica- late May, Wes seeded it before a Jack inspect the 2-week-old growth tion helps close the canopy rain with his four-wheel utility of a field of Teff grass. Wes will use it for square-baled hay for horse-owner earlier and thicker, preventing vehicle. He was unprepared customers. RIGHT: Wes says switching sunlight from reaching any for a phone call from his father, to Croplan Genetics soybeans made a surviving weed seeds. When George, four days later. big difference in his yields. harvest time rolled around, Wes “He said, ‘I can look down it in the tractor,” he explains. “I’ve always been interested says he was “tickled to death” there and see green,’” Wes re- “Then, I upgraded my sprayer, in technology and like to try with the soybeans. calls. “Can you imagine? That and it came with a controller new things,” Wes says with a “When I got into the better much growth in only four days!” and foamer, which compounded smile. “Whether it’s advances part of the beans, I bet [the In less than three weeks, the the problem. There didn’t seem in crop protection, new variet- yield] was in the 70s,” he says. Teff was more than a foot tall to be an item available to orga- ies in soybeans or forage, or “They were really pouring into and extremely dense, he reports. nize everything, so I invented even inventing farm equip- that combine.” “I’m really kind of excited one. I have a patent pending.” ment, I’m usually up for giving Wes’ recent crop successes about this because I don’t have Simply called an Ag Tractor it a go. That’s what makes life are not limited to soybeans. a lot of land, but I like to grow Mounting Tree, the device at- interesting!” This spring, he planted a things,” he says. “Usually, I can taches quickly to most commer- To learn more about Croplan three-acre field near his father’s get several cuttings off my Ber- cial brands of tractors and can Genetics soybeans or any of the house in Farm Science Genet- muda, and I expect to get three display at least three standard crop inputs mentioned in this ics’ Dessie Teff grass (#80633), or four off the Teff, too. I think monitors within easy reach of story, visit with the professionals a warm-season annual forage my horse-owner customers will the driver. at your local Co-op. native to Ethiopia, to comple- be thrilled with this.” ment his longstanding Bermu- Based on these successes, dagrass business. Wes says, he may add another “I wanted something to plant 25 acres of soybeans next year in the summer, and Morgan but intends to keep his op- suggested Teff,” Wes explains. eration at a level that he can “I’d read about it in the Coop- handle alone. As if a dentistry erator and decided the time practice and farm operation was right to try it.” weren’t enough, Wes has also “Teff is a high-quality forage invented a device to mount with a protein level of 15 per- multiple electronic components cent to 20 percent,” adds Mor- in a tractor cab and is selling gan. “It’s extremely drought-tol- the product online at www. erant, and we thought it would agtractormonitormount.com. be a great choice for Wes.” “When I first started spray- As an experienced grower ing and purchased a GPS unit, of Bermudagrass, Wes found I didn’t have a place to mount

Being a 1972 graduate of Tennessee Technological University in Cookeville in mechanical engineering, it’s no wonder that Wes is “prone” to designing farm equipment, including this tractor mount for precision ag monitors and controllers.

July 2010 11 Usually, petting a bull is something that should be done at one’s own peril. But, as the size of this Dexter bull named FF Freedom clearly indicates, this isn’t your average bovine. Dexters are a miniature breed that only grow three feet tall, and Sally Coad, left, and her husband, Warren, inside the barn at left with Foothills Farmers Cooperative livestock specialist Randy Croft, have been raising these cattle for 12 years. They recently moved their 70-head operation, Freedom Farms, from North Carolina to Tennessee. Raising versatile miniature cattle brings joy to Warren and Sally Coad Story and photos by Chris Villines saw how cool they looked and relocated twice, moving from they grew their herd to 130 head how trainable and adaptable they Connecticut to North Carolina and were honored by the ADCA rowsing the newspaper were, we knew we had stumbled and this past October transfer- three consecutive years — 2002, one morning back in onto something good. We ring their operation, dubbed 2003, and 2004 (the award was B1998, Warren Coad ran bought a bull calf and cow the Freedom Farms, to Tennessee discontinued after 2004) — as across an ad that piqued his same day, and that is how we got on 60 acres of land in Philadel- having the best herd in the U.S. curiosity: started.” phia so that Sally could care for They sold off a portion of their “Dexter cattle for sale. Must her elderly parents who live in herd in the move to Tennessee sell due to health reasons.” nearby Loudon. As for Dexters, and now have 70 head. The ad, which appeared in the Philadelphia l there are now around 8,000 “We sold anything we could Waterbury (Conn.) Republican, head in the U.S. and at least live without,” says Warren. “We left Warren and his wife, Sally, In the days and weeks that one in each of scratching their heads. Warren followed, Sally says it was hu- the 50 states, had been around cattle for most morous to see the double takes according to of his life, and he and Sally were and craning necks from people the American raising various breeds on their driving past the Coads’ farm as Dexter Cattle 4½-acre Waterbury farm. they caught a first glimpse of Association But Dexters? Well, they were these seemingly ill-sized animals (ADCA). Sally as foreign to the Coads as the that are miniature versions of estimates that country of Ireland, where the regular cattle. there are breed originated in the 1800s. “We lived right beside a “probably a Dexters are the smallest true major road,” laughs Sally. “I dozen” Dexter breed of cattle in the world, would take the cows out to the breeders in growing to only about three feet front lawn, and people would Tennessee. tall. They’re also one of the be flying by, but all of a sudden, But per- last remaining true tri-purpose they would lock up their brakes haps the breeds, good for beef, milk, and and back up to see them again. biggest change draft work. Most everyone was like us; they of all has been “We were looking for some- had never seen or heard of Dex- the Coads’ thing different, so I called the ter cattle before. At that time, emergence as person who placed the ad and they were on the endangered list nationally re- asked him all about Dexters,” as rare animals.” spected Dexter says Warren. “He explained A lot has changed for both the breeders.

them to me over the phone, Coads and the Dexter breed in From Belle, a 4-year-old Dexter, is one of the cows Sally and Warren and then Sally and I went to his the 12 years since they were in- small-scale exhibit on the show circuit. The size and disposition of Dexters place to see his herd. When we troduced. Warren and Sally have beginnings, makes them good for both youth and adult exhibitors.

12 July 2010 made many, many trips between North Carolina and here. Luck- ily, my brother drives a [semi] truck, so we would load up eight to nine cows, bring them here, then go back and get some more. We organized the trips around which cows were going to calve. We didn’t want any calving the day before they were getting on the trailer; we wanted them to calve here. It was a bit of a headache, but we felt much bet- ter hauling the cattle ourselves.” With Freedom Farms’ year- LEFT: The first known register of Dexter cattle occurred in Ireland round calving program, a calf is in 1887, and the breed was introduced to the U.S. between 1905 born “about every seven to 10 and 1915. Dexters are now in every state and four Canadian days” throughout the year. It’s provinces. Dexters are a heritage breed, meaning they have never been genetically modified. ABOVE: Warren and Sally perform not unusual, the Coads say, for head counts twice daily on their herd. the phone to ring several times a week with callers inquiring she said something about min- Tennessee at the Athens Re- It’s no coincidence, Sally says, about their Dexters, the breed in iature cows and that her editor gional Park. that Dexters have risen in popu- general, or the natural beef they wanted to fly her down to do a Warren and Sally are also larity in the sluggish economy. sell from their own stock. story. I have no idea how they members of Foothills Farmers Smaller cows mean smaller ap- “A lot of people know us now,” heard about us, but I’m glad they Cooperative, and they trust the petites, she explains, so they eat notes Sally. “They know they did. We had the kids who were Co-op for products to help them only about a third of what larger can call across the country, buy a on our show team at the time feed and nourish their cows and breeds consume. cow sight unseen, and get some- there, and everyone had a blast.” bulls. They use a combination “Dexters are very easy keep- thing they will be happy with. Because of Dexters’ size and of Co-op 14% Pelleted Beef ers, and as feed and land costs Some people simply call and say, trainability, the Coads have Developer (#94169), Co-op 12% continue to rise, a lot of people ‘Do you still have so-and-so’s introduced many youth to the Special Coarse (#93283), and are giving up their big spreads calf, and are you selling it?’ and breed. In North Carolina, a special natural feed made for and selling everything except 10 that is the end of the conversa- their youth show team grew to them at Foothills’ Maryville Feed acres,” says Sally. [With Dexters] tion. They want that calf.” 15 members, some of whom Mill. Calves are also given they can still have cows. They But, Warren interjects, there claimed regional and national Co-op Calf Starter/Grower don’t need 100 or 1,000 acres.” is a whole other set of inquiring exhibitor awards. The Coads Coarse-DEC (#308), and the Admittedly, Dexters do get by minds contacting the farm. themselves are also multiple na- Coads purchase Co-op Foun- on less, says Sally, but she adds “The majority of the people tional show award winners, and dation Cattle Mineral (#663) that they need a well-balanced, who call have no idea what a since their move to Tennessee and Co-op Foundation Hi-Mag nutritious diet of grass, Co-op Dexter is,” Warren says. “They they are looking to recruit youth Cattle Mineral (#675) to supple- feed, and Co-op minerals. just saw something about them to start a new team. ment the herd’s diet. Now that they have estab- somewhere. Then you have “What got us started with the “These cows will browse like lished themselves as Dexter people who call because they youth was that I was asked to goats, and young leaves and breeders, both Sally and War- want one as a family milk cow, do a talk in front of 600 to 800 weeds are not the most nutri- ren say they get a great deal of a pet, a horse companion, or for third-graders and bring a live ex- tious things in the world,” says satisfaction from introducing beef or breeding stock.” hibit,” Sally explains. “I brought Sally. “As long as they have a youngsters and adults alike to Another growing area of their two of our cows, and these good mineral and are getting this unique animal. customer base, Warren adds, is poor kids had no idea that cows enough feed, that’s OK.” “The cattle are fun to be retired cattlemen. existed that weren’t black and Even though Dexters come in around,” says Sally. “From the “These are people who have white. I would ask, ‘Where does a compact package, the Coads first time I saw one of those cute gotten rid of their herds, and hamburger come from?’, and the say calving has been a breeze. little cows come out of the barn, now they miss having cows response would be ‘McDonald’s.’ “At first, we worried about I knew I wanted to raise them. around them,” he says. “But I knew we had to do something. how some of these little bitty It’s been great.” they want something smaller so So we started getting kids to heifers were going to have Freedom Farms, located at there are less physical demands. come out to the farm, and they calves,” admits Sally. “But we’ve 320 Buckner Road in Philadel- There’s a big market of these would see the ribbons and ask if had no problems whatsoever. phia, is open for individual and people out there.” they could go to a show. That’s When we had larger cows, there group tours by appointment. In August 2008, even the when we started teaching them were too many times we would To schedule a tour, place a beef prestigious Wall Street Journal how to show.” pull dead calves out of mamas order, or inquire about buy- covered the uptick in minicattle The Coads, who have been who didn’t want to cooperate.” ing or showing Dexter cattle, farming with a front-page article. married for 15 years, are both A newborn Dexter weighs call Warren and Sally Coad at The Coads’ operation, then lo- active in the ADCA, with Warren between 35 and 50 pounds and 865-213-0590 or e-mail cated in Louisburg, N.C., was at serving as a director and he and can be any one of three solid col- [email protected]. the center of the story. Sally serving as co-chairs of the ors — black, the most prevalent; You can also find more infor- “I almost hung up on the organization’s youth commit- dun, a brown that can range mation on their website at reporter because I thought it tee. They also coordinated last from caramel to dark chocolate freedomfarmdexters.com. was a sales call,” Sally says with month’s ADCA National Show (no other breed of cattle has the For more information about a chuckle. “I was about to say, and Sale Celebration, which for dun color gene, Sally says); and Co-op feeds, visit the profes- ‘We’re not interested’, but then the first time ever was held in red, the rarest color. sionals at your local Co-op.

