August 16, 2023
Special Edition Featuring Farm & Land Expo Highlights
The Cultivator will be back next week with commodity-focused news.
Summer Conference Educates, Inspires Farmers
Scores of trucks bearing Farming Feeds Alabama vanity tags filled parking garages in Mobile Aug. 10-12, as 700 attendees packed out the Alabama Farmers Federation’s summer conference.

Perennial favorite farm tours and new commodity-specific educational tracks were a highlight of the Farm & Land Expo. The Federation’s Governmental & Agricultural Programs Department organizes the annual event.

“Even though we know things are hard on the farm right now, it was refreshing to see our farmers relaxed while they caught up with each other,” said Mitt Walker, the GAP Department director. “We’re hopeful they were able to recharge while learning something they can implement back home.”

To better serve farmers, Walker’s team created targeted seminar tracks for poultry, row crops, specialty crops, beef cattle and natural resources. Many sessions were standing room only. 

Additionally, two general sessions focused on risk management tools and an agricultural economic outlook — critical topics due to weather, market fluctuations and rising interest rates. 

During the Farm & Land Expo, farmers hopped on buses that visited farms and agribusinesses across Baldwin, Escambia and Mobile counties. Tours were packed with information to help farmers improve their bottom line.

Stops included:
  • The Armentrout TREASURE Forest
  • Auburn University Ornamental Horticulture Research Center
  • Bellingrath Gardens
  • Boat tours of Mobile Bay
  • Coastal Growers peanut-shelling plant
  • Driskell Turf Farm
  • Faggard Farms
  • Freeland Farms
  • Martin’s Nursery
  • Mason Hills meat processor
  • McKenzie Farm Market
  • Mullek Farm
  • Ramsay Cattle Co.
  • Sessions Farm Market

U.S. Rep. Jerry Carl, R-Ala., joined the packed banquet room of farmers during day 1. His 1st Congressional District includes Mobile. He encouraged the slate of Federation leaders, giving positive stories from Washington, D.C.
Magic in Mobile: Young Farmers Win Top Titles 
Young Farmers secured wins, prizes and experience advocating for agriculture during contests at the Alabama Farmers Federation Farm & Land Expo Aug. 12 in Mobile. Families from Limestone and Winston counties took home wins for Outstanding Young Farm Family (OYFF) and Excellence in Agriculture competition, respectively, while four Discussion Meet finalists were announced. 
Brady and Anna Peek of Limestone County were named Alabama’s OYFF. The Peeks raise row crops in Limestone and Lauderdale counties and have one son, Ridge. Since beginning their farm in 2010, the Peeks have increased yields and efficiency; expanded to include custom farming and a trucking business; and diversified into raising flowers and sweet corn they sell to local customers. Brady is the State Soybean Committee chair and chaired the State Young Farmers Committee in 2021.

As the OYFF winner, they receive more than $80,000 in prizes, including $40,000 toward a new Ford truck, compliments of Alfa Insurance; a John Deere 835m Gator sponsored by Alabama Farm Credit and Alabama Ag Credit; and a year’s lease on a John Deere tractor, thanks to John Deere, TriGreen and SunSouth. 
Zack Brannon of Winston County won the statewide Excellence in Agriculture contest.

Brannon beat out 9 other competitors during the Excellence in Agriculture contest, who highlight their passion for agriculture and Federation experience through an application and presentation. The contest is for members ages 18-35 who earn most of their income off the farm.

Brannon is an Extension agent from Addison. As the winner, he will receive a Grasshopper zero-turn mower from Corteva Agriscience.
The Final Four are Gavin Rankins of Chambers County; Miller Bonds of Limestone County; Greyson Lauderdale of Limestone County; and Caleb Beason of Franklin County.
Finalists in Discussion Meet were also named.

The contest simulates a committee meeting where participants discuss practical solutions to pressing agricultural issues.

Final Four members receive a Solo Stove from the Federation and will compete in the final round of competition during the December annual meeting. The Discussion Meet winner will receive a four-wheeler from First South Farm Credit.
Alabama Agriculture Woven through Winning Quilts, Wreaths
A common thread ran through creative quilts, blankets, pillows and wreaths on display at the Mobile Convention Center Aug. 12 — Alabama’s agricultural diversity.

The Alabama Farmers Federation Women’s Leadership Division sponsored the farm-inspired sewing and decorating contests, held during the annual Farm & Land Expo in Mobile.

The contests included categories for hand-stitched and machine-stitched quilts; adult and youth divisions for lap blankets; machine-stitched pillow covers; and commodity-themed wreaths.
Federation Honors Extension, AU Agriculturalists for Outstanding Work
From left are Federation President Jimmy Parnell, Thompson and Li.
The Alabama Farmers Federation rewarded Alabama Cooperative Extension System (ACES) and Auburn University (AU) professionals for serving Alabama farmers during the organization’s Farm & Land Expo Aug. 10 in Mobile. 

The Rittenour Award for Production Agriculture & Forestry Research was presented to Dr. Steve Li. This recognizes AU faculty for creative research. Li is an associate professor and Extension specialist focused on weed science and received $10,000 from the Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation (AFAF).
 
Regional ACES Agent Gerry Thompson received the Duncan Award for Excellence in Production Agriculture & Forestry Extension, plus $5,000 for programming costs, courtesy of AFAF. These are the fifth annual Duncan and Rittenour awards.