Updates for Alabama Farmers

July 17, 2026

Hunter Represents Alabama During Labor Fly-In

Alabama nurseryman Phillip Hunter underscored the importance of ag labor reform during a recent fly-in to Washington, D.C.

His visit overlapped with a critical milestone as U.S. Rep. G.T. Thompson, R-Pa., introduced the most comprehensive ag labor reform legislation in nearly four decades.

Thompson’s Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act makes important strides in controlling unpredictable labor-related costs, modernizing an antiquated visa program and enhancing access for agricultural sectors that previously could not participate in the program, such as dairy.

The legislation has garnered bipartisan support. Co-sponsors include Alabama Congressman Mike Rogers, R-Saks.

A national authority on ag labor, Hunter operates an ornamental tree nursery in Alpine with his brother, Will. Hunter chairs the American Farm Bureau Federation Ag Labor Issue Advisory Committee and is the Shelby County Farmers Federation president. He also serves on the Alabama Farmers Federation board, representing farmers in District 6.

Peanut Producers Vote to Continue Checkoff

Alabama peanut producers voted to continue the state's peanut assessment during the statewide referendum June 24.

The referendum allows the Alabama Peanut Producers Association (APPA) to continue collecting the $2.50-per-ton producer assessment, which supports research, education, promotion and outreach programs that strengthen Alabama's peanut industry.

APPA President Carl Sanders said the overwhelming support demonstrates growers' confidence in the work being done on behalf of Alabama's peanut industry.

"Receiving almost 99% support from our growers is both humbling and encouraging," Sanders said. "Every assessment dollar goes toward protecting and strengthening peanut farming. Together, we're ensuring Alabama peanuts remain competitive today while building opportunities for the next generation of growers."

Learn more.

Farmers Gather for FSA Roundtable

Northeast Alabama farmers gathered at Murphree Feed and Seed in Collinsville July 14 to discuss agricultural issues with Alabama Farm Service Agency (FSA) Executive Director Monica Carroll and Libby Franklin from U.S. Sen. Katie Britt's staff.

Carroll shared information about FSA programs available to producers, while Franklin and farmers discussed agricultural labor challenges and One Big Beautiful Bill's impacts on Alabama agriculture.

Alabama Farmers Federation District 6 Director Phillip Hunter provided an update on the Securing Agriculture's Workforce Act, legislation introduced earlier this month to address agricultural labor needs.

Attend Farm Taxes and Estate Planning Seminar

Alabama Extension is offering three free Essentials of Farm Taxes and Estate Planning Seminars this August. Farmers can learn practical tax strategies, estate planning tips and ways to protect their operations — all while enjoying a free meal.

Seminars will be in Limestone, Greene and Monroe counties.

Advance registration is required.

Learn more.

Row Crops

Eligible landowners have until Aug. 31 to review and consider base acre increases on farms enrolled in Agriculture Risk Coverage (ARC) and Price Loss Coverage (PLC) programs. Provisions included in the Working Families Tax Cuts Act, also known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, authorized base adjustments. Learn more.

Dairy

Record milk production continues to weigh on dairy prices as supply outpaces demand. Increased productivity and herd expansion have kept milk production high despite decreased prices. Until production slows or demand improves, dairy prices are expected to remain under pressure, creating tighter margins for producers.

Poultry

Earlier this year, the U.S Department of Agriculture's Agricultural Marketing Service published a rule titled “Poultry Grower Payment Systems and Capital Improvement Systems” under the Packers and Stockyards Act. Originally scheduled to take effect in July, implementation was delayed and is now set to be rescinded according to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs. A recent report by Alabama Extension's Dennis Brothers will provide farmers a deeper understanding of the broiler grower payment system. Read it here.

Catfish

The final Emergency Assistance for Livestock, Honeybees, and Farm-Raised Fish Program (ELAP) rule implements the One Big Beautiful Bill Act mandate to provide financial assistance to freshwater farm‑raised fish producers for losses caused by bird depredation. Eligibility requires timely acreage reporting, commercial freshwater fish production, documented bird‑related losses and an active federal depredation permit. The rule also updates definitions, clarifies eligible species and outlines documentation requirements producers must submit to receive assistance. Read more.

State Dairy Committee Hosts Forage Field Day

The Alabama Farmers Federation State Dairy Committee hosted a field day July 16 at DarLin Farms in Chambers County.

Federation members serving on the State Hay & Forage, Beef and Equine committees also attended.

GreenPoint Ag's Perry Mobley led a warm-season annual forage demonstration trial, and attendees networked with fellow farmers while touring DarLin Farms.

Quick Clicks

The U.S. Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency will host its annual Alabama Agriculture Exposition July 21 at the Oxford Civic Center in Oxford. The event will feature on-site vendors offering resources, tools and information to support agricultural operations, along with door prizes. Alabama State Climatologist Dr. Lee Ellenburg will provide an update on current climate conditions' impact on agriculture. Learn more.

The Alabama Farmers Federation Women's Leadership Committee continues to raise money for Ronald McDonald House Charities of Alabama through a special online store in collaboration with Scarlet & Gold boutique in Auburn. Branded, ag-focused offerings include hats and T-shirts. Shop here.

Catch New Episodes of Simply Southern TV

July 19: Huntsville’s Signals Museum of Information Explosion, McEwen and Sons Grits in Wilsonville, Cattle Markets and Stacey Little's Ultimate Sweet Potato Casserole.

July 26: Jasper Seafood expert Crawdaddy Dave, Extension’s Cottage Food Program, Stacey Little's Shortcut Skillet Cabbage and a spotlight on Kevin Worthington’s service to the Alabama Farmers Federation.

Don't miss upcoming episodes of Simply Southern TV!

In Memory

Larry Laney, Russell County