The Alabama Farmers Federation (ALFA) last week announced that it promoted Russ Durrance to state legislative programs director.
According to ALFA, the promotion is effective immediately as Durrance is set to represent the public policy interests of the federation’s members at the Alabama Legislature.
Durrance’s experience as director of the federation’s Poultry, Pork and Dairy divisions prepared him for the new position, according to ALFA External Affairs department director Brian Hardin.
“Since joining the Federation in 2019, Russ has distinguished himself for his ability to research complex issues and implement action plans to serve members,” declared Hardin. “He worked to secure disaster relief for growers negatively impacted by COVID-19; led efforts to revise Alabama’s Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) rules; worked to expand local meat processing capacity; and advised leaders, members and coworkers on issues related to energy, the environment and nutrient management.”
Hardin added, “Russ also worked to develop young people through Federation-sponsored livestock events and was instrumental in expanding shows at the upcoming Southeastern Livestock Exposition with the creation of the Alabama Junior Swine Expo.”
Durrance expressed excitement over his promotion and asserted that his prior role would prove beneficial in his service to federation members at the legislature.
“While I’ve enjoyed my time working in the Governmental and Agricultural Programs Department, I’m excited to expand my reach and ability to serve our members in the State House,” said Durrance. “My role working on the CAFO revisions in 2020 helped me understand the benefit and need to focus on governmental policy to benefit Alabama farmers and our rural communities.”
Durrance, a native of Newman, Georgia, in 2017 obtained a degree from Auburn University in agricultural business and economics. He formerly worked as a broiler technician in Chattanooga, Tennessee, and was a management trainee with JPB/Pilgrim’s Pride.
Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL
