Issue 69

November 2016

The holiday season is upon us! Take a look at some great specials and deals we have going on now. Check out the Kubota BX25 Tractor-Loader-Backhoe; you can tackle multiple tasks with this amazing machine. Get yours today with 0% financing for qualified buyers. See details below.

It's been dry in Alabama. Really dry. And everyone is feeling the effects. In this month's Chewin' the Cud article, High and Dry in Alabama, we take a look at the drought we're experiencing around the state and the actions taken to conserve water and protect the land, humans and wildlife. We also offer tips for farmers and ranchers on federal subsidies, as well as long-term drought-proof solutions for your crops.

Take a look at the November Gardening Guide for some fall tips.

Kick off the holiday season with the November Activities and Events to get the latest on what's going on around the state this month.

Get out and VOTE on November 8!

Let's Get to Work!

Get This Special Package Deal
with 0% Financing for All Qualified Buyers!

Kubota BX25 Tractor-Loader-Backhoe $18,780
with 0% Financing!

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Chewin' the Cud: The Cahaba Tractor Corner

High and Dry in Alabama

In October and early November, the Alabama landscape is usually flowing with bright, colorful leaves and plants while cooler, crisp air breezes through the trees as they begin to shed their leaves in anticipation of winter. This year, however, when you look around the tree-covered hills you see more brown and rust and a haze of dust from the parched land. The air is unusually warm and dry, resembling early summer temperatures instead of fall.

If you've been following the news, you know the state has been experiencing a dry spell since May. Alabama's northern two-thirds are now under a Stage Four Drought Emergency--which includes a No Burn Ban--while the southern third is under a Fire Alert . Many of the state's river beds have been drying up and lake levels are dangerously low. In addition, the National Weather Service is now forecasting lower-than-normal rainfall and above average warmth for the coming three months. So, the bad news is we are not out of the dust bowl yet.

On the other hand, the good news is we have not reached drought levels as bad as what we experienced in 2007. However, the cyclical pattern of warm, dry conditions that we have been experiencing the last several months does not appear to be drastically improving as we head into fall and winter. Therefore, it's important to prepare now and take precautions to conserve water. According to the water schedule set by the Birmingham Water Works Stage Four Drought Emergency, you should water your lawn sparingly and either during the morning or evening hours. You can also cut back on shower times and run full loads of laundry, not partial. Most importantly, be careful when lighting any fires, or even putting out cigarettes. It doesn't take much for dry vegetation to catch fire and cause a wildfire that could lead to property damage or worse. Fires spread quickly under these conditions, so use extreme caution.

In response to the drought, various Alabama counties have been designated natural disaster areas permitting qualified farmers and ranchers to apply for low interest emergency (EM) loans from the USDA's Farm Service Agency (FSA). Other FSA programs that do not require a disaster declaration are also available to provide assistance. These include: the Emergency Conservation Program; Livestock Forage Disaster Program; Livestock Indemnity Program; Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program; and the Tree Assistance Program. Interested farmers may contact the Alabama USDA Service Center for further information on eligibility requirements and application procedures for these and other programs. Additional information is also available at http://disaster.fsa.usda.gov and the Alabama Cooperative Extension System Drought sites.

Looking ahead, farmers and gardeners who rely on water from rivers and creeks may want to look into long-term solutions to protect crops from future drought conditions. In the article, 15 Ways to Help Mitigate Drought on Your Farm This Season and Beyond, Maud Powell from Oregon State University's Small Farms Program issued tips on how to make a farm or garden more drought-proof over the long haul. Though it was written in the Spring of 2014, the ideas presented are relevant.

The state's hunting season could also be affected as deer will be on the move seeking water and food. Temperatures will also be warmer than usual throughout the season. Hunting land in highland areas are particularly susceptible as many food plots are doing poorly or not growing due to drought conditions. Homeowners are also on alert as wild animals, such as deer and coyotes, are encroaching on suburban areas and farms much more frequently in search of water and food.

The drought we are all now facing is no laughing matter, yet we do know this too shall pass. In the meantime, being alert and resourceful will help us navigate our way through it all.

White Bean and Turkey Chili

Looking for something new to do with your leftover turkey? This recipe is a great change from the usual turkey sandwich.

Ingredients:

1 tbs. canola oil

2 cups diced yellow onion

1 1/2 tbs. chili powder

1 tbs. minced garlic

1 1/2 tsp. ground cumin

1 tsp. dried oregano

3 (15.8 oz. cans) Great Northern Beans; rinsed and drained

4 cups low sodium chicken broth

3 cups chopped cooked turkey

1/2 cup diced seeded plum tomato

1/3 cup chopped fresh cilantro

2 tbs. fresh lime juice

1/2 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. freshly ground black pepper

8 lime wedges (optional)

Preparation:

Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add onion; saute 10 minutes or until tender and golden in color. Add chili powder, garlic and cumin; saute for 2 minutes. Add oregano and beans; cook for 30 seconds. Add broth; bring to a simmer. Cook 20 minutes.

Place 2 cups of bean mixture in a blender or food processor. Process until smooth. Return mixture to pan. Add turkey and cook 5 minutes or until thoroughly heated. Remove from heat. Add diced tomato, chopped cilantro, lime juice, salt and pepper. Stir well. Garnish with lime wedges, if desired.

Yields 8 (1 cup) servings

Our customers are very special to us. We are incredibly grateful for each and every one of you. Our goal is to give you the best customer service before, during and long after the sale. We would like to take this opportunity to wish you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving from our home to yours!

Sincerely,

Cahaba Tractor Co.

2411 Hwy. 31 South

Pelham, AL 35124

(205) 663-1470

Happy Thanksgiving!

from all of us at
Cahaba Tractor

Why settle for less

when you can have

the best?

At Cahaba Tractor,

we make work seem
like play!

Here's
Mud

Your

Eye

Ode to Thanksgiving

May your stuffing be tasty

May your turkey be plump,

May your potatoes and gravy

Have nary a lump.

May your yams be delicious

And your pies take the prize,

And may your Thanksgiving
dinner

Stay off your tummy, hips, and thighs!

--Anonymous

November
Gardening Guide