Cotton

As you travel down County Rd 34 in Washington County, AL it is not unusual to see rows and rows of cotton. But many people are unaware of the processes cotton goes through just to be harvested.

The plants of cotton require a long, sunny growing period with at least 160 frost- free days. This means that cotton is usually planted in the spring. After the seeds are planted seedlings appear 5-10 days, which bear seedling leaves call cotyledons. These cotyledons provide food to the young cotton plant. The first real leaves form 2-4 weeks after planting. The first flower bud appears 5-7 weeks after planting. The flower bud is called a square and is surrounded by leaf-like parts called bracts. The square opens about 8-10 weeks after planting into a white flower. The flower pollinates itself and within three days will fall off the plant leaving a green pod containing seeds and fibers. The pod browns as it ripens and splits open exposing the cotton fibers inside. The cotton is ready to be harvesting after 25 weeks.

Agriculture: Alabama's No. 1 Industry

Did you know that for generations Alabama families have dedicated their lives to creating a $4.7 billion business—Alabama's largest. There are 48,000 people in Alabama who call themselves farmers. But today, agriculture reaches far beyond the farm gate.

The agribusiness industry in Alabama accounts for 476,000 jobs. These jobs account for annual earnings of more than $9 billion. That's 21 percent of the state's workforce. In fact, 85 percent of all jobs created by agriculture are not on the farm at all. They include farm equipment dealers, seed and feed suppliers, food processors, exporters and retailers.

Together, these industries account for more than $43 billion or 22 percent of the state's direct output—more than any other industry.


Source: Alabama Farmer's Federation

What is Agricultural Science Education and FFA?

The agricultural science education program is built on the three core areas of classroom/laboratory instruction, supervised agricultural experience programs and FFA student organization activities/opportunities. FFA holds a federal charter.Two of the top three FFA executives are employed by the U.S. Department of Education.
FFA represents the relevancy to the core areas offering students opportunities that changes lives and prepares students for premier leadership, personal growth and career success. Founded in 1928, the FFA organization represents a large diversity of over 300 careers in the food, fiber and natural resources industry. FFA is an integral part of a school system.
FFA uses agricultural education to create real-world success. Agriculture teachers become advisors to local FFA chapters, which students join. More than 7,000 FFA chapters are currently in existence; their programs are managed on a local, state and national level. Each chapter’s Program of Activities is designed with the needs of the students in mind. Activities vary greatly from school to school, but are based in a well-integrated curriculum. Chapter activities and FFA programs concentrate on three areas of our mission: premier leadership, personal growth and career success.

In order to join the FFA, you must be enrolled in an Ag Science Education course in your local school. Contact your school’s counselor or Ag Science instructor to enroll in Ag Ed and join the FFA. You can visit www.ffa.org for more information.

Do "ewe" know?

This is some useful information about sheep.

Female sheep are called ewes and male sheep are called rams. Baby sheep until they reach one year old are called lambs. These lambs will stand shortly after being born and grow rapidly, weighing between 110-120 pounds by the time they are six month old.

Sheep do not have top front teeth; instead they have a hard dental pad on the roof of their mouths. This helps them eat grass and weeds. Sheep like cows are ruminants. This means they have four sections in their stomach, which helps in the digestion process.

The wool that sheep grow on their bodies is known as fleece. I must be cut each year in a process known as shearing. The wool that is sheared from a single sheep can weight 8 –12 pounds. Sheep not only provide wool but lotions, medicines, felt, leather, waxes and hair for artists’ brushes as well as seat covers even the milk from sheep is drank in many countries.

2009 - The Year of Ethanol

It is reported that despite market conditions the ethanol industry continues strides of growth. Industry leaders say this will position the fuel as the “largest supplier of energy in this country”. In addition both ethanol fuel and distillers grains for livestock feed seem to be looking at a big year for business in 2009.

It is estimated that ethanol production capacity is expected to reach 11.9 billion gallons in 2009, which is up an estimated 9.3 billion gallons this year. About one third of the grains going into the refining process will exit as distillers dried grains to be marketed as livestock feed. These processes will not only meet domestic livestock feed demand, but will also reach foreign shores, boosting US trade output.

“Who would have believed five years ago that the ethanol industry would be the largest supplier of energy in this country,” says Bruce Rastetter, CEO of Hawkeye Renewables.

Cold Weather & Calves

With cold weather approaching it is important to consider the health calves in the herd. It is critical in the first few weeks of birth to keep calves warm. The reasoning is that a calf actively regulates its body temperature when the outside temperature is between 50 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit and anything below that may cause the calf to burn up their body fat reserve. For example, when the temperature drops from 55 to 25 degrees, a calf requires one-third more energy, just to maintain body weight and temperature. Because more energy is required to maintain body temperature there is little left for growth. Calves need to be fed more energy during cold months to ensure heath.

