Updates for Alabama Farmers

Aug. 21, 2025

Friendships Flourish at Farm & Land Conference

Farmers weighed down by weather and work found renewal as they made the pilgrimage to Chattanooga, Tennessee, Aug. 14-16 for the Alabama Farmers Federation’s Farm & Land Conference.

More than 600 commodity producers and young leaders came to the Scenic City on the lookout for new ideas, old friends and encouragement.

The unique bonds of the farming family were evident as the conference kicked off Thursday. The convention center transformed into a county fair atmosphere with red and white tents, children’s games, popcorn, ice cream and Southern cooking. Candidates vying for Federation endorsements in the 2026 elections bore witness to the organization’s grassroots clout by making the trek to mingle with members.

On Friday, farmers traded tractors for tour buses as they explored ag-related sites in central Tennessee, northeast Alabama and northwest Georgia. Stops included nurseries, beef cattle farms, timber tracts, row crop operations, a Mennonite farm market and country ham smokehouse.

Saturday was dedicated to education and leadership development, with a jam-packed schedule featuring Young Farmers contests and seminars.

Seminar topics included the impact of inflation on agricultural businesses, farm labor, the ag economy and opportunities for farmers at the midpoint of their careers. The Women’s Leadership Division luncheon showcased farm-themed door prizes and a mini-market with local artisans.

Former Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black struck a chord with Federation members during Saturday’s luncheon as he spoke on “Certainty in Uncertain Times."

Young Farmers Claim Victories in Chattanooga

Alabama Young Farmers earned accolades during the Alabama Farmers Federation Farm & Land Conference Aug. 16.

All finalists received custom cedar chairs from The Best Adirondack Chair Co., courtesy of the Federation. Winners will represent Alabama during American Farm Bureau Federation national competitions in California in January.

Outstanding Young Farm Family

Drew and Lauren Wendland of Autagua County were named the Outstanding Young Farm Family (OYFF). They grow row crops, cattle and hay in Autaugaville, where they’re raising sons Mills, Smith and Rhett.

As the OYFF, the Wendlands will receive over $80,000 in prizes including $40,000 toward a new Ford truck compliments of Alfa Insurance; a John Deere 835M Gator sponsored by Alabama Ag Credit and Alabama Farm Credit; and a year’s lease on a John Deere tractor courtesy of John Deere, SunSouth and TriGreen.

Garrett and Robin Dixon of Lee County were named first runner-up. They raise row crops, plus children Chandler Jane and Cash, in Salem. They will receive use of a Kubota M series tractor courtesy of Kubota.

Jacob and Misty Porter of Clay County were named second runner-up. They will receive a custom chemical package from Corteva Agriscience. The Porters are poultry and cattle farmers in Lineville and have two children, Olen and Asher.

The Dixons and Porters will be awarded $500 from perennial sponsors Alabama Ag Credit and Alabama Farm Credit.

Watch the OYFF videos.

Excellence in Agriculture

Excellence in Agriculture winners Josh and Bailey Williams of Tallapoosa County will receive a zero-turn Grasshopper lawn mower sponsored by Corteva Agriscience.

This event allows participants to showcase agriculture’s role in their lives and present solutions to major industry hurdles. Josh is a career technical education director, while Bailey is a speech pathologist. The couple also raises cattle in Eclectic.

First runner-up was Caleb Beason of Franklin County, with Austin Blankenship of Lawrence County as second runner-up.

Discussion Meet

Twenty-five young farmers competed in the Discussion Meet, which simulates a committee meeting where participants discuss solutions to agricultural issues.

The four finalists are Drew Wear, Lawrence County; Emmanuel Bankston, Henry County; Zach Amason, Clay County; and Ben Castleberry, St. Clair County. They will compete during the Federation’s annual meeting in December. The winner will receive a four-wheeler from First South Farm Credit.

Read more about their two-year journey.

Cotton Pest Detected in South Alabama

The cotton jassid, an invasive pest native to India, has been detected in southeast Alabama.

Jassids are found on the underside of the cotton leaf, where they feed on plant juices. Symptoms may resemble potassium deficiency and include leaf discoloration and curling. The insect can complete a life cycle in a short period, causing populations to build quickly.

Farmers are encouraged to monitor crops frequently.

Alabama Extension's Dr. Scott Graham is conducting field trials to determine efficacy of available insecticides.

Contact the Alabama Farmers Federation Cotton Division Director Carla Hornady with questions.

Changes to Title I Commodity Programs Expected to Provide Increased Payments

The One Big Beautiful Bill signed into law by President Donald J. Trump July 4 included modifications to the 2018 Farm Bill Title I Crop Commodity Programs, Price Loss Coverage (PLC) and Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC).

Most changes are effective with the 2026 crop year and continue through 2031. However, some were put in place for the 2025 crop year.

It is important to note that determining the actual 2025 crop year program payments requires data that are continuously updated through September 2026 — which means payments are not issued before October 2026. The estimates contained in this analysis are based on publicly available aggregate data and assumptions discussed in the link below.

Information compiled by Auburn University (AU) Associate Professor and Alabama Extension Economist Adam Rabinowitz, plus AU Graduate Research Assistant Bridget Bafowaa.

Download full report here.

Order Farm-City Calendars Now

Orders for the 2026 Farm-City Calendar are due Aug. 25 to Tanner Hood at thood@alfafarmers.org.

Calendars feature artwork from the 2024 Farm-City State Poster Contest winners and award-winning essays. Calendar sales support Farm-City programming to connect urban and rural lifestyles through K-12 contests and county committees.

Order calendars here.

Learn more.

Federation Congratulates Myrex On Runoff Win

The Alabama Farmers Federation hailed the Aug. 12 Republican runoff victory by Cindy Myrex for Alabama House of Representatives District 12 as a testament to the power of grassroots campaigns.

“Cindy’s victory demonstrates how willing public servants can make a difference for their communities when they work hard and listen to their neighbors,” said Cullman County Farmers Federation President Lee Haynes. “We congratulate Cindy on her hard-fought win and look forward to supporting her in the general election as she seeks to represent the people of Cullman County in Montgomery.”

Myrex, a Realtor and lifelong resident of Cullman, defeated Cullman City Councilman Clint Hollingsworth in the Republican runoff with 59% of the vote. She will face Democrat Matthew Glover in the general election Oct. 28.