Dec. 12, 2024

Federation Celebrates Strengths, Reflects at 103rd Annual Meeting

Halls of the Renaissance Montgomery Hotel erupted with laughter, hugs and excitement Dec. 8-9 as 1,300 Alabama farmers shared stories of successes and struggles with each other.

The Alabama Farmers Federation 103rd annual meeting came on the heels of a year filled with drought and depressed commodity markets. The theme, Strengthening Our Roots, honored the grassroots organization’s mission while encouraging farmers to cultivate connections during adversity, said Federation President Jimmy Parnell. 

“It’s been a hard year for agriculture,” Parnell said. “Seeing so many farmers here reminds us that, together, we can overcome tough times.” 

Fox & Friends Weekend Co-Host Will Cain shared a message of hope during General Session III. 

“I think there is joy, happiness and for the first time in a long time, unity,” said Cain, referencing the 2024 election. “It tells us we (conservatives) are mainstream and are not alone. This is our chance. This is our moment in America.”

A devotion led by Pastor David Phillips during the Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation (AFAF) Tribute Breakfast encouraged attendees to value the power of influence. The breakfast honored 35 leaders who died in the last year. 

“Our influence always makes a difference in someone’s life,” said Phillips, a past Federation State Young Farmers Committee chair. “The Bible says, ‘Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.’”

Selfless Servants Selected to Lead Federation

A resounding send-off for longtime leaders of the Alabama Farmers Federation led to an exciting welcome for two new vice presidents at the organization’s annual meeting.

Morgan County’s Mark Byrd was elected to his first two-year term as North Area vice president, while Dale County’s Chris Carroll was elected Southeast Area vice president.

The nearly 500 delegates unanimously elected Jimmy Parnell to his seventh term as Federation president. Additionally, four district directors were elected to three-year terms. They are:

• District 1 - Dorman Grace, Walker County, reelected
• District 4 - Darrell Lee, Winston County
• District 7 - Mahlon Richburg, Lee County
• District 10 - Trip Horne, Barbour County, reelected

Also elected to one-year, ex-officio terms on the state board were State Women’s Leadership Committee Chair Rachel Chastain of Talladega County and State Young Farmers Committee Chair Denzil Dees of Sumter County.

State Women’s, Young Farmers Committees Elect Leaders

Bright smiles and happy greetings welcomed Young Farmers and Women’s Leadership delegates as they gathered to elect state committee leaders during the Federation's annual meeting.

Talladega County’s Rachel Chastain was elected to lead the State Women’s Leadership Committee (WLC) and reelected to serve Region 2, while Sumter County’s Denzil Dees was chosen to lead the State Young Farmers Committee. 

Also chosen to serve on the State WLC committee as vice chair was Calhoun County’s Carla Trantham. Dixie Black of Butler County was elected secretary. 

Accompanying Dees is Henry County’s Emmanuel Bankston as vice chair and Forrest Anders of Morgan County as secretary. 

Grassroots Shine During Federation State Commodity Committee Elections

The Alabama Farmers Federation’s grassroots foundation was on display during state commodity committee elections Dec. 8 in Montgomery. 

Delegates gathered in Montgomery to vote farmer-leaders onto respective committees at the annual meeting. 

These farmers will help direct the organization’s policy work, said the Federation’s Mitt Walker. 

“The Federation was founded on grassroots,” said Walker, the Governmental & Agricultural Programs Department director. “Farmers know issues facing agriculture better than anyone. That’s why it’s important farmers work with our commodity directors to guide our efforts representing Alabama agriculture.”

Retiring members of state commodity committees were honored for serving the maximum nine years. They were: 

• Bee & Honey - Lionel Evans, Limestone County 
• Beef - David Lee, Lowndes County; Mike Carnes, Marshall County 
• Cotton - Lance Miller, Blount County 
• Greenhouse, Nursery & Sod - Hank Richardson, Cherokee County; Bill Cook, Montgomery County
• Soybean - Daniel Trantham, Calhoun County 
• Wildlife - Mark Finley, Winston County 

Young Farmers Honored for Victories in Statewide Contests

The Alabama Farmers Federation's annual meeting wrapped up a stellar contest season for Alabama Young Farmers. Competitors in Discussion Meet, Outstanding Young Farm Family (OYFF) and Excellence in Agriculture must be ages 18 to 35.

