By Marlee Jackson

More than 150 pounds of pork made its way into meals for in-need citizens in the Magic City this fall, thanks to an Alabama Jr. Swine Board (AJSB) donation funded by FirstBank of Birmingham.

FirstBank’s $5,000 sponsorship will stretch further next spring when AJSB launches Barn Buddies, which will introduce youth with special needs to the joys of animal agriculture.

“You don’t always realize it in the moment, but it’s neat to think we helped somebody,” said AJSB member Makenna Martin of Tallapoosa County, who was on hand for the pork donation Aug. 22 with fellow swine showman Colton Simpson.

The duo helped load a Magic City Harvest van that distributed pork chops, sausage and ground pork to local feeding programs. Magic City Harvest serves 20 programs across Birmingham.

“You see what those people go through and know it’s a good thing you’re doing, helping them and giving them their next meal,” said Simpson of DeKalb County.

AJSB’s protein-packed donation was a powerful gift, said Magic City Harvest Executive Director Suzanne Wright.

“Protein is one of the most valuable and needed foods we can distribute,” Wright said. “It provides nutritious, filling meals that help the agencies we serve stretch their food budgets and put wholesome food on the table.”

Barn Buddies

The pork donation is one layer of AJSB’s service, said Sammie Lee Stone.

Stone grew up showing pigs in Jefferson County — a passion she’s passed down to her children and current-generation showmen Tucker Ross and Charlee Stone. She also helps lead the AJSB and built the framework for Barn Buddies.

A handful of youth with special needs will shadow showmen during Alabama Swine Day in Montgomery Feb. 13. They’ll fill feed buckets, suds up swine and guide their partner’s gentle pigs through the show ring. Each participant will head home with a Barn Buddies belt buckle.

It’s a therapy of sorts, said Stone, who anticipates squeals of excitement resonating through the show barn. 

“Barn Buddies will allow youth with cognitive or physical challenges to experience the excitement, confidence and friendships that come from showing livestock,” Stone said. “I want these kids — the showmen and their new friends — to leave Swine Day feeling better than when they got there.”

FirstBank’s Derek Johnson said sponsoring Barn Buddies was a natural fit for the bank’s Birmingham branch.

“This donation represents the very best of Alabama: hardworking young people, strong community partnerships and neighbors helping neighbors,” said Johnson, a senior relationship manager. “We at FirstBank are proud to support these youth and are grateful for the opportunity to work alongside Magic City Harvest to turn these efforts into meaningful support for Birmingham families facing food insecurity.”

Made for More

A spirited show mom with a knack for getting things done, Stone softens when remembering the impetus for Barn Buddies.

This season, her children showed Duroc hog Big Mike. An exceptional animal, Big Mike earned unusually high honors for Southeastern swine, including champion Duroc and Top 5 placings.

FirstBank’s sponsorship “bought” Big Mike and funded the ripple effect of the pork donation and Barn Buddies. The purchase mirrors programs in other states, where buyers often bid for champion animals after a show season ends with a higher cause in mind.

“It means something to have these animals and care for them, but animals can do more than just be a show pig,” Stone said. “God put the animals here, we take care of them, and then we feed multiple families. That’s rewarding.”