Here are some tips offered to ensure calves stay well fed and warm this winter.

1. Provide a clean, dry and draft-free hutch or pen to give calves the best opportunity to stay warm.
2. Feed a milk replacer with at least 20% fat to increase energy intake.
3. Increase liquid diet by 25-50%. This can be done by increase feeding rate of milk replacer, increase volume of milk feed and feed a fat supplement that can be mixed with milk or milk replacer. Milk should be fed between 100-105 degrees.
4. Keep water available to calves 30 minutes to one hour after each feeding as water intake stimulates starter intake.
5. Focus on a good calf starter management program, which will maximize intake.

Kudzu an Invasive Plant

It is known that people tend to change the world around them, such as experimenting with plants. However sometimes in their efforts to make the world a more beautiful place turmoil can occur. Such is the case with invasive plants. An indication of this is the fact that the US spent well over $100 million in dealing with invasive plants.

Often these invasive plants are new comers to the ecological scene, which give them an advantage over native plants. These plants are exhibit a pronounced ability to reproduce and spread rapidly in this new environment. The end result of this invasion can lead to decimation or even total destruction of native plants and even threaten the whole ecosystem.

One of these invaders is kudzu, which is probably the most notorious and detested. Kudzu was imported with the intention to be used to work wonders in healing land destroyed by recurrent planting of King Cotton. It did serve the purpose as intended the only thing is that it didn't stop. It spread like wildfire and "ate" everything in its path. This plant thanks to its deep roots and exceptional tenacity, kudzu is almost impossible to eradicate.

I must admit that kudzu has some positive qualities. It first over accomplished its original use and serves as food for various types of wildlife throughout the year. The tender tips make a decent ingredient in quiche, the vines can be woven into baskets and wreathes and the blossoms produce a delicate jelly. Still, it is considered the "bad boy" of invaders.

Ag in the Classroom

The USDA has coordinated a program Agriculture in the Classroom. The goal of the program is to help students gain a greater awareness of the role of agriculture in the economy and society, so that they may become citizens who support wise agricultural policies.

This program is used to meet each states needs and interests, by individuals representing farm organizations, agribusiness, education and government.

The USDA supports the state organizations by:

• helping to develop Agriculture in the Classroom programs
• acting as a central clearinghouse for materials and information
• encouraging USDA agencies to assist in the state programs, and
• coordinating with national organizations to promote the goal of an increased awareness of agriculture among the nation's students.

I would like to invite you to visit the "Ag in the Classroom" Website. It provides resources for students and teachers, while also providing links to fun activities that allow you to explore the careers in agriculture, view project ideas, learn about ag issues and challenge your mind about agriculture. To visit the site just click the picture above.

2008 81st National FFA Convention

As a collegiate member of the FFA at Auburn University, I had the pleasure of attending the 2008 FFA National Convention. The 81st National FFA Convention had more than 55,000 FFA members and guests from across the country assembling in Indianapolis. The convention consisted of energetic sessions, engaging competitions, recognition of distinguished members and supporters, leadership workshops, an outstanding career show, National Days of Service and entertaining performances. The theme of the convention Step Up, Stand Out is more than just a theme. It is a call to action to all FFA members.

The members of the AU FFA participated in the collegiate quiz bowl, debate and recruitment. The idea was to provide high school FFA members with the information they need to chose the college in which would meet their expectations. This being my first year to attend the convention, I must say was overwhelming. I never imagined the wealth of information that was presented at the convention, that will enhance my ability as an agriscience teacher.

This year's convention also hosted the Collegiate Career Expo. The Collegiate Career Expo at this year’s 81st National FFA Convention hosted more than 35 companies that could each be the right fit for FFA members. This is the fifth year that the career expo has been held at national FFA convention. Recruiters and employees from various companies and organizations such as Agriculture Future of America, Kraft and Monsanto were on hand to talk face to face with FFA members who are seeking internships or entry-level jobs.

At the convention I was approached by and interviewed by RFD-TV. I was asked what role does agriculture play in today's society. My response was that without agriculture there is no society. Think about it, with technology advancing in the research of bio-fuels, agriculture is more important than ever. It is my belief that more funding should be allowed to the American farmer in order to promote agriculture production. Much legislation is needed in order to promote and restore agriculture in today's society.


If given the opportunity I highly recommend that all FFA members should attend at least one National Convention. It is truly a life changing experience.