Farmers Encouraged to Vote in June 16 Runoff | | FarmPAC Endorses Moore in U.S. Senate Race | | |
Alabama FarmPAC, the grassroots political action committee of the Alabama Farmers Federation, announced its endorsement of Barry Moore for U.S. Senate. Moore will be on the ballot June 16 during a Republican primary runoff election.
Federation President Jimmy Parnell said Moore’s strong track record supporting farmers and rural Alabama spoke volumes to FarmPAC trustees.
“Our grassroots structure is all about relationships, and Barry Moore gets that,” Parnell said. “From his time in the Alabama House to serving Alabama in the nation’s capital, Barry has kept people at the forefront of his work. He’s stood strong on tough issues and remembered the people who elected him. Barry understands the challenges our farms and rural communities face and has continually proven that during his tenure on the House Ag Committee. He is poised to be a fighter for Alabama in the U.S. Senate. We are pleased to support Barry Moore June 16 and beyond.”
A Wiregrass native who was raised on his family’s Coffee County farm, Moore is a committed Christian conservative, small-business owner and proud family man. Moore has served the interests of south Alabama in Congress since 2020 — first as District 2’s congressman before earning election in District 1 following re-districting. He previously represented Alabama House District 91 for eight years.
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New World Screwworm Detected in U.S. | | |
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the first reported case of New World screwworm (NWS) in the U.S. June 3.
NWS is a live animal health concern and is not a food safety or quality issue. NWS does not infect meat. Active checks including inspection are used to prevent meat from impacted animals entering the food supply.
The deadly, parasitic worm was detected in a 3-week-old calf near La Pryor, Texas. NWS can infest a variety of open wounds on a living host, including castration sites, mucosal cavities, insect bites, ear tags, branding wounds, umbilical sites and vaccination sites.
Alabama Farmers Federation Beef Director Chris Prevatt encouraged farmers to be vigilant when checking livestock.
“Producers should begin implementing stringent fly control protocol,” Prevatt said. “Keeping an eye on newborn calves, post-partum cows and recently handled cattle is important to detect signs of infection while also being aware of any open wounds. Monitoring and evaluating cattle standing off from the herd, loss of appetite, foul odors and other abnormal behaviors is important to detect signs of NWS.”
NWS is passed through adult screwworm flies which lay larvae in open animal wounds and lead to extensive tissue damage. NWS can be identified by orange eyes, a metallic blue or green body and three dark stripes along the back. Adult screwworm flies are similar in size to common houseflies.
Prevatt said farmers will need to begin working closely with USDA, the Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries and veterinarians to control the issue.
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Wendlands Win BIF Producer of the Year Award | | |
The Beef Improvement Federation (BIF) presented Autauga Farming Co. (AFC) the BIF Commercial Producer of the Year Award June 2 during the group’s annual research symposium in Boise, Idaho. The national award recognizes farmer dedication to improving the beef industry at the commercial level.
Rooted in Autaugaville, AFC has spent more than a century refining its distinguished commercial cow herds. Founded in 1919 and now stewarded by the fourth and fifth generations of the Wendland family, the operation reflects a deep, unwavering commitment to beef improvement.
Dan Wendland, AFC livestock and forage manager, said he was excited to receive the award on behalf of his family, farm team and the Alabama Beef Cattle Improvement Association.
“This award means a lot to me because I’m able to reap the benefits of the vision and hard work of generations of farmers who came before me,” said Wendland, who farms with his father, Andy, and brother, Drew. “We’re honored to be recognized for the work we’ve put into our cow herd and the effort we’ve made to track data, trends and productivity. This didn’t happen overnight. I’m proud to have played a part in advancing our herd genetics.”
Pictured above, from left, are Angie Denton of Drovers; Andy Wendland; Dan and Susan Wendland; and BIF Vice President Ken Odde.
| | Alfa Awards Elementary Teacher With Vehicle | | |
Spanish Fort Elementary students and staff celebrated a familiar face May 19 during a special assembly honoring special education teacher Elizabeth Eubanks Von Hofe, who was recently named Alabama’s 2026-27 Teacher of the Year.