July 2010 13 New at Co-op ®

Mosquito Barrier America’s only mosquito, tick, and flea repellent for grassy areas such as yards, parks, athletic fields, and golf courses, Mosquito Barrier will keep these pests — along with gnats, fire ants, and black flies — out of #202671 — Gallon #202672 — Quart your yard and away from your home 24 hours a day for nearly a month. Just one #717631 — 5-pound pail application of the all-natural, liquid garlic-based product will kill Safe-Guard® Multi-Species adult mosquitoes on contact and keep mosquitoes out of the area. It also suffocates any mosquito larvae in standing water. Medicated Dewormer Generally, four applications are enough for the entire mosquito This multi-species medicated dewormer from Safe-Guard and tick season, and even in the heaviest infestations a gallon is hits the target right where the worms live. With the active usually enough for the entire year. ingredient fenbendazole .5%, this broad-spectrum dewormer guards beef cattle, dairy cattle, equine, hoofed wildlife, and zoo animals, swine, and turkeys from 99 percent of major worms. It’s safe for pregnant and lactating cows — no milk withdrawal — and the tasty pellets are easty to feed. Safe-Guard also aids Speedrite in healthy growth and natural immune defense. Portable Solar Stand The new Speedrite Portable Solar Stand helps maximize the solar capability of your Speedrite 1000 electric fence ener- gizer, giving it twice the power of our largest integrated Co-op Calf Pro, Victory Lane solar energizer. The portable Milk Replacers solar stand is a Co-op’s popular Calf Pro and Victory Lane Milk Replacers, solid steel, black manufactured by Land O’Lakes, have been updated with excit- powder-coated ing new changes that are exclusive to these products. Our milk frame with a replacers now have the addition of Bovatec to help control preset solar coccidiosis and Clarifly, an innovative larvicide from Central Life panel mount Sciences for preventing the development of house, stable, face, to ensure and horn flies. The combination of Bovatec and Clarifly can only proper panel be found in products from Land O’Lakes, which has manufac- angle at all times. #19833 tured milk replacers for our system for more than 40 years. The unit is portable The formulation changes have also improved mixability of these enough to be lifted into milk replacers. These improvements continue to demonstrate the bed of truck or onto the back of an ATV, which is espe- the commitment of Co-op and Land O’Lakes in bringing the lat- cially useful for managing grazing when rotating your cattle est technologies to our calf producers. between paddocks. The portable solar stand comes with a battery box. The Speedrite 1000 energizer, 10-watt solar Co-op Calf Pro — #1809 (25-pound bag,) #1802 (50-pound bag) panel, and 12-volt deep cycle battery are not included. Co-op Victory Lane — #1750

14 July 2010 New at Co-op ®

#160200 #160201 #160202 Snap-on Snap-on Snap-on 13-watt Cordless 75-watt Cordless 25-LED Rechargeable Fluorescent Metal Cage Light Angle Light Angle Light • Heavy-duty, powder-coated • Impact-resistant plastic body • Impact-resistant housing steel cage • Bright, 25-LED rating for100,000 hours • Easy access outlet on handle • Tool tap of service • Swivel hang hook • Swivel hang hook • Swivel, fold-away hang hook • Works with any extension cord • Works with any extension cord • High impact lens • Cord strap to hold extension cord in • Cord strap to hold extension cord • Ergonomic grip place in place • AC wall adapter included

Courser LTR MC-440 Courser STR The Courser LTR light truck tire of- The new MC-440 tire provides great The Courser STR is a sport utility vehicle fers excellent, all-season performance all-season traction with a smooth, quiet (SUV) value design with excellent all- at “value tire” cost. The Courser LTR ride at highway speeds. With the MC-440, season performance at “value tire” cost. has the size coverage for today’s most you get excellent performance without The Courser STR has the size coverage popular vehicles. The five-rib tread de- the premium price. This modern-looking focused on today’s most popular vehicles. sign creates a pattern of gripping edges radial will perform well in wet and dry The modern highway tread pattern is for that allows the tire to perform equally weather. The unique center rib design popular crossover vehicles, SUVs, and well on and off the road. A wider tread provides cross slot for all-weather trac- light trucks. It provides a smooth ride footprint along with a dual radius tread tion while maintaining on-center feel. and comfortable on-center feel. See- arc gives this tire uniform pressure Lateral slots in the shoulder help ensure through grooves help disperse water and distribution across the contact patch for excellent traction throughout the life of slush from the tread to provide depend- even wear and consistent grip. Available the tire. See-through grooves help dis- able, all-season traction. Computer- in outline white letter and outline black perse water and slush to provide depend- designed to provide a quiet-running tire at letter styling in specific sizes. M+S rated. able, all-season traction. highway speeds. M+S Rated

July 2010 15 Neighborly Advice Lawn & Garden Harvest, preserve garden goodies carefully fter no easy task. Keeping a record high-acid vegetables all the of the varieties used and when like tomatoes and Atoil they were planted is helpful in pickles, and jams and trouble determining maturity. and jellies. These of cultivat- During harvest, avoid dam- types of food do not ing, plant- aging the produce and discard require the long, ing, and those with decay or rot so they high temperatures maintaining don’t affect the others. Wash of a pressure can- Bryan Wrather your garden, fruits and vegetables in cold ner to ward off the now comes running water immediately growth of bacteria. Home, Lawn, Specialty after harvesting to remove soil, You’ll also need Product Manager the best part Timely harvest, proper storage, and careful preservation — enjoy- dust, or other contaminants canning jars, new can help gardeners enjoy homegrown fruits and ing the fruits (and vegetables) and help lower the temperature lids and bands, a jar vegetables both now and later. of your labor. But if you don’t to preserve it faster. lifter, and a good funnel. Your vegetables retain their fresh, harvest and handle your garden If you plan to preserve your Co-op has all these tools and crisp flavor. Again, choose fresh, goodies correctly, all that work produce by canning or freezing, more, including Mason jars young produce at its peak of will go to waste. adhere to strict safety guide- in pint (#129600) and quart quality. Wash it prior to freez- Harvesting at peak quality, lines to ensure safe consump- (#129601) sizes along with Ma- ing, and make sure no insects handling properly, and storing tion of these foods. Choose son lids and bands (#129603). are hiding. Blanch vegetables to under optimum conditions help fresh, unblemished fruits and It’s also nice to have equip- help keep their color and crisp- the overall taste and nutrition vegetables to preserve, and use ment to make preparation of ness before packing into freezer of homegrown produce. Fruits proper canning methods and vegetables easier for cooking containers or freezer bag. and vegetables continue to equipment. Pressure canners, or canning, like a handy corn For detailed instructions on “live” even after picking, and like the 23-quart (#129617) cutter — wooden (#712127) or proper canning and freezing except for ripening of imma- and 16-quart (#129616) models stainless steel (#712128) — and methods, check with your local ture products, storage does not available at your Co-op, are a pea sheller (#712129). Extension office or download improve the quality. Determin- must if you are going to can Freezing is another popular a wealth of information from ing the point at which fruits and low-acid vegetables. A water- preservation method that’s quick www.utextension.utk.edu/ vegetables reach their peak is bath canner is used for fruits, and easy and helps fruits and publications/food. Summer lawn care is mostly maintenance f spring Water wisely ize dormant lawns — wait until hatching in your lawn over the lawn care In general, lawns need ½ they green up in the fall. summer, and you can begin ap- Iis about inch to 1 inch of water per week plying grub control like Bonide getting your to maintain a healthy, green Wage war on weeds Annual Grub Beater granules lawn healthy color and active growth. Do not Summer is the time to remove (#144823) at midsummer. and green, overwater! Use a rain gauge or growing weeds before they Diseases such as powdery summer other container to keep track of bloom and disperse seed for next mildew and brown patch will lawn care is the amount of water received year. Targeted postemergent also take hold when turfgrass is Mark Morton about keep- from rainfall and sprinklers. herbicides, like Bonide Weed under stress. Several factors can ing it healthy Water lawns long enough for Beater (#144661) or Trimec contribute to disease, including Home, Lawn, Specialty the moisture to penetrate deep (#55633), will kill broadleaf improper mowing, drought, too Product Manager while tem- peratures into the root zone, and water weeds without harming turf- much water, high temperatures soar and rainfall falters. It’s also less frequently. Frequent water- grass, but they must be applied and humidity, excess fertilizer, about maintaining a lawn that ing in quick bursts will lead to when temperatures will be below watering at the wrong time of can withstand all the barbecues, shallow roots and weed growth. 85 degrees for a few days. day, and too much thatch. games, parties, and running feet Water in the early morning, Keep in mind that any The best defense is a preven- that summer has to offer. avoiding midday due to high product can be damaging to tative program by keeping the After the spring growing temperatures and faster evapo- summer-stressed lawn grasses, turf from stress. You should season, summer brings quite a ration and evenings because so use herbicides sparingly or only apply fungicides when bit of stress to lawn grasses. Not of the potential for encourag- hand-pull weeds instead. necessary. A couple of treat- only are the heat and drought ing disease. And use common ment options are Bonide Infuse damaging, but because we want sense. If it rains, don’t water! Control insects and diseases granules (#144876) or liquid our lawns lush and green, we Dormant or drought-stressed (#144647) or Heritage Granules try to fight nature by continu- Don’t over-fertilize lawns can be more susceptible (#715930). Many diseases look ing to fertilize, water, and coax If your lawn is looking strag- to insects such as chinch bugs, similar, so make sure you know new growth no matter what the gly in midsummer, resist the cutworms, armyworms, sod what disease you have before weather. However, by under- urge to fertilize. Applying extra webworms, fire ants, fleas, and seeking treatment. The lawn standing and respecting the fertilizer in the heat of summer mosquitoes. Infestations often and garden experts at your seasonal changes of turfgrasses, can burn your lawn and create take care of themselves, but Co-op can help in identifying you can take steps to care gently tender growth that will struggle severe problems may require lawn problems and recommend- for your lawn all summer long. in the hot weather. Never fertil- attention. Grubs will also begin ing the proper products.

16 July 2010 Neighborly Advice Neighborly Advice Pet & Wildlife

Is your dog an escape artist? Rethink your containment

K, enough alone time and oppor- to other people and animals, of the property is attached to dog tunity, most dogs are going to but they are also an easy target a wall-mounted transmitter. Oown- try to “get out” if for no other for abuse. Don’t chain your Contrary to popular belief, this ers — ’fess reason than sheer boredom. dog up as a permanent con- wire does not carry an electri- up. How We are, however, generally tainment method! cal charge. Instead, it serves many of you smarter than our dogs, and Traditional fencing, how- as an antennae and “broad- have ever all it takes is a little human ever, is an acceptable option casts” a low level radio signal underesti- thought and planning to keep for allowing your dog to roam that is received by a special Amanda Cornwell mated the Einstein safe and secure wher- outdoors in an area set aside collar worn by your dog. The cleverness, ever he’s supposed to be. for him. Traditional fencing collar then issues a warning Home, Lawn, Specialty physical There are three main types can be wooden, chain link, tone or vibration or a low-level Product Manager prowess, of pet containment that I’d like vinyl, or even mesh. The main static correction to remind or escape instinct of your to cover: tie-outs, traditional drawbacks of this method of Columbus that he needs to dog and/or overestimated the fencing, and e-fencing or invis- containment are costs and turn around and come back to containment capabilities of a ible fencing. the constant effort involved in the homeland. fence or leash and spent the Tie-outs are simple devices making sure Houdini doesn’t With proper training, dogs better part of a day chasing like stakes, tethers, or trol- climb out or dig under. Some learn to retreat to these “safe” Spot around your neighbor- leys designed to keep your dogs have a stronger escape areas in response to the collar hood? dog safely on a leash. Here’s instinct than others — boxers, stimulus. These systems are I see a lot of hands in the what tie-outs are not: a per- Siberian huskies, and basenjis very effective and allow your air out there. manent containment solution. come to mind — but any dog dog to freely roam the areas Let’s face it: If you are a Tie outs are only temporary can be a candidate. Generally, that you deem OK. dog owner and can’t answer “I options for keeping your dog a dog who is happy and en- So give a little extra con- have” to the above question, contained while you weed the gaged will attempt escape less sideration to your fencing or you are in the minority. Pet garden bed, wash the car, or often than a bored one. tie-outs and spend your sum- containment is one of those do some other outdoor activity Electronic or invisible fenc- mer doing fun things instead talents that many of us learn within sight of Rover. Tying ing is one of the best options of hanging “lost dog” fliers or only after repeated infrac- or chaining a dog up outside for containment. Although apologizing to angry neighbors. tions by our dogs, and if we’re permanently is one of the main there are several brands and That’s no fun at all! lucky, they haven’t done any reasons for canine behavioral models available, all of the sys- For more information about serious damage to property or, problems and dog-related inju- tems generally work the same these containment options, worse yet, our neighbors while ries in our country. Chained- way. A boundary wire that is visit with the pet experts at they are on the loose. Given up dogs not only pose a threat buried around the perimeter your local Co-op. If you want the rack, get the rock unt- ral salt licks that deer seek out lions of years of pressure under ers, in the wild to get the nutrients the earth’s surface. How long Hwild- they need to develop healthy the rock will last depends on life watch- bones and antlers. Trace min- where you place it, the number ers, and erals are essential for animals to of animals feeding on it, and the game man- reach their development poten- level of mineral deficiency in agers are tial, and a typical 20-pound Tro- the herd. Hunters report that always look- phy Rock (#714323) is loaded one Trophy Rock is good for Paul Arnette ing for ways with more than 50 trace miner- up to three months of moder- every three to four months to attract als, including sodium, calcium, ate animal traffic. Exposure to for replacement. Peak usage Home, Lawn, Specialty and develop potassium, sulfur, magnesium, rain, snow, or standing water Product Manager is usually during the warmer bigger deer iron, phosphorus, manganese, shortens the rock’s life span, so months. Once animals begin on their property. One of the copper, and zinc. Trophy Rock it’s best to keep it on an elevated using the trails around Trophy best methods is to provide a is safe for all wildlife, includ- spot — like an old stump — Rock, they will continue to use year-round mineral supplement ing deer, elk, and other game where water won’t pool. them even though they may not that will draw deer in and keep animals that are attracted to You can use Trophy Rock stop at the lick every time. them coming back for more. natural mineral licks. year-round to help bucks devel- If you want to bag that big Trophy Rock, an all-natural Mined from an underground op impressive racks, give does buck this fall, give them the nu- mineral lick, is one of the most deposit in the Rocky Moun- the nourishment they need for trients they need and a reason effective products available to tains, Trophy Rock blends in lactation, and help fawns get to stay in your hunting area with attract deer and supplement with the environment and will extra minerals for a head start Trophy Rock, available at your their diets. What makes Tro- last several times longer than in life. Place the rock near an local Co-op along with many phy Rock so special is that it man-made supplements because existing trail about 50 yards or other supplies you need for the mimics Mother Nature’s natu- it is denser — the result of mil- so from food plots, and check upcoming hunting season.

