Federation Summer Conference Centered on Family, Fellowship

By Maggie Edwards

Balloons, string lights, live music and constant chatter brought life to Montgomery's Union Station Train Shed Aug. 1 during the Alabama Farmers Federation Family Reunion.

The farmers' fun set the stage for the organization's annual Farm & Land Conference, where over 700 attendees gathered to cultivate knowledge through tours, seminars and contests.

"The goal for the Family Reunion was for members to reconnect with old friends and to fellowship," said Federation Governmental & Agricultural Programs Director Mitt Walker. "Farming is tough right now. Our team wanted to give folks a chance to relax and enjoy family."

The night included U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish, Bishop's Barbecue Pork, Blue Ribbon Dairy ice cream, beef brisket, Allman Farms & Orchards watermelon, Laurie Farms boiled peanuts and a meet-and-greet with U.S. Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala.

U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish was a farmer-favorite during the Federation Family Reunion Aug. 1 at Montgomery's Union Train Shed. The Alabama Farmers Federation hosted a Family Reunion Aug. 1 at Montgomery's Union Train Shed.U.S. Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala., visited with Randolph County's David Johnson during the Federation Family Reunion Aug. 1.

Day 2 brought a host of charter buses into the Capital City. Participants scattered from Auburn to Uniontown and from Montevallo to Union Springs for farm tours.

Colbert County's Hart Gargis appreciated the practical tips he gained from Dallas County's Bell Place Farms, a row crop operation that grows cotton, peanuts, wheat, soybeans and grain sorghum.

"It's important to come and see what other farmers are doing," said Gargis, a row crop farmer. "Hearing owners Wendy and Jamie Yeager discuss their sorghum production and marketing process was encouraging for me. I've been interested in getting back into growing sorghum."

Randolph County's Bran Futral noted the camaraderie between producers.

"These tours let me know that I'm not alone," said Futral, a specialty crop farmer. "There are challenges, but we're all in it together. We're proud to be a part of what the Federation is doing."

Other stops included ArborGen, Autauga Farming Co., Blue Ribbon Dairy, Bonnie Plants, Cleveland Land & Cattle, Dobbs Equipment, Green Valley Farms, Harvest Select's catfish farm, Looney Farms, Parnell Farms, Petals from the Past, SweetCreek Farm Market and Whippoorwill Vineyards.

Commodity-specific educational tracks and guest speakers guided Day 3's agenda. Mark Purdy of Aimpoint Research addressed the group of farmers and discussed food security.

"You are foundational to national security," Purdy said. "Food security is national security. We need that to be able to lead and keep our position in the world. We need that to build our economy and other industries in the nation. This isn't about looking to the past but the future. It's about making farmers successful and profitable."

Federation staff hosted an ag policy discussion on proposed Alfa Health Plans, while Alabama Cooperative Extension System's (ACES) Beau Brodbeck spoke on H-2A labor laws.

Additionally, two ACES and Auburn University agriculturalists were honored for outstanding research and service. Dr. Andre da Silva earned the Rittenour Award for Production Agriculture & Forestry Research, while Dennis Brothers received the Duncan Award for Excellence in Production Agriculture & Forestry Extension.

The Farm & Land Conference also included contests for the Women's Leadership and Young Farmers divisions.

Encouraging words from Caroleene Dobson, Alabama FarmPAC-endorsed candidate for Congressional District 2, closed the conference.

"I grew up on a farm and witnessed firsthand that when you see something that needs action, you go to pray about it and then take action," said Dobson, who received a standing ovation. "I understand the idea of stewardship - taking what God has given us and making things better for the next generation. We must grow the next generation with faith, hard work and trust in God."

Caroleene Dobson, Alabama FarmPAC-endorsed candidate for U.S. Congressial District 2, addressed attendees Aug. 3. Mark Purdy of Aimpoint Research discussed the importance of food security during Farm & Land Conference Aug. 3.

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