Farmhouse Kitchen, July 2026
After decades spent shaping young minds in the classroom, Lee County’s Mahlon and Mary Richburg now enjoy different kinds of lessons — those taught by the rhythms of farm life and shared meals with children and grandchildren.
The retired educators met as freshmen in an English class at Auburn University and married in 1972. More than 50 years later, they still call Auburn home. While Mahlon spent his career teaching agricultural education and helping students develop leadership skills through FFA, Mary was devoted to elementary pupils. They built a life rooted in service, agriculture and family.
Today, the Richburgs manage a cattle operation while remaining active in agricultural organizations, their church and community. Mahlon serves as Alabama Farmers Federation District 7 director, and Mary chairs the Lee County Farmers Federation Women’s Leadership Committee.
Mary said some of her most meaningful moments happen in the kitchen.
“I enjoy cooking,” Mary said. “It’s a way to take care of people and bring them together.”
Raised around generations of talented home cooks, Mary was helping in the kitchen by fifth grade. Over the years, she has gathered recipes from family members, friends and neighbors, creating a collection filled with memories as much as ingredients.
“I love cooking recipes from family members,” Mary said. “Some of them go all the way back to when we were first married.”
Whether preparing summer vegetables from the garden, farm-fresh beef or a family favorite dessert, the Richburgs enjoy sharing meals with loved ones. They credit their community-minded upbringing for inspiring their commitment to service.
“We were taught to help others,” Mahlon said. “You gain more than you give. Everyone has had a helping hand somewhere along the way, and it’s important to do the same for others.”
That same spirit of service carried into the Richburgs’ home. As their two children were growing up, Mary and Mahlon often assigned family cooking nights to teach life skills and encourage independence.
“It became the kids’ night to cook,” Mary said. “That way, they learned before they left home. It was fun, and they gained confidence.”
Today, Mary enjoys experimenting with new recipes while preserving old favorites.
“I get tired of cooking the same thing all the time,” she said with a laugh. “I’m always looking for something new to try.”
Some recipes, however, remain timeless. Mary’s Beef Noodle Bake takes her back to her daughter’s cooking competition, while Mango Avocado Salad With Blueberries offers a taste of summer. She concocted the salad for a Federation Heritage Cooking Contest, where she earned third place.
“When I cook something from a family member or a friend, it reminds me of the people who shared it with me,” Mary said. “Food has a way of bringing back those memories.”