July 2010 17 Neighborly Advice Pastures Getting the most from summer grass o far Forages provide the nutri- required by grazing cattle. At growth. While dry, pregnant this tional base for the overwhelm- certain times of the year, grow- cows on summer pasture may Syear, ing majority of cow-calf opera- ing forages will meet or exceed not require additional nutrition we have tions across the U.S. It is the the nutritional requirements of for maintenance, it may be nec- been blessed charge of owners, managers, cattle. Unfortunately, during essary to supplement in order with excel- consultants, and nutritionists the summer, this may not be to improve body condition for lent growing to identify or design supple- the case, especially for 2- and breeding or calving season. In conditions mentation programs to “bridge 3-year-old cows, mature cows in times of drought, supplemen- Dr. Paul Davis for pasture the gap” between the nutrients peak lactation, and calves with tation may prove invaluable, and hay. Es- provided by forages and those excellent genetic potential for not only by maintaining body TFC Nutritionist pecially for spring-calving herds, the result- ing abundance of quality forage often coincides with peak milk production and the time that calves begin to graze substan- Looking for tially. However, as the seasons change, so does the nutrient content of most forages. While lush, green grass may require no supplementation beyond a high- orage magnesium mineral mixture, F summer grass often does need some nutritional help. upplementation? It is a biological fact that for- S age quality and the nutritional requirements of cattle change as time passes and the seasons change. The problem is that these changes are not parallel. In other words, as nutritional requirements increase, for- age quality is often decreasing. However, these changes can be dealt with if you know the nutri- tional needs of your cattle and the quality of your forages. While nutritional require- ments of beef cattle are well Consider established, those guidelines do vary with age, weight, sex, rate of weight gain, milking ability, Co-op’s and stage of production. For- age quality varies with species, season of the year, fertilization program, and rainfall. The value Cattle of growing forages as feed for livestock is constantly changing. Thus, sampling and testing to Minerals determine nutritional content is necessary. Basic forage tests that define crude protein, fiber, and estimated energy value, usu- ally as total digestible nutrients (TDN), is relatively inexpensive CO -OP and can be done through Co-op, Extension, or other trusted source. More sophisti- Based on Tennessee forages. cated tests to determine the con- centration of vitamins, minerals, Available at your local Co-op. nitrates, and even certain toxins www.ourcoop.com also exist, generally at more expense to the producer.

18 July 2010 Neighborly Advice Neighborly Advice Pastures

condition and performance, but that condition during late fall al needs of your cattle are met mineral supplement such as also by extending the forage and winter. The excellent gains by summer grazing, test forages Co-op Supreme Cattle Mineral supply. of calves often recorded in first to determine your nutritional (#678) provides a nutritional It is evident that summer weeks of post-weaning feeding “base.” Then use available cornerstone. grass does not always meet the programs is further evidence resources to determine the nu- Rewards for monitoring nutritional needs of beef cattle. of the nutritional inadequacy tritional requirements of your forage quality and managing Too often, cows enter the win- of summer grass. Pasture and herd. Consider your personal pastures to get the most from ter in less-than-optimum body milk may not allow calves to feeding style and design an summer grass should come in condition because summer reach their potential, especially appropriate supplementation the form of increased weaning pasture alone was inadequate with the outstanding genetics program. Given that forage- weights of calves and improved to maintain body weight and for growth that exist today. In based diets almost always body condition of your cow produce milk for a nursing such cases, supplementation require supplemental phospho- herd. Rely on the livestock calf. It is much less expensive with a creep-feeding program rus and that most forages are experts at your Co-op for help to maintain cows in optimum may be economically beneficial. deficient in copper, zinc, and with a grazing and supplement body condition than to improve To assure that the nutrition- selenium, a salt-based vitamin- program for your herd. Assemble the right items before building an electric fence • T-posts posts, wood posts, or these new lectric tion? If no electricity is avail- • Wood posts poly/wood composite posts. If fenc- able or sunlight is very limited, • 41-inch plastic tread-in posts you’re building a temporary ing then you will want to purchase E • 34-inch pigtail tread-in posts fence, use the tread-in, rebar, has revo- a battery-charged energizer. • 48-inch fiberglass posts or fiberglass posts due to ease lutionized For a location that has electric- • 48-inch rebar posts and time efficiency in installa- pasture ity, you will want an AC ener- To add to the list, a new post tion and removal. manage- gizer. For an area that receives that will be offered by Co-op When you get ready to build ment tech- direct sunlight, consider pur- this fall is a poly/wood com- that electric fence, your knowl- niques and chasing a solar energizer. Kelly Davis posite post. Typically, when edgeable Co-op salespeople can contributed The second item to consider building a permanent electric help you choose the right prod- Hardware Product to improved is the type of wire for your fence you will want to use T- ucts and share helpful advice. Manager profit- fence. Most people with horses ability for use a wide politape due to vis- farmers. Permanent or por- ibility. Politape is also good for table power fences are used to temporary fencing because it’s subdivide pastures to help keep easy and quick to move with them fresh, short, and palat- the use of a reel. For per- able, which ultimately leads manent fencing, 12½-gauge, to increased milk and meat hi-tensile wire would be the production. Electric fencing is best choice for the job. If you affordable, easily constructed would like to implement a and maintained, durable, and rotational grazing program, one easily modified. wire placed 30 inches to 32 There are several things to inches off the ground will keep consider when selecting items the cows contained while al- to build an electric fence. First lowing calves to pass from pad- is the type of energizer best dock to paddock. This is ben- suited for your situation. Most eficial if you want the calves to energizers on the market today graze on better pastures. are low impedance, which The third item to consider means that while the energizer for your fence is insulators. will shock through weeds and Many different types of these brush, the level depends on the are available, so you need to strength of the energizer. The know the types of posts you true strength of an energizer would like to use before pur- is measured in joules — for- chasing insulators. There are mula of volts x amps x length various brands and colors, but of shock. The strength of an the best choice is black. They energizer is measured in miles have more ultraviolet inhibitors or acres. Compare miles and to help the insulator last much acres when looking for an ener- longer. gizer within the same brand. The last but certainly not the Think about where the least item to choose for your energizer is going to be placed fence is the type of post. There before you make the purchase. are several of these to choose Do you have electricity readily from as well. Here are some of available? Is it a shady loca- the most common options:

July 2010 19 An eye for

E.D., Bert, and Doyle Miller are using Co-op feeds to produce some of the Southeast’s finest Brangus cattle

Story and photos by Mark E. Johnson

Cattle producers E.D., Bert, and Doyle Miller and longtime employee Bart Pope are producing high quality Brangus — 3/8 Brahman and 5/8 Angus — on 2,900 acres of leased and owned land in Waynesboro. Animals bred at Miller Brangus are known for their structural soundness and good dispositions.

ppressive, 97-degree careful and uncompromising climate was a determining factor for “as long as I can remember,” heat radiates across attention to breeding. in the Millers’ decision to raise Doyle says. They feed their Othe rolling Wayne “As of this spring, we have the Brangus breed. heifers Co-op 16% Self Limit- County countryside as if escap- approximately 490 head,” says “We did a little research and ing Pasture Supplement Pellet ing from an open oven door, Doyle as he guides his SUV decided Brangus would make (#894265) to help them achieve but E.D. and Doyle Miller around the dusty roads that the most sense down here,” he a weight of around 800 pounds don’t seem to notice. They are crisscross the neatly kept farm. explains. “We needed an animal as yearlings. Doyle explains that anxious to show off their herd “About 400 of those are regis- with more heat tolerance, but self-limiting feeds are formulated of top-quality Brangus cattle to tered Brangus, and the other we also like a lot of things about to restrict consumption based on a small group of visitors. 90 are high-quality commercial Angus. Brangus also excel in the desired rate of gain. “Oh, we’re proud of our Angus we use mainly to receive mothering ability, carcass merit, “In real wet years, we might cattle,” admits Doyle, who also embryo transfers. We look to and fertility and seemed to fit back that off to the .75-percent, operates an accounting firm market around 150 bulls per year our niche well.” and in a dry year, we might go to in Franklin. “We’re happy for and 60 to 70 registered females.” In 1981, E.D. purchased his a 1.5-percent,” he explains. “We people to come look at them, The Millers graze their cattle first registered Brangus bull and also creep feed, usually starting even on hot days like this.” and grow fescue and Bermu- 25 commercial heifers. Over the about two and a half months dagrass hay on more than 2,900 next decade, the Millers contin- before weaning. A creep-fed calf owned and leased acres near ued to increase their herd num- just looks a lot better and, being Waynesboro Waynesboro. E.D. bought the bers and improve the genetic a registered breeder, presenta- l first 181 acres in 1961 while he makeup of the animals. tion has a whole lot to do with was working on a pipeline crew “When we select genetics, it. We also provide grass and Since 1981, E.D. and his for an oil company. we’re looking for a balance of hay. Last year, our bulls aver- sons, Doyle and Bert, have prov- “I’m an Oklahoma native, fertility, performance, structural aged at around 1,200 pounds as en to have a talent for spotting but I met my [future] wife, soundness, disposition, and car- yearlings.” fine genetics and assembling a Mary Jo, here in 1954, and she cass traits,” says second-to-none herd of regis- invited me to go to church with Doyle. “I like to tered Brangus — 3/8 Brahman her,” the 81-year-old explains. think that our and 5/8 Angus. Known for “I was pretty much here from cattle are solid, having more “ear” than many then on. I’d go away to work, functional ani- breeds, Brangus combines the and whenever I came in, I’d mals with good heat tolerance of Brahman with clean and build fence to give me dispositions.” the improved carcass qualities something to do. After I retired Longtime and of Angus. [from the oil business] in 1990, devoted members The Millers credit their suc- we really started building our of Wayne Farm- cess in the Brangus industry to fences around rotational grazing ers Cooperative, rigid culling, continuous selec- and laying out the farm like we the Millers have tion pressure, detailed record- wanted it.” relied on Co-op Bart Pope, left, has worked with E.D. Miller, center, and E.D.’s son, Doyle, for more than 15 years. The Millers keeping, proper nutrition, and Doyle says the Wayne County feed products started their Brangus business in 1981.

