Jimmy Parnell on Monday was reelected to a fifth two-year term as president of the Alabama Farmers Federation.
The election came on the final day of the federation’s 99th annual meeting in Montgomery. According to a release, Parnell ran unopposed.
A fifth-generation farmer from Chilton County, Parnell is a partner in his family’s cattle and timber business.
He thanked the voting delegates representing all 67 counties who unanimously reinstated him.
“I am excited about the opportunity to lead this organization into its 100th year,” Parnell stated.
“Throughout history, farmers have faced obstacles, and the past year brought special challenges,” he continued. “Despite those, farmers continued to feed and clothe America and the world. Our organization faced its challenges head on and continued to work for farmers every day. As we chart a course for the next century of this organization, we are still led by men and women who are dedicated to serving farmers and promoting the economic, social and educational interests of Alabamians.”
Parnell, 56, also serves as Alfa Insurance president. He is a former State Young Farmers Committee chairman and served on the federation’s statewide board from 1999-2008. He was Chilton County Farmers Federation president from 2006-2012.
Joining Parnell in being reelected on Monday to top leadership roles were Alabama Farmers Federation North Area Vice President Rex Vaughn, 61, of Madison County and Southeast Area Vice President George Jeffcoat, 71, of Houston County. Both raise cattle and row crops.
Both men were reelected to fifth two-year terms. Vaughn’s area covers Blount, Cherokee, Colbert, Cullman, DeKalb, Etowah, Franklin, Jackson, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison, Marion, Marshall, Morgan and Winston Counties. Jeffcoat’s region includes Barbour, Bullock, Chambers, Coffee, Coosa, Covington, Crenshaw, Dale, Elmore, Geneva, Henry, Houston, Lee, Macon, Pike, Russell and Tallapoosa Counties.
Additionally, elections were held for four district board positions, which have three-year terms.
The federation outlined the following about those elections:
John Bert East, 69, of Leesburg in Cherokee County was elected to serve District 3, which includes Cherokee, DeKalb, Etowah and Jackson counties. He is a row crop and cattle farmer.
Phillip Hunter, 51, a nursery owner in Shelby County, was reelected District 6 director. The district covers Calhoun, Clay, Cleburne, Randolph, Shelby, St. Clair and Talladega counties.
Bill Cook, 69, of Montgomery County was reelected as District 9 representative, which covers Autauga, Butler, Chilton, Lowndes, Montgomery and Wilcox counties. Cook grows timber and operates a lawn care business.
Thomas Adams, 43, of Newville in Henry County was elected to the District 12 board seat. He represents Dale, Geneva, Henry and Houston counties and raises row crops, cattle and poultry.
Reelected to a one-year, ex-officio term on the state board was Women’s Leadership Committee Chair Kathy Gordon of Montgomery County. State Young Farmers Committee Chairman Brady Peek of Limestone County will also serve a one-year, ex-officio term.
The full leadership of the federation can be viewed here. Elections are held annually in a staggered fashion.
Sean Ross is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn
