June 9, 2022
Register Now For The Farm & Land Expo
Join hundreds of fellow farmers in Birmingham Aug. 4-7 for the Alabama Farmers Federation Farm & Land Expo. Registration closes June 24.

The conference includes much-anticipated farm tours, workshops featuring farmer panels and a farm bill listening session. The conference wraps up with Young Farmers awards presentations; this includes announcing the Outstanding Young Farm Family.
FFA Foundation Honors Ag Education Advocates
Five advocates for agriscience education were inducted into the Alabama FFA Foundation Wall of Honor June 8 during State Convention in Montgomery.

From left are Joey Harmon, Andy Chamness, Dr. Cynthia McCarty, Dr. Joe Morton and Greg Childree.
Ag In The Classroom Workshops A Success
Almost 80 Alabama teachers headed to Lee County June 1-3 for summer school — during Ag In The Classroom Summer Institute, that is.

This conference is designed to give educators the opportunity to learn about agriculture through lectures, panel discussions and farm tours.

Each attendee went home with new knowledge, relationships and over $450 in materials to further youth agriculture education.
AFVGA Releases Consumer Survey Results
The following information was gathered from the Alabama Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association (AFVGA) 2022 Consumer Survey.
 
  • 88.4% of consumers say locally grown is the most important characteristic when selecting produce.

  • 76% say Alabama-grown produce is higher quality than other products. 72% say it just tastes better.

  • Labeling is crucial. 63% use marketing and packaging to determine local products. Over 38% search for Sweet Grown Alabama products. 

  • 57.5% purchase fresh produce at farmers markets; 21.8% visit on-farm stands.

  • 68.4% would purchase locally grown products if clearly labeled and conveniently available.

For more information or further survey results to help drive marketing decisions, contact AFVGA Executive Director Blake Thaxton at bthaxton@alfafarmers.org.
Quick Clicks
Becky Barlow has been named Auburn University College of Agriculture associate dean for Extension and is the new Alabama Cooperative Extension System assistant director. She began June 1. Click here to read more.

Landowners whose Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) acreage expires next year can voluntarily cancel contracts, the U.S. Department of Agriculture recently announced. Farmers with expiring CRP acres will receive a letter in the next few weeks outlining options; those who opt out of the program will not have to repay rental payments. Click here to read more.

The State Young Farmers Committee is hosting a competitive events workshop June 17 at the Alabama Farmers Federation Montgomery home office. For more information, contact Hunter McBrayer at hmcbrayer@alfafarmers.org.

Alabama Ag Credit is offering five new farmers a $10,000 grant to help launch the operation of their dreams. Applications are due July 31. Applicants, who must reside in Ag Credit's service area, must have started farming within the past two years or plan to start within a year. Farmers should be at least 18 years old. Click here to apply.
Events & Deadlines





  • July 7-10 — Alabama Farmers Federation Presidents Conference in Fairhope




In Memory