Gleeful cheers and roars of applause echoed through the gymnasium as Alfa Insurance and Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell presented Von Hofe with keys to a 2026 Chevrolet Traverse during the program, which she will use as she promotes education across the state. This marks the 30th year Alfa has provided the year’s use of a new vehicle to Alabama’s Teacher of the Year, while the Federation covers the cost of insurance.
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Federation Welcomes New Crop of Interns | | |
The Alabama Farmers Federation welcomed three Auburn University (AU) students as summer interns May 19. Camilla Loard, Madison Thrailkill and Lydia East will improve their skill sets throughout different departments.
Montgomery County native Loard, 21, works in the Federation’s in-house meeting management agency, Destinations. At AU, Loard is pursuing a bachelor’s degree in event management with a minor in business. Loard is a War Eagle Girl, representing Auburn University students to faculty, administrators and the community.
Autauga County native Thrailkill, 21, serves the Department of Organization. Thrailkill is a rising senior at AU pursuing a bachelor’s degree in agricultural business and economics with a double minor in agricultural leadership and poultry science. She is a member of several on-campus organizations, is incoming vice president of AU’s Agribusiness Club and works for the AU Agricultural Advancement Department.
Cherokee County native East, 20, joins the Communications Department writing for Neighbors magazine, covering Federation events and serving Alabama farmers. She is a rising senior at AU majoring in agricultural communications. East is involved in several AU organizations; is an AU College of Agriculture Ambassador; and is a student assistant for Dr. Art Appel, College of Agriculture interim dean.
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Dairy
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The Alabama Farmers Federation State Dairy Committee will host an educational workshop for Alabama dairy farmers July 16 at DarLin Farms in Chambers County. Email Colton Christjohn at CChristjohn@alfafarmers.org by July 6 to RSVP. The agenda includes a warm-season annual forage demonstration trial led by GreenPoint Ag's Perry Mobley. The event is free to attend, and lunch will be provided.
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Cotton
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U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins recently announced the Great American Cotton Plan, a comprehensive initiative to strengthen the cotton farm economy, restore domestic textile manufacturing, expand cotton trade opportunities and increase demand for products made with American-grown cotton. Read more.
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Poultry
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service recently updated its China export restrictions webpage to reflect the lifting of highly pathogenic avian influenza-related poultry export restrictions for 17 states, including Alabama. Only products produced on or after May 15 are eligible for export to China from the affected states. Read more.
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture is delaying the effective date of the Poultry Grower Payment Systems and Capital Improvement Systems final rule from July 1, 2026, to Dec. 31, 2027. The rule, finalized in 2025 under the Packers and Stockyards Act, would restrict certain poultry grower ranking payment practices, require fair comparison standards for integrators and increase disclosure requirements related to capital improvement requests. The delay is intended to allow for further review of the rule's estimated costs, policy implications and legal considerations. Learn more.
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Specialty Crops
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The U.S. Department of Agriculture finalized the Assistance for Specialty Crop Farmers Program, making $1.625 billion in one-time payments available to producers of eligible fruits, vegetables and tree nuts based on 2025 planted and reported acreage. Applications close Aug. 7. Read more.
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Food safety certification, such as Good Agricultural Practices (GAP), is a voluntary audit that verifies produce is grown, harvested, packed, handled and stored in a manner that minimizes the risk of microbial food safety hazards. Alabama farmers who successfully complete a food safety audit in 2026 may be reimbursed for 75% of eligible costs, up to $800, from the Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries. Learn more.
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Row Crops
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Auburn University and Alabama Extension weed scientists continue to help farmers navigate changing dicamba requirements. Dicamba was effectively removed from legal use for over-the-top applications in 2025. However, in February, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency approved the registration of three new dicamba-based products with updated use requirements. Learn more.
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Pecans
- Alabama pecan growers are encouraged to vote in elections for the American Pecan Council. Randolph County's Bran Futral and Mobile County's Terry Landry will appear on the Eastern Grower Ballot for Seat 3. Contact Blake Thaxton at BThaxton@alfafarmers.org to learn more.
