America’s top young farm family hails from the heart of central Alabama. Drew and Lauren Wendland of Autauga County received the Achievement Award during American Farm Bureau Federation’s Annual Convention Jan. 12 in Anaheim, California. The accolade honors the Wendlands’ impact at Autauga Farming Co. (AFC) in Autaugaville, plus Farm Bureau involvement, civic service and […]

After a banner year fraught with battles on Capitol Hill and in weather-worn fields, Alabama farmers celebrated resiliency, resolve and their reliance on a higher power December 7-8 in Montgomery. Themed “Fighting for Farmers,” the Alabama Farmers Federation’s 104th annual meeting welcomed more than 1,300 farmers to the Capital City. There, conservative firecracker and Fox […]

Few men are as stalwart, steady and straightforward as Jake Harper. The Wilcox County cattleman and timber landowner has offered his logical mind, plain speech and acumen for accountability to fellow farmers for decades, most recently as Southwest Area vice president of the Alabama Farmers Federation and Alfa Insurance. “I want it right,” Harper remarked […]

When a trio of judges ambled into Crawmama’s last week, they inhaled the sharp spice of freshly boiled seafood and were warmly welcomed by firecracker owner Charlotte Webb. They proceeded to tuck into a tender 14-ounce ribeye with grilled Gulf shrimp on a bed of rice — a dish they later crowned Bama’s Best Surf […]

Farmers who lost certain crop, tree, and vine production due to natural disasters in 2023 and 2024 can soon apply for assistance through the Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SDRP). Pre-filled applications entered the mail stream on July 9. Farmers may submit the “FSA-526, Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SDRP) Stage One Application” at county Farm Service Agency (FSA) […]

With U.S. Senate passage of President Donald Trump’s “One Big, Beautiful Bill,” farm country today inched one step closer to a critical increase in the farm safety net, plus record tax cuts. The measure heads back to the House for reconciliation following a 51-50 vote. Alabama Farmers Federation National Affairs Director Mitt Walker said provisions […]

Alabama farmer Monica Carroll will bring decades of agricultural experience, plus a passion for serving people, to her new role as the state’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) executive director. Appointed by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, Carroll begins May 5. “When we have farmers who come in and look for our programs, I can […]

Row crop farmers impacted by poor economic conditions can now apply for the Emergency Commodity Assistance Program. Applications close Aug. 15. Alabama Farmers Federation’s Mitt Walker said eligible farmers will receive a prefilled application via mail that notes individual payment calculations but can also apply online or in a Farm Service Agency office. “We appreciate […]

Eight young farm families were honored for excellence in production agriculture, Alabama Farmers Federation involvement, and community service on February 15 during the Young Farmers Conference in Muscle Shoals. Contestants in the Outstanding Young Farm Family competition ranged from 18 to 35 years old and competed through an intense application and interview process. Federation Young […]

A glimmer of hope shot through farm country late last year when Congress included $10 billion of economic aid for farmers in an end-of-year resolution. Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell said the relief package was a critical first step to help farmers stay in business until a new, improved farm bill is passed. The […]

A glimmer of hope shot through bleak, in-the-red farm country late last year as Congress included $10 billion of economic aid for farmers in an end-of-year resolution. Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell said the relief package was a critical first step to help farmers stay in business until a new, improved farm bill is […]

Rick Pate’s down-to-earth demeanor and preference for practical solutions has helped him lead the Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries (ADAI) for the last six years. As commissioner, Pate has balanced regulatory responsibilities while investing in programs to help farmers. Many of those producers were on hand as Pate received the Alabama Farmers Federation Service […]

Farmers who use the federal H-2A guest worker program scored a crucial victory last week when a district court halted overreach from the Department of Labor (DOL). On Nov. 26, the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi barred the DOL from enforcing its Worker Protection Rule, which unlawfully extended unionization rights to […]

A common thread ran through creative quilts, blankets, pillows and wreaths on display at the Mobile Convention Center recently — 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. “It always amazes me what our ladies can do,” said […]