20 July 2010 should be ready major heart attack while work- any day now, ing on the farm, landing him in and people will Nashville’s St. Thomas and Bap- be able to find it tist hospitals for nearly 50 days. via our farm site “He was not expected to sur- at www.miller vive,” says Doyle. “According brangus.com.” to the doctors, he really is a mir- With so many acle man, and I wouldn’t trade valuable ani- the past four years with him for mals present on anything. I’m sure Bert would the farm, the say the same thing. Being able cattlemen are to work with my family on this LEFT: From left, Tennessee Farmers Cooperative Feed and Animal Health Specialist Rick Syler, E.D., Wayne Farmers Cooperative Manager Harold Pope, Doyle, and Bart discuss the Millers’ management careful about farm has just been the best.” practices, including their use of Co-op self-limiting feeds and Supreme Cattle Mineral. RIGHT: Bull providing fresh E.D. adds that he is proud of production constitutes a large segment of the farm’s business, along with semen and embryo sales. and plentiful the success his sons and Bart The Millers’ farm manager, Supreme Cattle Mineral as an water sources. Most of the 33 have been able to achieve, espe- Bart Pope, son of Wayne Farm- important factor in concep- pastures on the main farm — all cially since he was slowed down ers Co-op Manager Harold tion numbers, noting that the seeded and fertilized by Wayne by his heart attack. Pope, says the limiter feeds not farm boasted a 95-percent rate Farmers Co-op — have access “I have a saying: You can’t only provide premium nutrition two years ago and is expecting to natural streams or spring-fed lead anyone higher than you but cut down on labor as well. another outstanding season in ponds, although the Millers are,” he says. “Well, I’ve led “All you have to do is go by 2011. use four-hole Ritchie Waterers these guys about as far as I can. there every few days and be “We try to A.I. [artificially (#25205) in their bull enclo- They’ve got it from here!” sure [the feeders] are operat- inseminate] everything,” he sures. The Millers will present 150 ing correctly,” says Bart, who says. “We’ve flushed around “We will add more waterers bulls for sale at an Oct. 2 joint has worked on the farm for 15 150 embryos this year, and out as we can, but with so many auction with Salacoa Valley years. “The Co-op pretty well of the first 77 we put in, 67 paddocks, it’s not really practi- Brangus in Fairmount, Ga. takes care of filling it — all we percent were successful.” cal to put them in every one,” Visit www.millerbrangus.com need to do is call them when it’s Doyle says embryo transfers Doyle says. “We’re blessed for more information or call running out.” and A.I. are important market- to have good, natural water Doyle at 615-351-2783. To The Millers feed their calves ing factors as well as reproduc- sources.” learn more about Co-op beef Co-op Victory Lane Complete tion methods. Doyle adds that the family feeds and minerals, visit with Calf I Pellet with Bovatec “Embryo transfer calves are has been blessed in other ways, the professionals at your local (#893114). For bulls going to worth $500 to $750 more than too. In 2006, E.D. suffered a Co-op. market, a 14-percent custom A.I. calves,” he says, noting ration formulated by Co-op that the farm also does a brisk nutritionists is on the menu. business in semen and embryo “It’ll get them as slick and sales. “A.I. calves are then greasy as you want them,” Doyle worth about the same figure says, referring to coat gloss. more than a natural-service calf. “It’s a great feed.” We recently sold an embryo- The Millers also rely on transfer calf for $11,000.” Co-op minerals, currently pro- Bert and Doyle have also viding Supreme Cattle Mineral recently launched an Internet- (#678). based company — Buffalo River “Dad has always been strict Beef — to sell “on-the-hoof” or about only feeding the best min- live beef. They have selected erals,” says Doyle. “I remember, several steers to feed out spe- back when I was 14 or 15 years cifically for this purpose. old, him telling me, ‘You always “This is Bert’s brainchild, feed good minerals.’ We are and we are interested to see sure to keep our minerals out how it works,” says Doyle. “We and available at all times.” will be selling quarters, halves, Bart credits the Co-op or whole beefs. The website

The Millers practice rotational grazing and have more than 30 fenced paddocks on their main farm in Wayne County.

July 2010 21 Church. “Sadly, these tradi- nificance of wearing red and an orchid this year ... no one Flowers tions will probably be gone white flowers on Mother’s Day. else had a flower, and I don’t (continued from page 4) when people my age [63] and “After she married, I always recall flowers in any recent In her native Vermont, older are gone,” Sue says. received a red corsage from her years either.” Bruceton’s Laura Keeton would Elsie Prater of Knoxville while my mother was living. As for the Kirk family, wife wear a red rose picked from a waited until after church on Since my mother passed away, Jane and I wore white carna- rambling bush in the yard on Mother’s Day to let me know my daughter [now Joy Harris] tions for our church services Mother’s Day. She has con- if anyone wore a flower. “As has brought or sent me a white on Mother’s Day. Our son, tinued the tradition through it turned out, I was the only corsage each year!” Chris, and his wife, Anna, 50 years of married life here in one,” Elsie said. Her front yard “I never smell a rose without wore red. And their 8-week- Tennessee, “but very seldom do yielded the makings for her cor- thinking of Mother’s Day and old daughter, Sloan — our I see anyone else wearing a rose sage: white wild roses, a peony the corsages my mother made first grandchild — had a tiny or any other flower.” bud, and fern fronds. from red ‘net’ and the front corsage of red rosebuds at- Vonda Bain of Athens is Helen Matthews of Dayton yard bush roses,” said Colum- tached to her carrier. Sloan among those who said my May took great pains to explain to bia’s Elaine Cannady. “One was christened that day, too, an article prompted her to revive her young daughter the sig- older lady at our church wore awesome added blessing! the flower-wearing custom. “I’m going to see my mother today,” Vonda e-mailed me on Mother’s Day. “My red roses are in bloom, and I’m going to wear one in her honor.” Donna Nichols of Auburn- town said she and her brother each always wore a red rose on Mother’s Day. At Auburn Baptist Church this year, no- body wore a white or red rose, according to Donna. Cindy R. Jones reported that several people at her church — Shiloh Baptist in Kingston — still wear Mother’s Day flowers. “From my earliest memories, we wore flowers that we clipped off the rose bush before leaving for church, and to this day, I am honored to wear a red rose in honor of my mother.” Though she was raised in Ohio, where she doesn’t re- member anyone wearing flow- ers on Mother’s Day, Sandra Martin has lived in her moth- er’s hometown of Rogersville for the past 44 years. And she’s happy that about a third of the congregation of her church, Spires Chapel Baptist, wear flowers on Mother’s Day. The church also gives each mother a red rose. On up the road a piece in Kingsport, the flower-wearing tradition is no longer carried on in the church attended by Shelby Nottingham. “When I was a child, Mother always snipped a red rose from our yard, and we wore it proudly on Mother’s Day.” Greene Countian Sue Jones Broyles deemed it ironic that just before my May column appeared she had reminisced about the traditions she grew up observing — like Mother’s Day and Decoration Day at Mt. Hebron United Methodist

22 July 2010 CO-OP EXPERIENCE THE DIFFERENCE

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July 2010 23 Unlikely champions By Allison Morgan

Bridget and her husband of nine years, Dirk, purchased June in December 2007 to be a “beginner” horse for Bridget. She just started showing horses a few years ago at age 35, but Dirk, a Mid- Bridget Hunt and her quarter horse, South Farmers Co-op employee, has June, discover it’s never too late for been competing since childhood. show ring success never thought she was going to be what she is now.” Under the watchful eye of trainer Josh Young, Bridget Hunt guides June, her 16-year-old quarter horse mare, through a series As the wins kept coming, of western pleasure exercises at Young’s Bethel Springs arena. With June, Bridget and Josh won numerous awards in 2009. Josh advanced June’s training t 14, the quiet quarter for help in finding a new show they took the mare to her first and pushed her a little harder. horse was a most unlikely horse. Though she’d been an show at the University of Ten- That’s when he says the formerly A candidate to start a suc- equine enthusiast since child- nessee at Martin. It was the first forgotten mare really started a cessful show ring career. hood, Bridget had just started time June had been in the show dramatic transformation. With Sure, she had competed a few competing at the novice level ring in more than eight years. Bridget showing in western times, early in life, but that was a few years earlier at age 35, “I remember people asking me pleasure novice classes and long before circumstances sent after she and Dirk decided that if I had a new horse and how old Josh in the open division, June her on a circuitous route of own- showing horses would be a good she was,” says Bridget, a regis- racked up an impressive array of ers from Missouri to Florida and hobby to share. She’d been tered nurse. “When I told them ribbons and trophies by the end finally to Tennessee. For years, training under Josh’s guidance she was 14, they were shocked!” of 2009. The mare and Bridget she was passed around, pas- and competing with a palomino Astonishment turned to ad- won nearly every circuit they tured, and put into service as a horse named Blondie, but that miration pretty quickly, though, competed in and took home the broodmare, her talent untapped horse had recently been injured. as Bridget and June topped reserve champion award in the as she waited to fall into the Josh suggested that June would the western pleasure class of novice/amateur class at the pres- right trainer’s hands. make a good replacement. 15 horses at that first event — tigious Dixie National Quarter “I was pretty confident she Bridget’s first win ever — and Horse Show in Jackson, Miss. was going to make a good show then continued to win at sev- The ultimate victory, however, Bethel Springs l horse,” says Josh. “The quality eral more shows. Even Dirk, a came this past March when all of her movements are above av- 15-year employee of Mid-South their winning points were tallied Enter Josh Young. In 2007, erage, and she Farmers Coop- for the year and June was given the McNairy County trainer has a great erative’s Jack- the American Quarter Horse purchased the mare, officially temperament. son location, Association (AQHA) “High Point named Chip’s Glow Show, from Because she’d admits that he Green Western Pleasure” award. the most recent owner who had been out in was surprised “She was definitely a diamond culled her after she failed to the pasture at the mare’s in the rough,” says Josh. “She ex- breed. Josh immediately sensed for so long, success. ceeded everyone’s expectations.” something special about this training her “I thought In the 12 years he’s been horse and eagerly took her back is a little she’d just be training professionally, Josh says to his Bethel Springs stables challenging a beginner’s he’s never worked with a “nov- with high hopes for her future. at times, but horse for Bridg- ice” horse as old as June. But “I just went to look at her as when she’s et to learn how he says he trained her just as a trading prospect, not really ready to to show, and hard as the youngsters on the knowing what caliber of a horse perform, she then we would roster, keeping June on a strin- she was going to be,” says Josh. goes out there move up to gent schedule six or seven days a “When I saw her, I recognized a and does her another horse week during the show season. lot of potential there. It was just job well.” and sell her or “It took a while to get her a matter of whether I’d be able The Hunts breed her,” says physically fit, but the stron- to put it all together.” trusted Josh’s Dirk, who grew ger she got and the more we Josh had been working with judgment and up showing competed, the better she did,” the mare, whom he nicknamed bought June horses and has says Josh. “We didn’t treat her June, for a few months when in December Bridget and June have moved up from also competed any differently than the 2- and novice into amateur classes this year. 3-year-olds we were training, and lifelong friend Dirk Hunt and 2007. In Bridget, who only wanted to “win one in team-roping his wife, Bridget, asked him January 2008, buckle” last year, ended up winning five. events. “I she was shown as extensively as

24 July 2010 any horse in the country last year — Bridget hopes their success Bridget and will inspire others to have the June took home — about 40 weekends.” the novice/ To help June maintain such courage try something new. amateur reserve a rigorous regimen, Dirk and “I was very intimidated when champion award at the Bridget rely on Co-op Winner’s we first started going to the 2009 Dixie Cup Equi-Mate 1300 (#93299), AQHA shows, and I think a Nationals a pelleted feed that provides lot of people are,” says Bridget. in Jackson, Miss. Helping 13-percent protein, 3-percent “But if I can do it — and if June celebrate fat, essential vitamins and miner- can do it — people should have Bridget’s win are, from right, als, and natural yeast culture. hope. It’s never too late.” her husband, “The mineral content in Equi- For more information about Dirk; her Mate helps a great deal with the Equi-Mate 1300 or other Win- mother, Wilma Britt; trainer shine and a healthy hair coat,” ner’s Cup feeds, talk with your Josh Young; his says Dirk. “It has a high energy Co-op equine professionals or parents, Sandra and Ricky; and level, which helps maintain her visit www.ourcoop.com and Josh’s assistant, weight and stamina with the click on the “Round Pen” logo. Lane Butler. stress of being on the road. And being pellets, I know she’s get- ting everything in every bite, with no sorting or wasting you some- times see with picky eaters.” Though the feed has played an important role in her perfor- mance and appearance, Dirk says he believes bringing out o-op June’s true potential was all C about finding the right combina- tion of trainer and rider. “Horses are like people — inner’s you’ve got to find somebody who can work with a particular ani- mal,” says Dirk. “You have to put W up together a match that works.” Indeed, this winning formula helped earn Josh a coveted spot C on the AQHA’s 2010 Team Wrangler, composed of the top 36 professional riders based on points earned in AQHA events during the previous year. Team members compete against each other at special events and con- duct clinics for other riders. “It’s a big honor,” says Josh, “one I wouldn’t have gotten if it hadn’t been for June.” As for Bridget, she has also earned enough accolades to no longer be considered a novice and must now compete as an amateur at AQHA events. She plans to show June until this fall and then retire the mare, who is expected to foal in the spring. She and Dirk also have a young, Equi-Mate 1300 (#93299), up-and-coming colt whom they Co-op’s pelleted pleasure successfully showed in halter competitions last year and plan horse feed, is formulated to meet the nutritional to continue training. requirements of horses that are lightly exercised. “The novice division is a good This feed contains 13% protein and 3% fat. In addi- place to start, but now that I’ve tion, it boasts a fortified vitamin and mineral pack- moved up to the amateur, I’ll age along with yeast culture, organically complexed be competing with people who EQUI-MATE have been showing forever,” says trace minerals, and biotin. Bridget. “It’s tough.” Realizing that neither she nor www.ourcoop.com June fits the mold of the typical horse show competitor — both Superior nutrition for the life of your horse. starting their careers later in life

