March 3, 2021
Young Farmers Conference In Huntsville A Success
Over 350 young farmers traveled to the Tennessee Valley last weekend to tour farms, fellowship and compete in contests during the Alabama Farmers Federation Young Farmers Conference.

Tours departed from Huntsville Saturday morning and spread over six counties, where experienced farmers and Federation leaders shared wisdom with attendees.

Outstanding Young Farm Family finalists were named during the event. They are:
  • Mitchell and Rebecca Henry, Lawrence County
  • Josh and Savannah McCoy, Dale County
  • Brady and Anna Peek, Limestone County
Phillips Promoted To Director Of Alabama Extension
Mike Phillips is the new director of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES).

ACES is the primary outreach organization for Alabama A&M and Auburn universities. Phillips began his new role March 1 with the joint system, which was created in 1995.

Phillips, an agronomy professor, has served since 2018 as Alabama Extension assistant director for agriculture, forestry and natural resource programs and as associate dean in Auburn’s College of Agriculture.
QUICK CLICKS
EVENTS & DEADLINES
  • March 8 — Strawberry Plug Producer Meeting in Cullman. Contact Hunter McBrayer at hmcbrayer@alfafarmers.org to learn more.




  • May 15 — Extended open enrollment for health insurance closes. Talk with an Alfa Health representative at 1-800-392-5705.
New AgCast Episodes Available Every Wednesday
Wheat & Feed Grain Farmers Review Research, Sponsorships
Alabama Wheat & Feed Grain Committee members met in Montgomery Feb. 24 to hear research proposals and review sponsorship opportunities and promotions for 2021.

That included a presentation from Brady Ragland, who helps coordinate the Alabama Jr. Beef Expo. The Wheat & Feed Grain Checkoff is a major sponsor of the youth event, including its cornhole tournament the afternoon of March 19.
Farmer Features Shine On Simply Southern TV
Catch farmer features and other great stories about Alabama every week on Simply Southern TV. The show airs Wednesdays on RFD-TV at 5 p.m. Central. Upcoming shows on RFD-TV include:
 
  • March 3 – World’s Largest Peanut Boil, Jesse Owens Museum, Ask a Farmer with Blount County’s Jimmy Miller of Miller Farms and a Southern Bite recipe for Fried Cabbage

  • March 10 – Montevallo Outdoor Scholars, Goat Yoga BHAM, COVID-19’s impact on livestock shows featuring an interview with Federation Beef Division Director Brady Ragland and a Southern Bite recipe for Pimento Cheese Scalloped Potatoes 
IN MEMORY