Alabama agriculture and forestry organizations have launched Down to Earth: Agriculture Sustains Alabama — a yearlong campaign promoting conservation techniques farmers and landowners practice across the state.

The campaigned debuted March 31 during a kickoff event at the Pike Road Agriculture, Recreation and Performing Arts Center. The event featured family friendly farm-related activities and displays, food and media competitions. Gov. Kay Ivey was on-hand to present a Down to Earth Day resolution in honor of the campaign. She is pictured with the campaign's co-chairs, Kayla Greer of the Alabama Cattlemen's Association and Caleb Hick of the Alabama Poultry and Egg Association.

Through farmer-led discussion, Down to Earth will show sustainability isn’t just a buzzword gaining momentum as regulations trickle down from Washington, D.C.

It’s a mindset farmers have implemented for years while fueling their farms, families and communities.

Down to Earth will cover six topics through March 2023 — carbon emissions, animal and plant efficiency, data and technology, conserving natural resources, smart land use and sustaining for the future. The goal is to reach at least 1 million consumers with Down to Earth messages centered on sustainability.

Registration is open for the 2022 AAC Annual Meeting to be held at The Island Resort at Fort Walton Beach June 20-22. We hope you are making plans to join us! CLICK HERE to register for this premier event.

Room booking is handled directly with the Resort. CLICK HERE to book your room online. Or call 850-337-9194. (If you are booking a room for nights outside the block, please call the number above).

Do you know someone who has gone above and beyond to serve Alabama Agriculture or AAC? If so, nominate them for the Heritage Award. If selected, the candidate will be honored at the 2022 Annual Meeting. This award is a great way to tell someone thank you for their significant contributions to our organization and industry! Click button below to make a nomination.

AUBURN, Ala. -- Auburn University and the Alabama Cooperative Extension System celebrated the Alabama Farmers Federation’s recent centennial celebration with the unveiling of a historical marker on Thursday, Feb. 17. The marker was erected at the Alfa Pavilion at Auburn’s Ag Heritage Park.

Alfa President Jimmy Parnell said the marker not only recognizes the organization’s centennial but also the men and women who, a century ago, came together “to provide a unified voice for rural Alabama in public policy. These farmers partnered with the Extension System and College of Agriculture to create one of America’s most influential farm organizations. We are proud to continue that partnership today as Federation members provide grassroots input and support for agricultural education, research, outreach and advocacy.”

The historical marker includes recognition of the late Luther Duncan, an early director of Alabama Extension and later Auburn president who was instrumental in founding the Alabama Farm Bureau, now the Alabama Farmers Federation, in 1921. Duncan was also recognized at the Alabama Agriculture Hall of Honor Banquet on Feb. 17.

(Written by Josh Woods, Auburn University)