April 13, 2022
Byrd Family Wins Farm Of Distinction Contest
Faith and family are the foundation on which Mark and Sandy Byrd built the business recognized April 7 as Alabama’s 2022 Farm of Distinction.

“I don’t know how anybody could farm without having God on their side, without trusting Him,” said Mark, who accepted the award during the Alabama Farm-City Awards Program and Luncheon in Birmingham. “We’ve overcome so much. When you go through challenges, you have to stay focused and trust the Lord to see you through those times.”
Beef Tour Rolls Across Florida
A bus full of Alabama farmers is rolling across Florida this week on the annual Alabama Farmers Federation Beef Tour.

Tour stops focus on all aspects of beef cattle production and will help Alabama producers glean ideas to improve their operations.

From left are Bill Lipscomb, Autauga County; Thomas Ellis, Lowndes County; Federation President Jimmy Parnell; and Florida cattleman Mike Adams.
Women's Conference Encourages, Invigorates
Steady laughter, storytelling and sweet fellowship lifted the spirits of more than 200 attendees at the Alabama Farmers Federation Women’s Leadership Conference April 6-7 in Birmingham. 

Social media sensation and cookbook author Brenda Gantt headlined the event, coordinated by the Federation State Women’s Leadership Committee (WLC).

Other event highlights included:
  • Updates from American Farm Bureau Federation WLC member Lou Nave
  • Legislative and commodity program updates from Federation staff
  • Alabama Farm-City Awards and
  • Presentations from fashion consultant and author Shari Braendel
Down To Earth Campaign Kicks Off
Alabama farm and forestry organizations debuted a yearlong public education campaign — Down to Earth: Agriculture Sustains Alabama — during a celebration March 31 in Pike Road.

At an afternoon press conference, Gov. Kay Ivey proclaimed March 31 Down To Earth Day. Ivey, whose rural roots run deep, lauded the collaborative campaign, which will showcase sustainable, high-tech and efficient techniques farmers and forest landowners have followed for decades.

The event also included a media competition, school field trip and public event.


AFVGA Conference Moves To Early 2023
A fresh date for a familiar meeting will help Alabama specialty crop farmers grow new skills to better their farms. The Alabama Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association (AFVGA) Annual Conference and Trade Show, formerly held each fall, is Feb. 9-10, 2023, in Gulf Shores.

AFVGA Executive Director Blake Thaxton said he’s excited to welcome growers to the Lodge at Gulf State Park for a second year.

“After talking with our board of directors, we decided pushing the conference date to the slower winter season, before the spring rush, was the best move for growers across the state,” Thaxton said. “We want to provide quality, timely educational sessions that will help farmers across various specialty crops improve their bottom line.”

The conference coincides with annual meeting for the Alabama Sweet Potato Growers Association.

Registration opens Nov. 1 at AFVGA.com. Questions? Contact Thaxton at bthaxton@alfafarmers.org. 
Quick Clicks
Southern Pine Beetle Prevention Cost-Share Program applications are available through the Alabama Forestry Commission. Click here to learn more.

Alabama farmers estimate they will plant less corn and peanuts in 2022 while planting more cotton and soybeans, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Click here to read the Prospective Planting Report.

Farm-City committees from St. Clair and Franklin counties took home top honors during the Alabama Farm-City Awards Luncheon and Program April 7. Click here to read about their programs.

Students from 18 counties were recognized at the Farm-City Awards Program and Luncheon April 7 for creative projects featuring the theme “Down to Earth: Agriculture Sustains Alabama.” Click here to read about the award-winners.
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