July 2010 25 ‘Dairy Makes Cents’ to Givens, June luncheon attendees recognizing the more than 100 years that 4-H has been active in the state. “Whereas the 4-H program has for many decades helped increase knowledge and fos- ter leadership abilities among America’s youth,” Davis read from a resolution that accompa- nied the plaque, “the American Dairy Association of Tennessee recognizes the diligent efforts of Tennessee’s 4-H to help increase milk consumption and aware- ness among Tennessee consum- ers, and be it further resolved that we express sincere appre- ciation for our ongoing partner- ships with Tennessee 4-H.” Also recognized at the lun- cheon were two state project winners: Lindsey Clayton of Warren County, food science, and Henry County’s Kelsey Smith, dairy. In the annual statewide June Dairy Month Poster Contest, Emily Welte of Putnam County took home first-place honors, Beth Sullivan of Coffee County was second, and Amanda Vazquez of Sumner County finished third. The popular Dairy Quiz Bowl was held earlier in the day, and the winners were announced Tennessee Department of Agriculture Commissioner Ken Givens smiles as he addresses those in attendance at the June Dairy Month luncheon at Ellington Agriculture Center in Nashville on June 2. Givens covered topics specific to the dairy industry and during the luncheon. Bedford talked about the overall economic impact that dairying and other aspects of agriculture have on the state. County claimed bragging rights

Story and photos by Chris Villines Tennessee hosted this annual “I want to event attended by a statewide congratulate aving grown up on a contingent of 4-H members, all of you for dairy farm in his native Extension agents, dairy farmers, being leaders HRogersville, Tennessee and agriculture leaders. in your coun- Commissioner of Agriculture During his remarks, Givens ties and for Ken Givens has a firsthand commended the efforts of the helping raise appreciation for the prideful, 4-H members who served as the awareness important work that goes into June Dairy Month chairmen of the value of producing and supplying nutri- in their home counties and our dairy farm- tious milk and milk products to urged them to keep agriculture ers and the consumers everywhere. foremost in their minds as they value of milk to Givens, who has served as enter college and pursue a ca- a healthy diet.” commissioner since 2003, reer path. Representatives of 33 Following shared his sentiments with counties were in attendance at Givens’ ad- those in attendance as the the event, with this year’s dairy dress, ADA keynote speaker at the June month theme, “Dairy Makes of Tennes- Dairy Month kickoff luncheon Cents,” on prominent display. see President June 2 at Ellington Agricultural “The field of agriculture Randy Davis Center in Nashville. The Ten- needs bright, educated, talented presented nessee Farm Bureau Federation, young people to fulfill high-tech Steve Sutton, Southeast United Dairy Indus- jobs of the future that will feed, director of try Association, and American fuel, and clothe our world in a Tennessee 4-H, Emily Welte, a homeschool student from Putnam County, was Dairy Association (ADA) of sustainable way,” said Givens. with a plaque the first-place winner in the Dairy Month Poster Contest.

26 July 2010 by winning first place in both at the center, Dowlen and his the senior and junior high divi- staff helped support and raise sions. Earning second place awareness of the dairy industry were the junior high team from by hosting producers and youth Claiborne County and the se- at field days, open houses, and nior high team from Rutherford tours of the facility. County. “This is a humbling experi- Henry Dowlen, retired direc- ence,” said Dowlen. “My work tor of the University of Ten- was rewarding. We spent a lot nessee’s Dairy Research and of time training judging teams Education Center in Lewisburg, and teaching children who knew was presented with the 2010 nothing about agriculture where Outstanding Dairy Promoter their food and fiber come from. award. In his 37-year career We hope that we did a good job.” In the annual Dairy Quiz Bowl, Bedford County took first place in both the junior and senior divisions. Pictured from left are senior team members Bernadette Morillo, Georgia Ralston, Travis Richardson, and Cheyenne Ralston, and junior team members Carlton Ralston, Godwin Morillo, Savannah Nash, and Allison Massey.

Rutherford County was the second-place winner in the Dairy Quiz Bowl’s senior Claiborne County earned second-place honors in the junior division. From left are division. From left are team members Jonathan Belcher, Samantha Sprowl and team members Blaine Coffey, Bryan Loop, Megan Crawford and Travis Martin and Keaton Myers and sponsor Michael Shirley. sponsor Kelly Frady.

July 2010 27 Stubborn Tradition Along with their beef cattle and construction operations, ‘foolin’ with mules’ is a way of life for Lawrenceburg’s Clayton, Barry, and Jeff Doss

By Mark E. Johnson

Jeff Doss, part owner of Doss Brothers Inc., a Lawrenceburg construction company, trains a team of 2-year-old mules at his farm in the Revilo community. Jeff, his brother, Barry, and their father, Carlton, who have built a reputable mule-training business since 1985, are suppliers to Reese Brothers Mules in Gallatin and Kelso Mules in Murray, Ky.

here’s a certain irony in take off just hanging on to their the fact that the vast, manes,” says the 69-year-old Tred, metal-sided struc- family patriarch. “Whoever ture known simply as “Doss would go the furthest across Barn” has become the epicen- this or that field ‘won.’ Daddy ter of Carlton, Barry, and Jeff sure instilled a love of mules in Doss’ mule and beef cattle them.” operation and the spot where This love encouraged the fam- the three tend to gravitate to ily to start a commercial mule “escape” from their busy com- business in 1985, and there’s mercial construction business. little doubt that Papa Doss, who The 150-by-200-foot barn is died in 1990, would be proud of built over the plot of land where, the operation today. The Dosses years ago, Jeff and Barry used have built a steady demand for to cultivate a garden with their their well-trained mules, which grandfather, Joel Mannin “Papa” they pasture, along with 275 Doss, and his mules. head of cattle, on more than 950 acres in the Revilo community Jeff, with Carlton, left, and Barry, trains mules for both riding and as harness animals. The Dosses also graze some 275 head of commercial Angus cattle on of Lawrence County, an area Lawrenceburg more than 950 acres. l supposedly named by a passerby who noticed an upside-down “I guarantee you, all of my ers, hay equipment, and pasture “This is where I learned about Oliver tractor in the bushes and employees know all of the ground for the cattle operation, mules,” says 46-year-old Jeff, read its name backward. Co-op employees on a first-name and the mules fit right into pointing toward the back of the “That’s the story,” says Carlton basis,” laughs Barry, 48, presi- that, no problem,” he explains. barn where dozens of Papa Doss’ with a grin. “Now, who knows if dent of Doss Brothers Inc. “Not “When we’re not using equip- implements now hang on the it’s true or not …” only do we handle most of the ment for the cattle, we can use wall. “We plowed many a good The family has also built a grading, paving, and building for it for the mules. The heavy garden right back there. Most of quality reputation as Doss Broth- the Co-op, but we purchase all equipment of our construction what I know about mules today ers Inc., an unlimited-licensed of our farm supplies and a lot of business is used to cut roads, I learned from Papa Doss in that general contractor well known our construction-related stuff build bridges, and so forth, for garden.” throughout the county. They’ve there, too.” the farm. The profits are split Barry and Jeff’s father, Carl- completed hundreds of com- Barry says the three compo- between us, and the mules ton, adds that his sons did more mercial construction projects, nents of their business — mules, provide some fun and relaxation, than just work with the mules. including several for Lawrence cattle, and construction — work too, especially for Jeff, who does “I’ve seen those boys jump on Farmers Cooperative, of which symbiotically, each providing most of the training.” those mule colts in the corral the Dosses are longtime mem- some benefit for the other two. “We are a riding family,” Jeff — no bridles or anything — and bers. “We have all the stock trail- says of himself, his wife, Tammy,

28 July 2010 and their children, Kyle, Kend- all, and Kody, and Barry’s son, Tyler. “Years ago, it was horses, and now it’s all mules. We go riding most weekends and head out West when we can, riding in Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico.” But most of Jeff’s interaction with the mules comes three days a week — his regular training Joel “Papa” Doss plows a garden with schedule — when he develops then 21-year-old Jeff in 1985, the year the animals for both pleasure- the family started their mule business. riding and harness work. They sure-footed and useful mules keep anywhere from 20 to 25 are. Folks who ride rental mules mules at a time, usually bought in places like the Grand Canyon as 2-year-olds and trained until come home saying, ‘That was a The Dosses have used their resources as a construction company as well as equine they’re ready to market. Though lot better than [riding] my old equipment from Lawrence Farmers Cooperative to build an impressive mule facility. the Dosses do sell some mules to horse.’ It’s like a fad that has concerned about color; they individual buyers, most of their never ended; they are still in want ’em as tall and as mean as trade is as a wholesaler to Reese demand.” they can get ’em,” he says. “The Brothers Mules in Gallatin and He adds that there is a stark Amish hook them to haybines Kelso Mules in Murray, Ky., difference in stamina between and balers — big equipment. which ship hundreds of mules mules and horses. That’s a winter market, so from each year to Grand Canyon- “Anybody who trail-rides about October through the end based companies in Arizona and mules and horses will tell you of February, we only ship big Amish communities in Penn- this,” he says. “For example, last mules.” sylvania. Despite the steady year in Wyoming, there were 11 Whether working with har- demand for his animals, Jeff of us who went — two horses ness or riding mules, Jeff says he says he “can’t wait” to leave the and nine mules. We rode up to considers the time therapeutic, stresses of the construction com- 10,000 feet [in elevation], which while Barry admittedly prefers pany behind to train his mules. takes about eight hours. At the his cattle. halfway point, the horses turned “Oh, I enjoy the mules, too, Preifert stall fronts and Ritchie Waterers “This is my enjoyment,” he purchased from Lawrence Farmers says. “I get off work, come to around and went home, but the but I’d just as soon go look at my Co-op are among the items used in the barn, and turn off my cell mules just kept going all day. cows,” he grins. “Jeff wants to the Doss mule barn. Jeff also built a custom grain bin for bulk feed storage. phone. I’ll throw a harness on There is a reason why they are so look at his mules.” them and either clip pastures often used as stock animals.” “And none of us want to go a perfectly good tractor sitting with my hay mower or disk an The Dosses have used Co-op to the [construction] company!” right here with all the plows and area of ground I’ve set aside for products almost exclusively in Carlton chimes in. implements, but we’d hook up training. Sometimes, I’ll hook their mule operation for more All three Dosses agree that the mules instead. them up and go wagon-riding than a decade and regularly fill the longstanding tradition of “I guess you just can’t argue with my wife.” their custom-made grain bin mules on the farm has helped with tradition.” Jeff estimates it takes around with Co-op 11% Sweet Horse shape their present-day lives. To learn more about the 90 days to break a pair of har- Feed (#327). “You know, 40 years ago, Dosses’ mule operation, call ness mules “where you can “We find that 327 keeps them everybody had a mule to plow Jeff Doss at 931-242-3777. For handle them” and about 2 years slick and looking good while their garden with,” says Jeff. “As more information about Co-op of work before the animals are providing the necessary energy,” tractors became more afford- equine products, visit with the suitable to sell as a thoroughly says Jeff, who also purchases able, you saw less and less of professionals at your local trained team. clippers, horseshoes, corral mules, but for years, we’d have Co-op. “I simply won’t sell a mule panels, and “anything else you until I know it’s right,” he points can think of” from the Co-op. out. “This business is based on “Looks have a lot more to do trust, and I’ve spent 25 years with the mule market than they building a reputation of qual- used to, so we have to keep them ity. I would never compromise sharp-looking.” that by selling a mule that wasn’t He explains that while mules ready.” used to be bred mostly in solid Jeff says the demand for the red, gray, and black colors, to- animals — especially riding day’s buyers look for “flashy” mules — has improved dramati- animals. cally since he and his brother “The more ‘lit up’ a mule is, were kids. the better,” he says. “People “Back 30 or 35 years ago, want blazes, spots, and things people would laugh at you if like that. They also look for you rode a mule,” he says. “For good hips and bones.” whatever reason, that changed However, the harness-mule beginning in the early ’80s. The market, driven largely by Penn- Lawrence Farmers Co-op Manager Damon Deese, center, and outside agronomy sylvania Amish, is different. salesman Wayne Jackson, right, share a laugh with the Dosses in their mule barn. business just bloomed. I guess The family not only purchases feed and equipment from the Co-op, but they also people began to realize how “Up there, buyers aren’t as handle most of Lawrence Farmers’ construction and paving needs.

