October 5, 2022
Boll Weevil Program Continues To Pay Dividends
A program implemented in the 1980s is still paying dividends for Alabama cotton farmers. In fact, most wouldn’t be able to grow the snowy crop without their decades-long investment in boll weevil eradication.

“The Boll Weevil Eradication Program (BWEP) is the best of programs that involve federal and state governments plus private industry,” said Madison County farmer Mike Tate, who advocated for the program in its early years with his father, Homer. “It was a true joint effort. Our fight now is to make sure the boll weevil is not reintroduced in our state.”
Agritourism Adds Extra Spice To Family Farms
A big dream and a sunflower seed sparked the idea for agritourism at Cornutt Farms LLC in Boaz.

“I had an interest in sunflowers after visiting a sunflower patch with a friend,” said Cara Cornutt, 26. “I saw how popular this was and came back to pitch the idea to family.”

In 2018, the multi-generational farm incorporated a U-pick sunflower field and, over time, added a pumpkin patch packed with interactive games and stations. 
Leaders Discuss Policy Changes
Farmers from all 67 counties met in Montgomery Sept. 27 to review, discuss and vote on policy recommendations, which will then be formally voted on at the Alabama Farmers Federation annual meeting Dec. 5.

Before the meeting kicked off, State Superintendent of Education Dr. Eric Mackey joined the group and discussed College & Career Readiness Indicators. Mackey, left, is pictured with Federation President Jimmy Parnell.
Federation Awards $140,000 In Scholarships
The Alabama Farmers Federation is cultivating growth and inspiring future leaders as it awards more than $140,000 in scholarships to students pursuing degrees in agriculture, forestry and related fields at Auburn University (AU).

Eighty-two students were recognized during the organization’s annual scholarship reception Sept. 26 at Lazenby Farms in Auburn.

Federation President Jimmy Parnell praised their achievements.

“We are committed to the next generation,” said Parnell. “We believe these students are the future of this state, nation and this organization.” 
Auburn Ag Roundup Brings Smiles To The Plains
The Auburn Agricultural Alumni Club hosted the 43rd annual Ag Roundup Sept. 24 in Auburn.

Over 700 people were in attendance celebrating the College of Agriculture, making memories, creating connections and enjoying Alabama-grown and made-food.
Grassroots Work Yields New Economic Developer
Thanks to a grassroots push by the Alabama Farmers Federation, Al Jones has been hired as the Alabama Forestry Commission’s (AFC) full-time economic development specialist.

The position was originally envisioned by the Federation’s State Forestry Committee to bring industry to the state, ultimately helping forest landowners better market their timber. Multiple departments within the Federation helped make the economic development specialist position a reality — from External Affairs pushing the line item through the Legislature during the 2022 Regular Session to the Governmental & Agricultural Programs Department helping draft language for the position.

Jones begins work with the AFC Oct. 17 and is the former community development director for Alexander City.
Pinyan To Lead Civil Justice Reform Committee
Paul Pinyan is the newly elected chairman of the Alabama Civil Justice Reform Committee board. Pinyan, the Alabama Farmers Federation executive director, said that the role ACJRC plays is more important now than ever.
Quick Clicks
A law clarifying the exemption for producer value-added products went into effect Oct. 1. Click here to read more about the Sweet Grown Alabama Act and other tax issues affecting farmers.

Lamar County Farmers Federation President Will Gilmer shared his thoughts on the last days of his family's dairy farm, which is slated to transition fully to beef cattle in 2023. Click here to read.

Modernized Endangered Species Act regulations, which protect at-risk animals while ensuring farmers can continue their work, will be reinstated after the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals ruled a district court improperly vacated 2019 revisions. Click here to learn more.
On The Move In Ag
The Alabama Peanut Producers Association is hiring a communications coordinator. Click here to learn more.
Events & Deadlines





  • Nov. 1 - Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association Annual Conference & Trade Show registration opens. The conference is Feb. 9-10 in Gulf Shores.

  • Nov. 4 - Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation annual Skeet Shoot at Selwood Farms in Alpine

  • Nov. 14-15 - Alfa Youth Leadership Conference - Columbiana

Simply Southern TV Season 8
Enjoy rewatching favorite moments from the second half of Simply Southern’s Season 8.

  • Oct. 8/9/12: The Joe Tom Armbrester Ag Center at the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind; the Huntsville ComiCon; Auburn University’s new Livestock Judging team; and a Southern Bite recipe called Creamy Italian Pasta Skillet

  • Oct. 15/16/19: The book “My Struggle, His Glory” and Second Chance Ministries, featuring the Alabama Farmers Federation’s Boyd Deal; Alabama Artificial Limb and Orthopedic Services; Slocomb Tomatoes at Aplin Farms; Extension Smart Yards about raised bed gardening; and a Southern Bite recipe for Bacon and Eggs Tater Tot Casserole, sponsored by Alabama Poultry & Egg Association

Shows air over the weekend on six broadcast stations and on Wednesdays on national cable network RFD-TV. To find out where and when the show airs near you, visit simplysoutherntv.net and click “Where To Watch.”
This Week On The Alabama AgCast
On this week’s Alabama AgCast, hear from Federation Creative Technical Director Mike Moody as he has a conversation with Alabama TREASURE Forest Association Executive Director William Green about the Alabama Landowners Conference.