The Alabama Farmers Federation held its 104th annual meeting on January 12, 2026, in Montgomery, where over 1,300 farmers gathered to celebrate the resilience and commitment of the agricultural community. Themed “Fighting for Farmers,” the event highlighted the Federation’s ongoing advocacy and programming efforts throughout the past year.
During the meeting, leadership roles were filled for the state board, State Women’s Leadership Committee, State Young Farmers Committee, and various commodity committees. Among the attendees, the Limestone County Farmers Federation (LCFF) received an Award of Excellence for its outstanding community work and agricultural advocacy. President Jerry Allen Newby accepted the award on behalf of the LCFF, recognizing the group’s efforts in providing “top-tier programs” according to Paul Pinyan, Executive Director of the Alabama Farmers Federation.
Recognition of Local Contributions
Alongside Limestone County, several other counties were honored for their exceptional programming. The counties included Baldwin, Barbour, Blount, Calhoun, Chambers, Cherokee, Choctaw, Clay, Coffee, Colbert, Coosa, Cullman, Dale, DeKalb, Elmore, Escambia, Etowah, Fayette, Franklin, Henry, Houston, Jackson, Jefferson, Lamar, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Lee, Marshall, Mobile, Montgomery, Morgan, Pike, Randolph, Russell, Shelby, St. Clair, Talladega, Tallapoosa, Tuscaloosa, Walker, and Winston.
The annual awards ceremony recognized the impact of farmers at both local and statewide levels. Retiring Southwest Area Vice President Jake Harper of Wilcox County was honored with the Service to Agriculture Award. Additionally, the Senior Leader Awards were presented to Dennis Maze from Blount County, David Herring from Franklin County, and L.D. Fitzpatrick from Montgomery County. These awards are given to farmers over 70 years old who have actively contributed to their communities as county presidents or state committee chairs.
Four Individual Leader Awards were also presented, emphasizing county-level contributions. Honorees included Matt Webb and Scott Woodall from Jackson County, Jimmy Green from Macon County, and Dr. David Evans from St. Clair County. Dr. Evans received special recognition in the Local and Community Service category for his dedication to agricultural education and youth programs.
Emphasis on Legacy and Future Generations
The Federation also took a moment to honor leaders who passed away in the previous year during the Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation (AFAF) Tribute Breakfast. Participants raised $11,750 through a silent auction to support AFAF’s initiatives in agricultural education. During the breakfast, Pastor David Phillips encouraged attendees to reflect on their legacy. He stated, “If it were not for the Lord, we’d have nothing. We must pass down that priority, that heritage… to our children.” His words resonated with the farmers, emphasizing the importance of spiritual values and community responsibility.
The annual meeting not only celebrated the achievements of Alabama’s farmers but also reinforced the collective commitment to agriculture and the importance of fostering future generations in the field. As the Federation moves forward, it continues to advocate for policies that support farmers and sustain the agricultural industry in the state.