July 2010 29 30 July 2010 Milan No-Till Field Day marks 30th anniversary July 22 Thirty years ago, a summer- rolls around on Thursday, The first No-Till Field Day sessions will be offered on top- time rain could produce huge July 22, most visitors will be fa- was held in 1981 to teach ics like financial planning, pre- gullies, much of the state’s miliar with these practices, but farmers about what was then cision agriculture, beef cattle, farmland was marked by badly the event is about more than still considered new technology. and emerging biofuels markets. eroded slopes, and on average a no-till education. It’s about Nearly 1,700 visitors arrived to In addition to the education- Tennessee farmer was losing al- helping farmers determine the learn about this “ugly farm- al tours, visitors can also enjoy most 2,000 tons of soil per year. best methods for agricultural ing,” and, as they say, the rest a large trade show, in which But that was before no-till production. is history. Since that first field Tennessee Farmers Cooperative farming. “We’re proud of our heritage day, more than 121,000 visitors will be exhibiting, or browse These days, thanks to exten- as the birthplace have participat- through more 20,000 farm-re- sive work by University of Ten- of Tennessee ed in the event lated antiques at the West Ten- nessee Institute of Agriculture no-till,” says Dr. that has grown nessee Agricultural Museum. researchers and educational Blake Brown, to be a must- The Milan No-Till Field forums like the Milan No-Till director of the attend agricul- Day begins at 7 a.m., and the Crop Production Field Day, UT AgResearch tural attraction. last tours are given at 2 p.m. those sights and statistics are all and Education Visitors to Admission is free and open to in the past. In 2009, more than Center at Milan, the 2010 Milan the public. For more informa- 70 percent of Tennessee farm- the field day No-Till Field tion, including directions to ers used no-till practices, and an site. “As no-till Day will have the AgResearch and Education additional 20 percent used some becomes the the opportunity Center at Milan and a complete type of conservation tillage. The conventional tillage method in to attend 16 research tours led field day program, visithttp:// results can be seen in better Tennessee, we hope to continue by crop experts from across milan.tennessee.edu, e-mail production efficiency, cleaner in the footsteps of those early the Mid-South, covering every [email protected], or call water and air, and dramatic no-till researchers whose main major row crop grown in Ten- 731-686-7362. You can also improvements in our soils. goal was to help farmers pro- nessee. Tours will also feature check out the Milan No-Till When the 30th anniversary duce crops more efficiently and workshops on weed, insect, and Field Day fan page on Face- of the Milan No-Till Field Day economically.” disease management. Plus, book for the latest updates. Obion 4-H team state’s best at judging livestock The Obion County-A 4-H in the state competition. Clai- ed their home counties in the Tennessee 4-H livestock ac- livestock judging team edged borne Countians took the other regional competition, said Jim tivities,” Neel said. “The 4-H Lincoln County’s contingent two high individual designations Neel, beef cattle specialist with members who competed in the by eight points to capture the — John Edwards in swine and UT Extension. state contest made up 6 percent state championship recently Cody Thompson in sheep. “Livestock judging has always of the members who competed in heated competition at the Some 850 4-H’ers represent- been one of the most popular in the prior regional contests.” Tennessee Livestock Center in Murfreesboro. Derek Griffin, who earned high individual judging honors by scoring the most points in the state contest, led the Obion County team to the coveted state title. Other members of the team, coached by Extension Agent Adam McCall, were Lau- ren Bemer, Garrett McDaniel, and Tyler Bemer. The Obion County-B team finished third in the state, a single point behind second-place Lincoln County. A total of 12 county teams — four from each of the three Extension regions across Ten- nessee — qualified for the state competition, which was held June 1. The others were from McNairy, Williamson, Hender- son, Franklin, McMinn, Camp- bell, Coffee, Robertson, and McMinn counties. By scoring the most points in the goat and oral reasons cat- The Obion County 4‐H livestock judging team took top honors at the State 4‐H Livestock Judging Contest June 1 in egories, Megan Long of Loudon Murfreesboro. From left are Keith Harrison, Tennessee Farmers Cooperative (donor); Phyllis Ferguson, Tennessee Pork Producers Association (donor); Darrell Ailshie, Tennessee Livestock Producers (donor); Lauren Berner; Tyler Berner; Ben County was the only double Powell, Tennessee Sheep Producers Association (donor); Derek Griffin; Adam McCall, University of Tennessee Extension agent; winner of high individual laurels Garrett McDaniel; and Jim Neel, UT Extension livestock specialist (donor). Derek Griffin was also the high-scoring individual.

July 2010 31 ‘In-your-face’ fun

Knoxville Zoo guarantees visitors a good time with its 900 animals, cool exhibits, and hands-on activities

A red panda, with its soft, dense fur and raccoon-like features, traverses its habitat at Red Panda Village, one of several animal exhibits at the Knoxville Zoo. The zoo is the red panda capital of the Western Hemisphere because the latitude of the Smoky Mountains region is similar to the Himalayan region, the animal’s native environment. Story and photos by Chris Villines ing over to her grandfather, also ation part of it,” says the zoo’s laughing, to let him know her assistant director of marketing, ive-year-old Ella Pruitt words were all in good fun. Tina Rolen. “That’s why part peers through the glass, of our mission statement is that fixing her gaze on what’s Knoxville F l you have to make it fun first. It in front of her, behind the clear is always so neat when you see display. Turning to her twin people of all ages smiling, laugh- brother, Logan, she mischievous- And that’s the key to the ing, and really connecting with ly whispers in his ear and begins Knoxville Zoo — fun. Now in its the animals.” to cackle. 62nd year, this 53-acre wooded More than 400,000 people The Pruitt twins are visiting complex adjacent to Chilhowee visit the zoo annually, making the Knoxville Zoo along with Park and just three miles from it the largest tourist attraction their mother, Donna, and their downtown has grown from a in Knoxville. Spending over grandparents, Kenneth and Gigi single alligator when it opened in the past decade has topped $26 Cook, from Asheville, N.C. The 1948 to a nationally acclaimed million to improve and update family is watching Lu, a frisky attraction that houses more than exhibits, with more enhance- young chimpanzee at the Chimp 900 animals and employs 100 ments on the way. Ridge exhibit, and the reason for full-time and 90 seasonal work- And like the nearby University Ella’s laughter has her brother ers. One of its primary missions of Tennessee Volunteers sports cracking up, too. is to ensure that visitors like the teams, the zoo boasts quite an Visitors to the Kid’s Cove area of the “He looks just like Granddad- Pruitts and Cooks not only learn impressive lineup. It all starts zoo can practice “milking” a “cow.” dy!” Ella exclaims before dash- about the zoo’s fascinating ani- with Black Bear Falls, the first mals, but that exhibit visitors see when enter- to visitors,” says Rolen. “None they also have ing the zoo. Home to the zoo’s of our bears could survive in the a good time in three bears, this ¾-acre open-air wild. They were rehabilitated doing so. exhibit features realistic trees, due to injury or, in the case of “Our waterfalls, and streams, along one of our bears, Ursula, her mission is with special viewing areas that mother was killed and someone obviously allow guests unobstructed looks had taken her and tried to raise education inside the bear dens. her as a pet.” and conserva- “Black Bear Falls was named Like Black Bear Falls and tion, but we one of the best black bear exhib- Chimp Ridge, other zoo exhibits know we can’t its in the country in a book that such as Gorilla Valley, Bloomin’ accomplish came out a few years ago called Butterfly Gardens (featuring A keeper at the zoo’s new Bloomin’ Butterfly Gardens holds a that without ‘America’s Best Zoos,’ because of many different types of colorful malachite butterfly, one of the colorful varieties at the exhibit. the recre- the type of interaction available butterflies), African Elephant

32 July 2010 Preserve, Meerkat Lookout, Animal Encounter Village is Grasslands Africa!, and Red another up-close-and-personal Panda Village have surroundings way for youth and adults alike mimicking the natural habitat of to see the animals. On a recent each animal to provide the best visit, a group of youngsters from possible environment. In fact, Knoxville’s Grace Baptist Church the Knoxville Zoo and the Rot- took turns petting two reptiles LEFT: Zoo employee Jerry Davis terdam Zoo in the Netherlands — an Everglades rat snake and uses protective gloves to hold are the top two zoos in the West- a Prehensile-tailed skink, a type Madeline, a Prehensile-tailed skink ern Hemisphere for the breeding of lizard. and one of more than 60 reptiles on display. BELOW: At the Chimp Ridge of red pandas. “One of our playful lines exhibit, George, left, an infant male “We’ve had more than 90 [red around here this year has been chimpanzee, reaches for a block held panda] cubs born here,” says by Bo, a female and George’s favorite that the animals are ‘in your playmate. The extremely popular Rolen. “We think they do so face,’” explains Rolen. “We’re George is the first chimp born at the well here because the latitude is intent on getting people inter- zoo in the past 20 years and celebrates his second birthday this month. His similar to that of the Himalayas, acting more personally with the photo graces billboards and brochures their native environment. Red animals so they can have a truly promoting the zoo. pandas are the only true panda memorable experience.” species. Giant pandas are more For an even more personal closely related to bears.” treat, visitors can take part in In addition to enjoying the the zoo’s “Close Encounters” animals at the zoo, there is no program. By paying a $20 fee shortage of hands-on activities that goes directly to helping care for children. Near the Black for the animals, a zoo zealot Bear Falls exhibit is the innova- can go “behind the scenes” with tive Wee Play Zoo, an indoor giraffes, elephants, penguins, make-believe wonderland spon- and 500-pound giant Aldabran sored in part by Knox Farmers tortoises to view, touch, or feed Cooperative. Here, youngsters them in a safe environment. put their imaginations in high At just 18 months old, little gear in pretending to prepare Madison Likness will have to meals for the animals; operate a wait a few years before she’s souvenir shop, concession stand, ready for that kind of up-close or ticket booth; and even dress access. Vacationing with her up to play zookeeper. The zoo family from Fort Myers, Fla., purchases feed buckets for this she’s happy to keep her dis- zoos back home, but we like this and winter months, the zoo is area and other outdoor exhibits tance while her mother, Tiffany, one better than any one we’ve open weekdays from 9:30 a.m. as well as additional supplies and lifts her up to watch a black been to,” says Tiffany, whose until 4:30 p.m. and weekends animal health products from the hog playfully roll around in the other two girls, Mallorie and from 9:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. Co-op. mud at the Kid’s Cove, which McKenzie, are also with her at Visitors arriving after 3 p.m. are “We’re happy to lend our sup- features a recreated 19th-cen- the zoo. “After hearing so many admitted free the next day. port to the zoo, which is one of tury East Tennessee farm with good things, we had to come.” The zoo also holds week-long the best you’ll find anywhere,” native animals such as goats Knoxville Zoo is located off summer zoo camps for children says Knox Farmers manager and sheep that kids can pet and Interstate 40 at exit 392A and is in grades K-8. Limited spots are Philip Campbell. “A zoo staff brush, a beaver pond, carousel open every day except Christmas. still available for this year. member frequents the store al- ride, water play area, and giant Through Sept. 2, zoo hours are For more information, call most daily. They’re great people sand box. 9:30 a.m. until 6 p.m. weekdays 865-637-5331, extension 300, to work with.” “We’ve taken the kids to little and weekends. During the fall or visit www.knoxville-zoo.org.

