By By Clif Knight, Hartselle Enquirer
Hal Lee had a story of American free enterprise to tell when nine African citizens and three interpreters showed up at his poultry farm for a visit on Monday morning.
I started this business in 1995 with the help of a bank loan,” Lee explained. “It was a matter of choice. Before that I milked cows but it was a labor-intensive way to make a living, milking twice a day seven days a week. I decided I didn’t want a seven days a week job.
Lee invited members of the delegation to go inside one of his chicken houses but told them they would be required to slip on plastic boots before entering.
Lee also told the delegates businesses like his and those of his neighbors benefit from their affiliation with farm organizations such as the Alabama Poultry &Egg Association and the Alabama Farmers Federation.
The delegation represented eight different counties in the African continent. Eight of its members were conversant in English while three required interpreters. They were chosen by the embassies in their respective counties to tour the U. S. for three and one-half week s as part of a farm exchange program sponsored by the U.S. State Department’s International Visitor Leadership program.
Members showed a keen interest in Lee’s farm and had a number of questions for him. They included waste disposal practices, disease threats, risk taking, government assistance, interest rates for loans and the use of technology.