All winners will represent Alabama at the American Farm Bureau Federation annual convention in San Antonio, Texas, in January.

Whit and Amanda Lovelady of Talladega County were honored as the 2024 OYFF. They earned $40,000 toward a Ford vehicle courtesy of the Federation and Alfa Insurance; a John Deere Gator from Alabama Ag Credit and Alabama Farm Credit; and a year’s lease on a John Deere tractor from John Deere, SunSouth and TriGreen. They own a diversified farm in Alpine, which includes cattle, hay, freezer pork and more. They have two children, Annagrace and John Luke.

Levi Noles of Randolph County won the Discussion Meet. Noles is an agriscience teacher at Central High School of Clay County. He received a four-wheeler from First South Farm Credit.

Will and Ali Gotcher of Colbert County were honored as 2024 Excellence in Agriculture contest winners. The Gotchers received a zero-turn mower from Corteva Agriscience. The Gotchers run a cattle and hay farm in Muscle Shoals. Will is the chief financial officer at Spruell Farms, while Ali is a regional Extension agent for animal sciences and forages.

Garrett and Robin Dixon of Lee County were recognized as OYFF first runners-up. They earned a 250-hour lease on a Kubota tractor from Kubota. The Dixons raise row crops and cattle in Salem. They have two children, Chandler Jane and Cash.

Drew and Lauren Wendland of Autauga County were recognized as OYFF second runners-up. They earned a custom chemical package from Corteva Agriscience. The Wendlands raise row crops, cattle and hay in Autaugaville. They have three sons, Mills, Smith and Rhett.

Federation Recognizes Hill for Impact on Ag

Dell Hill of Talladega County received a Service to Agriculture Award. The award is the Alabama Farmers Federation’s highest honor and was presented during the organization’s annual meeting.

Each year, more than 10,000 visitors make the trek to Hill and wife Carolyn’s Selwood Farm in Alpine, where highlights include guided hunts, sporting clays and the Hills’ trademark hospitality. Hill has distinguished himself as a leader in agriculture through four years as Talladega County Farmers Federation president, six years on the Federation state board, seven years as an Alabama state senator and two years as probate judge. 

Ag Commissioner Honored for Achievements

Rick Pate of Lowndes County received a Service to Agriculture Award during the Federation's annual meeting in Montgomery. 

For six years, Pate has served Alabama citizens as the state’s commissioner of agriculture & industries. Successful programs under his leadership include disaster relief for poultry producers following COVID-19, assistance for cattle farmers after Hurricane Michael, reduced administrative fees for Sheep & Goat and Peanut checkoffs, and renewed commitment to the Boll Weevil Eradication Program. Pate has also been pivotal to the success of Sweet Grown Alabama, the state’s agricultural branding program. Before serving in statewide office, Pate owned a successful landscape business in Lowndesboro.

Farmers Honor Patterson for Service to Ag

Dr. Paul Patterson of Auburn University (AU) received a Service to Agriculture Award during the Alabama Farmers Federation's annual meeting.

Since 2016, Patterson has served as dean of AU’s College of Agriculture and director of the Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station. An AU grad, Patterson has used conversations with students, alumni, staff and stakeholders to improve Auburn’s agricultural programs while strengthening trust with industry leaders. His leadership has elevated agriculture across campus. Patterson’s chapter as dean closes this month as he and wife Louisa move closer to their adult children and grandchildren.

Ryan Receives Cultivator Award

Spencer Ryan received the Cultivator Award during the Alabama Farmers Federation’s annual meeting. The Cultivator Award recognizes honorees for service fostering relationships that benefit farmers and rural communities.

Ryan spent nearly four decades at the helm of Alabama People Against a Littered State, commonly called PALS. Popular programs took place under his leadership as executive director, including Adopt-A-Mile, Adopt-A-Stream, Clean Campus, Coastal Cleanup and Spring Cleanup, all of which are still in operation. Ryan retired in October. 

Farmers Applaud Court-Ordered Pause in Filing Requirements

A district court has blocked the U.S. Department of Treasury from enforcing Corporate Transparency Act (CTA) beneficial ownership information reporting requirements – good news for Alabama farmers and small-business owners. The CTA’s filing requirements went into effect this year, and fines for late reporting would have begun Jan. 1.