LEFT: Shawn Miller of Kodak pauses to observe the bright, colorful scarlet macaws, which can live up to 75 years in captivity and are known for their ability to imitate human sounds. CENTER: Al, a more-than-100-year-old giant Aldabran tortoise, munches on collard greens while reptile keeper and 30-year zoo employee Jon Whitehead talks with Kaci Richardson, assistant manager at Knox Farmers Cooperative, about the animals’ nutritional program. RIGHT: Leah Crafton, right, keeps a tight grip on an Everglades rat snake named Biff as Max Mizerski of Knoxville runs his hand across its leathery skin. Rat snakes are non-

July 2010 33 What’s Cookin’? Just peachy resh, Tennessee-grown peaches are now ripening in orchards and await- F ing customers at produce stands and farmers’ markets across the state. With a mild spring, plenty of rain, and abundant sunshine, this year’s peaches are shaping up to be a bumper crop. In Tennessee, early peaches are typically available in late June, and other varieties follow throughout the summer right through August. Because of the state’s wide-ranging topography and temperatures, West Ten- nessee peaches tend to ripen first, and East Tennessee peaches ripen last. No matter where you purchase your peaches, you’ll have plenty of options for preparing them with this month’s “What’s cookin’?” column. You may want to start with “Peach Swirl Cobbler,” a new twist on an old favorite that has earned Helen Pagel of Columbia our Cook-of-the-Month honors for July. “This is a long recipe that takes time,” says Helen. “But it is well worth the effort!” Other featured recipes are Chicken A-La-Peach, Fresh Peach Cake, Peachy French Toast, Marinated Grilled Peaches, Peach Enchiladas, Peachy Tossed Salad, and Fresh, juicy peaches and a twisty, crispy crust pair well with a scoop of vanilla ice cream in Amaretto Peach Cheesecake. Helen Pagel’s “Peach Swirl Cobbler.” The creative recipe has earned Helen our “Cook-of- Enjoy. the-Month” honors for July. — Photo by Mark E. Johnson, food styling by Allison Clip, save, and serve

flour. Cover with another piece of waxed Peach Swirl Cobbler July 2010 winning recipe paper and roll out dough to a 12-x-10-inch rectangle about ¼ inch thick. Remove top What you will need: Directions: piece of waxed paper. • ½ cup butter Heat oven to 350°. Place butter in a 13-x- In another large bowl, toss together 9-x-2-inch baking dish and melt in oven. peaches, cinnamon, and nutmeg. Spoon • 2 cups sugar Remove dish; set aside. 3 cups peaches on top of melted butter, • 2 cups water In a medium saucepan, combine sugar spreading evenly in a single layer. Spoon • 1 teaspoon vanilla and water. Cook and stir over medium heat remaining peaches evenly over dough. Roll until sugar is dissolved. Bring to a boil. Boil, dough into a spiral, starting with a long • 2 cups self-rising flour uncovered, for five minutes. Remove from side. Pinch seams to seal. Slice into 12 • ½ cup shortening heat; stir in vanilla. Cover and keep warm. 1-inch-thick rolls and arrange, cut side • ½ cup milk Place flour in a large bowl. Using a pastry down, over peaches in baking dish. Care- blender, cut in shortening until pieces are fully pour syrup around rolls. (This will • 5 cups peeled, pitted, and the size of small peas. Make a well in the look like too much syrup, but the dough chopped fresh peaches center of flour mixture; add milk all at once. will absorb the liquid during baking.) 1 Stir just until moistened. Knead dough Bake at 350° for 45 to 50 minutes or • ⁄2 teaspoon ground cinnamon on a lightly floured 14-x-12-inch piece of until golden. Cool on wire rack for 30 1 • ⁄2 teaspoon ground nutmeg waxed paper for 10 or 12 strokes or until minutes. Serve warm with a scoop of va- • Vanilla ice cream nearly smooth. Lightly sprinkle dough with nilla ice cream.

Helen Pagel, Columbia, Maury Farmers Cooperative

34 July 2010 Chicken vanilla, cinnamon, nutmeg, and add sugar and cinnamon. Un- Amaretto Peach What’s Cookin’? salt. Arrange bread in a shallow roll crescent dough and arrange A-La-Peach baking dish. Pour egg mixture peaches on top of each rectangle. Cheesecake over bread and let stand for five Roll up dough from large to small 3 tablespoons butter or 4 skinless chicken breasts minutes; turn over and let stand end. Place in a 12-x-10-x-2-inch 1 (15-ounce) can sliced margarine five minutes more. pan coated with nonstick spray. 1 ⁄3 cup sugar peaches, drained, reserv- In a blender, combine peaches Pour butter mixture over rolls and ing juice 1 large egg and maple syrup until smooth. pour citrus soda on top. Bake for 3 ⁄4 cup unbleached Lemon-pepper seasoning Pour into a small pan and heat 45 minutes. all-purpose flour Wash chicken and pat dry. throughly; remove to a small Jeana Owens 24 ounces cream cheese, Soak in peach juice one hour. serving bowl and set aside. Cumberland Gap Butter a baking pan and place softened Melt butter in a large skillet. Claiborne Farmers Cooperative 3 ⁄4 cup sugar chicken pieces inside. Sprinkle Cook toast until golden, about 3 tablespoons unbleached with lemon-pepper seasoning. three minutes per side. When T all-purpose flour Bake at 300º for half an hour. done, place on a large platter, Peachy Tossed Salad 3 large eggs Pour peaches on top. Cook 30 dust with powdered sugar, and 16 ounces canned peach more minutes or until done. drizzle with peach puree. Linda Bain 1 (10-ounce) package ready- halves (drained, pureed) Polly Dodd 1 to-serve salad greens ⁄4 cup almond-flavored Bethel Springs Toone 1 to 2 medium fresh liqueur Mid-South Farmers Cooperative Mid-South Farmers Cooperative peaches, cut into wedges Combine butter or margarine 1 ⁄2 cup thinly sliced cucumber and sugar until light and fluffy. 1 3 T T ⁄2 cup crumbled feta cheese Blend in egg. Add ⁄4 cup flour; 1 Fresh Peach Cake Marinated ⁄4 cup thinly sliced red mix well. Spread dough onto bot- Grilled Peaches onion, separated into rings tom of a 9-inch springform pan. 1 cup white sugar Creamy Poppy Seed Dressing: Bake at 450º for 10 minutes. 1 ⁄2 cup brown sugar 2 3 Combine cream cheese, sugar, 6 peaches ⁄ cup vegetable oil 1 cup butter 1 ⁄4 cup sugar and 3 tablespoons flour; mix with 12 cloves 2 eggs 1 ⁄4 cup white vinegar an electric mixer at medium speed 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1 cup buttermilk 1 ⁄4 cup sour cream until well blended. Add eggs, one 1 tablespoon chopped mint 1 teaspoon baking soda 2 teaspoons poppy seeds at a time, mixing well after each 1 2 tablespoons butter 2 ⁄2 cups flour 1 ⁄2 teaspoon salt addition. Add pureed peaches and 1 tablespoon honey 2 teaspoons cinnamon In a large salad bowl, combine liqueur; mix well. Pour over crust. 1 teaspoon cinnamon 1 teaspoon baking powder the greens, peaches, cucumber, Bake at 450º for 10 minutes. 1 1 teaspoon brown sugar ⁄2 teaspoon salt feta cheese, and onion. In a jar Reduce heat to 250º and continue 8 ounces heavy cream 2 cups diced fresh peaches with a tight-fitting lid, combine baking 65 minutes. Loosen cake 8 ounces powdered sugar, Topping: the dressing ingredients; shake from rim of pan; cool before re- 1 divided ⁄2 cup sugar well. Serve with salad. Wash peaches, slice in half, moving. Chill. Garnish with more 1 teaspoon cinnamon Yield: Eight servings. peach slices and sliced almonds. 1 and remove pits. Place 1 clove in ⁄2 cup chopped nuts Mildred H. Edwards the center of each peach half and Shirley L. Revis Cream together sugars and Lebanon sprinkle with mint and cinnamon. Adams butter. Add eggs, buttermilk, Wilson Farmers Cooperative Montgomery Farmers Cooperative and baking soda; mix well. Add Melt butter and mix with honey, flour, cinnamon, baking powder, cinnamon, and brown sugar. Find us on Facebook, win a cookbook and salt; beat very well. Fold in Brush each peach with the butter Tell us that you “Like” the Tennessee Cooperator on peaches. Pour into a 9-x-13-inch mixture. Place peaches, skin side Facebook, and you’ll get access to exclusive content and pan. Combine topping ingre- down, on grill and cook for about have a chance to win a “What’s cookin’?” prize pack dients and sprinkle over cake 4 minutes. Remove cloves. featuring a Co-op cookbook, potholder, and measuring batter. Bake at 350º for 30 to 40 Whip cream and 4 ounces of cup. One lucky “fan” will be chosen each week in July minutes. Serve warm with fresh powdered sugar together until and August. Visit www.facebook.com/TennesseeCooperator peaches and milk. stiff peaks form. Place two halves and click the “Like” button at the top of the page. Good luck! Orpha Swarey of a peach on a plate and garnish Henry with 1 tablespoon of whipped Henry Farmers Cooperative cream. Garnish plates with remaining 4 ounces of powdered Pack a picnic for September T sugar. As summer draws to a close, let’s pack a picnic and make the most of the Peachy French Toast Deborah Cole remaining warm-weather days. Rogersville We’re looking for your favorite picnic menu recipes for our September Hawkins Farmers Cooperative “What’s cookin’?” column. The person submitting the best recipe will be 3 large eggs named Cook-of-the-Month and receive $10. Others sending recipes chosen 1 cup milk for publication will receive $5. 2 teaspoons vanilla T Monday, Aug. 9, is the deadline for submitting picnic recipes. 1 1 ⁄3 teaspoons cinnamon Peach Enchiladas Don’t forget: Only recipes that include complete, easy-to-follow instruc- 1 ⁄8 teaspoon nutmeg tions will be considered for publication. Several recipes are disqualified each Dash of salt 2 (8-ounce) tubes crescent month because they do not contain all the information needed to prepare 8 slices thick French bread rolls the dishes successfully. Recipes featured in “What’s cookin’?” are not inde- 3 large, ripe peaches, peeled 2 sticks butter pendently tested, so we must depend on the accuracy of the cooks sending and sliced, or 1 (15-ounce) 4 firm, fresh peaches, peeled them. Always use safe food-handling, preparation, and cooking procedures. can peach slices and quartered Send entries to: Recipes, Tennessee Cooperator, P.O. Box 3003, 1 1 ⁄3 cup maple syrup 1 ⁄2 cups sugar LaVergne, TN 37086. You can submit more than one recipe in the same en- 1 tablespoon butter (more as 1 teaspoon cinnamon velope. You can also e-mail them to: [email protected]. Be sure to needed) 1 (12-ounce) can citrus soda include your name, address, telephone number, and the Co-op with which Powdered sugar Preheat oven to 350º. Peel you do business. Recipes that appear in the “What’s cookin’?” column will In a bowl, combine eggs, milk, and quarter peaches. Melt butter; also be published on our website at www.ourcoop.com.

July 2010 35 TFC tops CCA competition with 24 awards Villines is Writer of the Year; annual meeting ‘Cooperative America’ booklet judged best publication By Jerry Kirk