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Peanut Referendum is June 24 | | |
Alabama peanut growers are encouraged to vote in the 2026 Alabama Peanut Producers Association (APPA) referendum to determine whether the current assessment of 12.5 cents per 100 pounds of peanuts marketed in Alabama will continue.
As authorized under Alabama law, APPA is designated by the Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries to conduct the referendum on behalf of the state’s peanut producers.
If approved by a majority of voting producers, the assessment will continue to be collected from peanuts marketed in Alabama through peanut purchasers, as directed by the Alabama commissioner of agriculture and industries.
Funds generated through the assessment are administered by APPA and support programs that strengthen Alabama’s peanut industry, including research; education; promotion and marketing; peanut consumption initiatives and programs that support the well-being of Alabama peanut producers.
Farmers' votes help shape the future of Alabama’s peanut industry.
| | Peanut Board Launches New Campaign | | |
The National Peanut Board (NPB) is ushering in a new era for the peanut industry with the rollout of its branding campaign, “It’s Not Nuts. It’s Peanuts.”
The campaign is a unified effort to elevate peanuts from a commodity to a recognizable and influential brand in today’s food culture.
The campaign centers on a bold new creative platform designed to highlight the unexpected benefits of peanuts. Through the tagline, “It’s Not Nuts. It’s Peanuts.,” the campaign leans into surprising, attention-grabbing facts about peanuts while celebrating their versatility, nutrition and everyday appeal.
NPB board member Thomas Adams farms in Henry County and said he is proud to see a push that encourages consumers to eat more peanuts.
“At the heart of this campaign are America’s peanut farmers, whose hard work and dedication make this crop possible,” Adams said. "The campaign comes at an important time for peanut producers facing challenges such as drought, rising input costs and market uncertainty."
| | Register Now for Farm & Land Conference | |
The Alabama Farmers Federation's Farm & Land Conference is Aug. 6-9 in Mobile. Registration for lodging ends July 5. Meal tickets are due July 29.
The conference includes diverse farm tours, educational seminars, Young Farmers competitions, Women's Leadership Division contests and awards ceremonies. Select farm tours are still available.
New this year, Federation state commodity committee elections will take place during Farm & Land Conference.
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall is the breakfast keynote speaker Aug. 8, while Harrison Pittman from the National Ag Law Center will deliver additional remarks.
| | Farmers Encouraged to Take Cookout Survey | |
Alabama Farmers Federation members are encouraged to participate in the American Farm Bureau Federation's (AFBF) annual July 4 Cookout Survey by June 7.
The survey tracks the cost of a traditional Independence Day cookout. Farmer participation helps AFBF provide an accurate snapshot of grocery prices and food affordability across the nation.
| | Support Ronald McDonald House Charities | | |
The Alabama Farmers Federation Women's Leadership Committee is raising 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.
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Applications for the Alabama Legislative Internship Program open June 15. The program provides college students an opportunity to observe and participate in the legislative process while gaining firsthand experience in state government. The internship coincides with the 2027 Regular Session of the Alabama Legislature and runs from Jan. 26 through May 31. Learn more.
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Nominations for the Alabama Agriculture Hall of Honor and Pioneer Award close June 22. The awards recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to Alabama agriculture through their professional achievements and personal commitment to the industry. Three individuals will be inducted into the Hall of Honor. Two individuals will be selected for the Pioneer Award, which posthumously recognizes leaders whose contributions helped shape Alabama agriculture. Read more.
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The Autauga County Young Farmers (ACYF) recently distributed children's books and educational materials aimed at strengthening agricultural literacy among local students. In partnership with the Alabama Farmers Federation Women's Leadership Division, Alabama Ag in the Classroom, the Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation and Young Farmers of Alabama, ACYF donated 40 copies of “I Love Blueberries,” along with educator guides, to six local elementary schools and the Autauga-Prattville Public Library. Read more.
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Alabama Farmers Federation leadership expresses sympathy to the family of longtime Washington County Farmers Federation President Russell Hendrix, who passed away June 1. Memorial arrangements have not yet been made.
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