Farm Aid Efforts Continue in D.C.

Members of the state's Congressional delegation continue to push for economic assistance for farmers.

Alabama members of the U.S. House of Representatives recently supported a letter sent to U.S. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson requesting the Farmer Assistance and Revenue Mitigation Act of 2024 (FARM Act) be included in an upcoming emergency package. Alabama’s Congressional delegation includes Reps. Jerry Carl, R-Mobile; Barry Moore, R-Enterprise; Mike Rogers, R-Saks; Robert Aderholt, R-Haleyville; Dale Strong, R-Madison; Gary Palmer, R-Hoover; and Terri Sewell, D-Birmingham.

Farmers across the country are facing severe financial challenges that could affect their operations and the stability of entire rural communities. The FARM Act offers assistance for farmers growing a wide range of crops.

Additionally, Gov. Kay Ivey and a host of state governors have expressed concerns for the future of rural America. The groups recent letter to Johnson, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell requests Congress fulfill its obligation to protect and revitalize the agriculture industry.

Leaders of the Alabama Farmers Federation are also appreciative of U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., and U.S. Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala., for continuing efforts in the Senate.

Federation Launches Alfa Health Plans Resource

The Alabama Farmers Federation recently launched AHealthyOption.org, an easy-to-use resource highlighting the need for affordable, convenient, quality Alfa Health Plans. The website houses stories and testimonials from real farmers and small-business owners who are championing cost-effective health care coverage. 

Legislation that would allow creation of Alfa Health Plans will be introduced in the 2025 Legislative Session. Similar legislation in 10 states has lowered members’ health coverage costs anywhere from 30% to 60%.

Get Agtive

Apply for OYFF by Jan. 10

Young Farmers Conference is Feb. 14-16

The Young Farmers Conference is Feb. 14-16 in Muscle Shoals.

Highlights:

• '90s Country Music Night
• Farm Tours
• Announcement of Outstanding Young Farm Family Finalists
• Live Auction Benefiting the Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation

Register by Jan. 3.

Register for Jr. Livestock Expo

Exhibitors can now register for the Jr. Livestock Expo.

• March 7, Dairy Show Registration ends Jan. 13

• March 12-15, Beef Show Registration ends Dec. 16

• March 14-15, Swine Show Registration ends Jan. 6

Quick Clicks

• The Alabama Agriculture Hall of Honor Banquet is Feb. 28 at The Hotel at Auburn University & Dixon Conference Center. Purchase a ticket here.

• The Alabama Farmers Federation's 2025 Washington Legislative Conference is March 4-7. More information will be available soon.

• The Alabama Farmers Federation Women's Leadership Committee is raising money for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Alabama through a special online store. Branded, ag-focused offerings include hats, T-shirts and sweatshirts. Support the fundraiser here.

Simply Southern TV Wraps Up Season 10

Finish out the year enjoying reruns of Simply Southern TV! In preparation for season 11, make note if you watch the show in the Montgomery TV market. Starting with the Jan. 5 episode, Simply Southern TV will move to Sundays at 5:30 a.m. on WAKA CBS and 10:30 a.m. on WNCF ABC. 

Dec. 14/15/18: Rock House Farms in Cleburne County; Cigar Box Guitars in Huntsville; What’s in Season with Sweet Grown Alabama; and a Southern Bite recipe for Kentucky Pecan Pie, sponsored by Priester’s Pecans.

Dec. 21/22/25: Battling pine beetles, Amanda Klein Art in Birmingham, an interview about Alfa Health Plans and a Southern Bite recipe for Collard Green Soup with Ham and Beans.

Dec. 28 and 29 and Jan. 1: A special “Best of” show with segments chosen by our social media followers! This episode includes poinsettias from Dixie Green in Cherokee County, Mark’s Mart in Selma (and Northport) and a return to the fire tower at Flagg Mountain. Plus, get a Southern Bite recipe for Chocolate Peanut Butter Poke Cake, sponsored by the Alabama Peanut Producers Association.

Follow Simply Southern on Facebook and Instagram to get the latest news about the show.

Season Greetings From the Federation

As the 2024 season comes to a close, the Alabama Farmers Federation thanks our Cultivator readers. We wish you a merry Christmas and a happy new year! The Cultivator will return Jan. 8.