Sept. 6, 2024

Farmers Encouraged to Report Drought Conditions

As drought conditions worsen, Alabama farmers are encouraged to use the Condition Monitoring Observer Reports on Drought system to note dry weather’s impact on their operations. 

Alabama Farmers Federation National Affairs Director Mitt Walker said these reports are essential to capturing current farm conditions.

“Several federal programs for financial assistance are tied to this drought monitor,” said Walker, who oversees the organization’s commodity department. “These individual records ensure accurate information is reported to help farmers across the U.S.” 

This is a nationwide service provided by the National Drought Mitigation Center. Reports will become part of the permanent record, appearing on an interactive map visible to the public, including authors of the U.S. Drought Monitor and the media. 

Hay Listings Available for Alabama Farmers

Due to recent drought, the Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries is bringing attention to its hay listing webpage. The hay listing assists Alabama cattle producers searching for hay to feed their livestock. Hay producers may also list hay for sale, noting type, size, quality and quantity.

Heritage Cooking Contest Spotlights Splendid Fruit Salads 

Laughter, cheer and the sweet smell of fresh fruit floated through the Alabama Farmers Federation home office Sept. 5 during the organization’s annual Heritage Cooking Contest. The contest featured 25 noncongealed fruit salad recipes from competitors across the state.

Tuscaloosa County's Cindy Landers scored first with Strawberry Crack Salad. As the winner, she received $150 from the Federation’s Women’s Leadership Division. Second place was Montgomery County’s Katie Hicks. She earned $100 with Sue Sue’s Fruit Salad, while Lee County’s Mary Richburg earned third place and $50 for Mango Avocado Salad with Blueberries. 

Landers, First Place

Hicks, Second Place

Richburg, Third Place

Young Farmers to Host Statewide Collegiate Discussion Meet

The Alabama Farmers Federation State Young Farmers Committee is hosting its inaugural statewide Collegiate Discussion Meet competition Oct. 18 in Opelika.

The contest is open to full-time undergraduate students enrolled in any Alabama university or community college who is 18-35. Each participant should be actively involved in agricultural pursuits. The competition simulates a committee meeting where active participation and discussion are essential. Competitors will engage in discussions on pre-selected topics related to agriculture. Register to compete by Sept. 30.

Farmers Federation Supports Next Generation of Rural Doctors

The Alabama Farmers Federation continues to support the next generation of rural physicians through Auburn University’s (AU) Rural Medicine Program (RMP). 

The AU RMP held its annual White Coat Ceremony Aug. 22 at Ag Heritage Park in Auburn. During the celebration, the Federation gave $500 book stipends to 10 students. 

Federation External Affairs Department Director Brian Hardin presented the scholarships on behalf of the organization.

“As students aspiring to serve in rural medicine, you are helping advance the Federation’s mission by lending your talents and training to underserved areas of Alabama,” Hardin said. “Yours is a higher calling — not merely to gain knowledge or achieve professional success but to bring healing and hope to our fellow citizens."

Ag Roundup is Sept. 14 in Auburn

The Auburn Agricultural Alumni Club is hosting the 45th annual Ag Roundup Sept. 14 at Ag Heritage Park. The event offers a special opportunity for ag alumni and friends to gather for a day of hospitality. The event begins at 3:30 p.m. The cost is $5.

Youth Leadership Conference Apps Close Sept. 16

The Alfa Youth Leadership Conference is Nov. 4-5 at the Alabama 4-H Center in Columbiana. This two-day event provides leadership and ag advocacy training for 9th and 10th graders. Applications are due Sept. 16.

Quick Clicks

• The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently projected the U.S. agricultural trade deficit will increase to $42.5 billion for fiscal 2025 as the fall in prices for corn, soybeans and other commodities lowers their value. Click here to read more.

• Farmers can expect processing of Agriculture Risk Coverage and Price Loss Coverage payments to occur after Oct. 1 following the end of the marketing year, in accordance with the farm bill. Eligible commodities for these programs include wheat, corn, sorghum, barley, oats, seed cotton, long- and medium-grain rice, certain pulses, soybeans, oilseeds and peanuts. Click here to read more.

• Alabama Speaker of the House Nathaniel Ledbetter was elected chairman of the Council of State Governments Southern Office for 2024-2025. As chairman, Ledbetter will preside over the nation’s largest regional forum of state government, which is expected to draw more than 1,800 attendees from the South. Click here to learn more.

• The Alabama Farmers Federation Women's Leadership Committee is hosting a pop-up shop to raise money for the Ronald McDonald House Charities of Alabama. The shop includes ag hats and T-shirts. Click here to shop.

• Important provisions of the federal Corporate Transparency Act became active this year, requiring corporate entities to report beneficial ownership information. Click here to learn more.

• Alfa Insurance is updating its farmowner policy administration system, giving customers the option to access policy documents online. Farmowner customers interested in signing up for eDocs are encouraged to contact their local Alfa service center, Federation area organization director or the Alfa Customer Resource Center at (800) 964-2532. Click here to read more.

Simply Southern TV Season 10 Continues

Alabama AgCast Features Updates on Farmowner Policies

• Sept. 20-21 - Alabama Beekeepers Association annual fall conference in Clanton. Registration ends Sept. 15.

• Sept. 23 - Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation Scholarship Banquet in Auburn. The event is invitation only.

• Sept. 24 - Policy Development Meeting in Montgomery. The event is invitation only.

• Oct. 2-4 - Alabama Landowners Conference in Gulf Shores. Registration ends Oct. 1.

• Oct. 3-4 - Auburn University Beef Cattle Conference. Early registration ends Sept. 1.

• Oct. 12 - Pork on the Plains workshop in Auburn

• Nov. 1 - Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation Skeet Shoot in Alpine

• G.T. Hamilton, Lawrence County

• David Hataway, Montgomery County



• Glenn Traylor, Randolph County