ennessee Farmers Cooperative’s Commu- Tnications Department emerged as the top overall winner in the Cooperative Communicators Association’s 2010 Communications Contest, which drew 662 entries from co-ops in the U.S. and Canada. When awards were presented June 13 during this year’s CCA Institute in Minneapolis, TFC captured 24 awards, including best-of-show designations in two of the contest’s four areas LEFT: Tennessee Farmers Cooperative staffers on hand to accept awards at the Cooperative Communicators Association’s of competition. Chris Villines, 2010 Communications Contest banquet June 13 in Minneapolis are, from left, Mark Johnson, Allison Morgan, and Chris Villines. RIGHT: TFC Chief Executive Officer Bart Krisle was also honored with CCA’s 2010 CEO Outstanding Communicator Award. a Communications Department staff member for nearly three Because of a prior commit- four first-place finishes were for first in the member newspaper/ years now, was named Writer of ment, Krisle could not be in Spotlight, TFC’s internal maga- tabloid category, but “Like a the Year, and the cooperative’s Minneapolis to accept the CEO zine that goes to employees and Letter From Home,” a story dual-purpose annual report/cor- Outstanding Communicator retirees; “The Best of Coop- Morgan wrote for the 50th an- porate brochure was tapped as Award. However, a clever video erative America,” the speech niversary issue of the Coopera- Publication of the Year. produced by Johnson highlight- delivered by 2009 TFC Board tor in May 2009 finished first Besides winning more writ- ing the attributes that helped Chairman Bill Mayo at last in the cooperative education ing, publications, photography, Krisle capture the award — the year’s annual meeting; a 60-sec- portion of the writing contest. and projects and programs first ever to go to TFC — was ond Christmas broadcast ad for The Cooperator earned another awards than any other coopera- shown at the awards gala where Stockdale’s; and a presentation third-place award for its editor tive, TFC added another top it was well received by the CCA on the creative process titled for best use of photographs in a honor when its chief executive audience. “Nine-to-Five Creativity.” publication. officer, Bart Krisle, was an- Lowry “Whitey” Dougherty A Cooperator story titled Other Cooperator stories nounced as winner of CCA’s of McMinn County, chairman “Maternity Leaves” earned earned Morgan two third-place 2010 CEO Outstanding Com- of the TFC Board of Directors, Johnson two awards: second awards in writing. The first was municator Award. praised Krisle for his communi- place for headline-writing and a simple, two-word headline — In her Writer of the Year re- cations skills. “Communication third in the words-and-pictures “Lab Results — that attracted marks, Judge Lura Roti of Sioux is one of Bart’s strong suits,” category. The poignant story readers to the story about Mike Falls, S.D., said Villines’ abil- Dougherty said. “As a TFC about “The Birthing Tree,” a Simmons and the champion ity to “draw the reader into his director, I’ve benefited from his huge oak in McMinnville that Labrador retrievers he trains at stories right away and keep their ability to put information on our became famous for shading pio- his Mill Creek Kennels in La- attention is amazing.” She also level and help us understand neer infants, was a big hit with vinia. “Crossroads of Cotton,” praised his ability to “weave facts complex issues. It’s also plain readers. Johnson also captured Morgan’s close-up look at the and statistics throughout his ar- to see that Bart has an excel- a second-place award in corpo- Cotton Museum in the historic ticles …” and concluded simply, lent relationship with our Co-op rate public relations for “Con- Cotton Exchange building in “His articles are a joy to read.” members at the local level, and tents Under Pressue,” a story downtown Memphis, placed Communications Depart- it all comes down to how well about the new Co-op Super third in the informative/investi- ment Manager Allison Morgan he communicates with them.” Heavy-Duty Mineral Feeder, gative feature category. accepted the best publication Besides its “of the year” and placed third with “Worth Villines’ rise to Writer-of-the- award for “Cooperative Ameri- titles, TFC captured 22 other the Weight,” which detailed the Year status was heightened by ca,” the unique booklet distrib- awards in this year’s competi- success Robertson County beef “Farm Rescue 101,” his first- uted at last year’s TFC annual tion — eight firsts, including producer Bobby Ogg’s success place news story that detailed meeting. The entire communi- the Tennessee Cooperator in in preconditioning his calves. hands-on training sessions at cations staff worked together to the member newspaper/tabloid He also earned a third in photo which rescue squad members produce “Cooperative America,” category; five seconds; eight illustration for “Veggie Medley and other emergency person- which was praised by judges for thirds; and an honorable men- Stir-Fry,” the featured “What’s nel learn how to handle farm its layout, photography, writ- tion. Of those awards, Johnson Cookin’?” recipe in March. mishaps in a safe and timely ing, and other elements. “The finished with eight, Morgan five, Morgan captured an array manner. “Cohutta is More publication uses current events and Villines and graphic design- of awards in a variety of com- Than Caviar,” a sidebar to his to tell the cooperative’s positive er Shane Read three each. The petitive categories, too, with a story on the University of Geor- story,” one judge wrote. “Turn- Communications Department couple of first-place trophies gia’s Cohutta Fisheries Center, ing today’s economic calamities was credited with the other two. directly connected to the Coop- earned Villines a second-place and lingo into a positive story Johnson’s versatility as a com- erator, of which she has been award in the featurette category. about your cooperative was very municator was reflected in the editor for nine years now. Not In corporate public relations, clever,” said another. variety of awards he won. His only was the publication named he finished third with “Horse

36 July 2010 Logic,” a story about a Niota family that decided to switch to Co-op Winner’s Cup Advantage Yarbro is AIF Sweepstakes winner horse feed. When he was announced winner of the his brother, James, operate Yarbro Farms Graphic designer Shane first Ag Input Finance (AIF) Sweepstakes and have participated in the AIF program for Read captured two awards in and presented with a 42-inch Vizio flat- three years. the print advertising category screen television, Weakley County farmer AIF is an agricultural producer financing of the projects and programs Jason Yarbro said it was the “first thing I’ve program offered and delivered through Ten- competition. He took second ever won in my life!” nessee Farmers Cooperative, its member place with “The Weather Could Yarbro entered the sweepstakes by Co-ops, and its subsidiaries to help finance Care Less,” an eye-catching ad logging on to www.aginputfinance.com crop inputs. The program is a product of for Co-op Crop Insurance, and during the contest period this spring. The ProPartners Financial, which provides agricul- third with a Bonide ad titled Weakley Farmers Cooperative member and tural financing for producers across the U.S. “Say it in One Word.” Read also received an honorable mention in the miscellaneous category for redesign of TFC’s Co-op Ac- tion Ration bags. Besides the first-place finish of the “Cooperative America” booklet that went on to be named Publication of the Year, the TFC entire Communica- tions Department was credited with another award: second place for “It’s Your Business,” a newsletter that goes to employ- ees from CEO Krisle. In other action at the CCA Institute, Morgan was elected vice president of the organiza- Jason Yarbro of Dukedom, left, is the winner of the first sweepstakes conducted by Ag Input Finance (AIF), a crop tion for the coming year. She input financing program offered by Tennessee Farmers Cooperative. Jeremy Cromwell of ProPartners Financial, AIF’s parent company, presented the prize — a 42-inch Vizio flat-screen, high-definition television set — to Yarbro on April has been a member of CCA’s 27. Yarbro is a member of Weakley Farmers Cooperative. board of directors since 2006. Sheep producers to learn BECAUSE HE’S LOYAL TO THE BONE … at July 23 field day at TTU FEED ‘EM ACTION RATION Producers and other interested individuals are invited to attend the Tennessee Sheep Producers Association’s 2010 Field Day to be held Friday, July 23, at the Hyder-Burks Agriculture Pavilion on the campus of Tennessee Technological University in Cookeville. It’s fitting, organizers say, that the event is being held in Tennes- see, the fastest-growing state in sheep numbers in recent years. “This year’s field day is an excellent introductory course for new producers as well as a tremendous refresher for experienced shepherds,” says Mark Powell, manager of Wilson Farmers Coop- erative in Lebanon. Being held jointly with the American Dorper 900612 900611 900613 Sheep Breeders Society, the event will cover the basics of sheep production and and other timely topics. Well-known industry speakers from Texas, Ohio, Virginia, and North Carolina will join local specialists in leading the educational event. The field day, including a lamb barbecue supper to be served at 5:30 p.m. is free. Registration begins at 9 a.m., and during educational sessions throughout the day, topics such as basic sheep nutrition, tech- niques for reproductive management, and sheep health manage- ment will be discussed. Lunch will be served at 11:15 a.m., and for a Producer Round Table on lamb marketing options and experi- Service and Quality ences will begin at noon. The field day program will end by 4:30 p.m., when a Junior Showmanship Contest begins. CO -OP In urging producers to attend the field day, Powell said the event is a “rare opportunity to learn and get to know others in the indus- www.ourcoop.com try in a fun, fast-paced educational event for the whole family.” The following day (Saturday, July 24), the American Dorper Sheep Breeders Society will stage a show and sale featuring sheep See your local Co-op for pricing from as far away as Texas.

July 2010 37 Every Farmer Has A Story Tim Luckey ‘A job to be done’ Whether he’s farming with his family or running for public office, Tim Luckey takes the same common-sense approach Story and photos by Allison Morgan volume operation he shares with his sons is nearly unrecogniz- hen Tim Luckey able from the farming he did graduated from high with his father. When he was Wschool in 1972, his growing up, they produced truck father, Joe, encouraged him crops like tomatoes, cabbage, to get a “public job,” and his and bell peppers along with row mother, Jothel, begged him to go crops and hogs — and still used to college. Having experienced mules occasionally. Tim says he farming’s fluctuations firsthand, never imagined advances like they wanted to spare their son precision agriculture, Roundup the stress of trying to make a liv- Ready crops, and boll weevil ing on an agricultural income. eradication or the challenges of Like many teenagers, Tim glyphosate-resistant weeds, high didn’t exactly heed his parents’ input costs, and increasingly advice. complicated marketing that he “I went to Jackson State and his sons face today. Tim Luckey, right, visits with Gibson Farmers Cooperative Manager Tommy Townsend Like many producers, the [Community College] for one in a cotton field. Tim and his family have been longtime members of the Co-op. quarter,” says Tim. “That Feb- Luckeys got out of the swine ruary, when everything turned hands, kissing babies, eating lots here in this end of the county,” business in the mid-1990s — green, I just couldn’t take it of barbecue and catfish dinners, says Tim. “I’m really proud of when prices bottomed out — anymore. I got out, went to and meeting as many people as that. Family has always been and started raising beef cattle farming, and have been here possible. It’s a role he relishes such a big part of my life.” instead. After selling their herd ever since.” after being a county commis- Tim admits that it wasn’t just last year when Tim decided sioner for 12 years and serving “great timing” when he started to hit the campaign trail, they now concentrate on raising corn, l Gibson County on the Gibson Farmers Cooper- his own farming career in the ative board for six years. He has mid-1970s, first with his broth- cotton, soybeans, and wheat. followed in the footsteps of his er, Sam, and their father and “Livestock wasn’t making But this August, after more grandfather, Joe Sr., who was a then on his own in 1980 after much of a profit, and it would than 38 years of farming, Tim commissioner for 37 years from Sam left the operation. make it easier on the boys,” says may finally get that public job. 1930 until his death in 1967, “It was difficult for farmers Tim. “If they weren’t here to He’s running for Gibson County and his father, who was a Co-op at that time, with the droughts handle the farm, running for of- mayor, a full-time position in director in the mid-1950s. and the low prices and the fuel fice wouldn’t even be an option.” which he would essentially serve “When people ask me why I crisis,” recalls Tim. “A lot of Now, at age 55, when many as chief financial officer for the want to get into politics, I say I farmers went bankrupt, but we people are preparing for retire- local government. With his really don’t look at it as politics,” were able to survive by the skin ment, Tim is embarking on what sons, Clay and Grant, taking on says Tim, who will be on the of our teeth and the grace of may become a second career. It more and more responsibility on ballot as an Independent in next God. I never considered giving could take him away from the the family’s 2,500-acre row-crop month’s election. “It is just a job up, because I just didn’t want to farm, but that’s OK, he says. farm, Tim said he has reached a to be done and problems to solve do anything else.” No longer a young man weighing time in his life where he’s ready using good old common sense.” Like his father, Tim didn’t academics against agriculture, for a new challenge. Even as he serves in these want his sons to face those hard- he trusts that his operation is in “I just happened to be at a leadership roles, Tim emphasizes ships and encouraged their pur- good hands. place where I could do this,” that he’s always a farmer first, suit of college and other careers. But, just like that spring long says Tim. “I had always agreed just like his father, grandfather, But they, too, were destined to ago when he was lured out of the with everybody else that we need and even his great-grandfather, farm. Clay, now 34, has worked classroom and back to the farm, honest, hardworking folks in of- John Henry, who established the on the farm with Tim since high Tim says he knows — if he’s fice. A fellow said, ‘You have two Luckeys’ farm between Medina school while earning an account- elected county mayor — he’ll sons who are taking over your and Humboldt in 1902. In ing degree from the University of have to restrain himself when farming. Why don’t you do it?’ 1910, Joe Sr. built the house Tennessee at Martin. Grant, 26, the next growing season begins. I first told him no, and my wife where Tim and his wife, Susan, tried out college, factory work, “That’s going to be tough,” he thought I was crazy for even have lived since they married 36 industrial maintenance, and a admits. “But it’s different now. considering it. But we talked years ago. There, they raised tractor dealership job before re- Back then, life was waiting for and prayed about it and decided their three children — Clay, turning to the farm six years ago. me. Everything was out there in I should give it a try.” Grant, and daughter Holly — “I tried a bunch of differ- front of me that I wanted to do For more than a year, Tim has and are now sharing the farming ent things but didn’t like any of — build my life, start my family. been canvassing the countryside tradition with their five grand- them,” says Grant. “I said I’d Now, I’ve done all that, and my — where his campaign signs children as well. never farm, but it was the only sons are here, taking care of sprout from neighbors’ yards “Six generations of Luckeys thing I enjoyed.” everything. I’m blessed, and I’m and farmers’ fields — shaking have started here and farmed Tim says the high-tech, high- ready to give back.”

38 July 2010 Four generations of Luckeys are carrying on the agricultural tradition at their Gibson County farm between Humboldt and Medina. In front are 85-year-old Joe Luckey, left, and his son, Tim. In back are, from right, Tim’s sons, Grant and Clay, and Clay’s 5-year-old son, Braden. The tractor is a 1952 Farmall the family has owned for more than 45 years and recently restored as a Christmas gift for Joe, who points out that it’s the only “red” equipment on their farm. The rest of their machinery is of the John Deere green variety.

July 2010 39 40 July 2010