foundation

Foundation Applications Open For Hurricane Sally Assistance

Dan Alabama, Economy, Industry News Release

The Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation (AFAF) is accepting applications through Nov. 30 from farmers who suffered losses related to Hurricane Sally.  AFAF and Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell said the Foundation established a Hurricane Sally Relief Fund last month in response to calls from farmers and businesses who wanted to help their south Alabama neighbors.  “When disaster strikes, I am always …

grants

Alabama Catfish Producers Partner With School Culinary Programs

Dan Alabama, Aquaculture, Education, Industry News Release

(ALFA) — Young chefs across Alabama soon will create catfish culinary delights through a partnership of Alabama catfish farmers and state school officials. Through the inaugural Catfish Culinary Challenge, Alabama Catfish Producers will donate 600 pounds of U.S. Farm-Raised catfish to 40 Alabama high schools. Student chefs and food service worker students from those schools are part of Alabama’s Family …

young farmers

Young Farmers Cultivate Success In Statewide Contests

Dan Alabama, Industry News Release

(ALFA) — Young farmers cultivated success — and scored more than $80,000 in prizes — during contests at the Alabama Farmers Federation’s 47th Commodity Producers Conference in Chattanooga Aug. 3. Luke Smelley won the 2019 Outstanding Young Farm Family (OYFF) competition. Judges visited his Hale County catfish, cattle and hay farm this summer, after finalists were named in March. Smelley …

alabama

Student Creations Channel 200 Years Of Alabama Agriculture

Dan Alabama, Education, Industry News Release

Eighteen outstanding students were honored for channeling “200 Years of Alabama Agriculture” into posters, essays and videos during the Alabama Farm-City Awards Luncheon April 4 in Birmingham. The theme connected kindergarten-12th graders with Alabama’s storied farming heritage during the state’s bicentennial year, said Alabama Farm-City Committee Chairman Jeff Helms. “From settlers who cleared land by hand to modern farmers using …

farm

Cherokee County Greenhouse Business Named Farm Of Distinction

Dan Alabama, Industry News Release

A Cherokee County greenhouse business known nationally for its poinsettias and other plants was named Alabama’s Farm of Distinction April 4 in Birmingham. Hank and Shelia Richardson of Dixie Green Inc. received more than $15,000 in prizes and will represent Alabama in the Swisher Sweets/Sunbelt Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year contest at the Sunbelt Ag Expo Oct. 15-17. Hank …

farmers

Farmers, Elected Officials Enjoy Taste Of Alabama

Dan Alabama, Industry News Release, Legislative

Legislators and state leaders sampled fruits of farmers’ labor during the Alabama Farmers Federation’s Taste of Alabama legislative reception in Montgomery March 20. The event highlights commodities grown in Alabama — and the farmers who grow them. At the annual reception, producers mingled with lawmakers and discussed local and agricultural issues. “The Farmers Federation was founded to work on public …

house

House Bill Would Increase Disaster Relief For Farmers

Dan Alabama, Economy, Industry News Release

Alabama congressmen were instrumental in adding $1.9 billion in disaster relief for farmers suffering agricultural losses to the supplemental appropriations bill approved by the U.S. House of Representatives by a 237-187 vote.  H.R. 268 originally authorized $1.1 billion for relief. During debate, an amendment co-sponsored by Republican Reps. Robert Aderholt and Martha Roby and Democrat Terri Sewell was adopted, increasing …

agricultural commodities

Farmers Optimistic as China Buys U.S. Soybeans

Dan Alabama, Exports/Imports, Industry News Release, Soybeans

Alabama soybean farmers are optimistic in light of China’s Dec. 12 purchase of U.S. soybeans, the nation’s first substantial U.S. agricultural purchase following a trade truce struck earlier this month. China’s haul of over 1.5 million tons of soybeans is valued at more than $500 million. In 2017, China bought 60 percent of U.S. soybeans — worth $12.25 billion — …

gingrich

Gingrich, Ivey Address Farmers at Annual Meeting

Dan Alabama, Industry News Release

Former Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Newt Gingrich told tales of politics, President Donald Trump and predictions for the next election cycle to over 1,200 farmers in Montgomery, Alabama, on Dec. 3. Gingrich’s keynote address concluded two days of business sessions and awards presentations during the Alabama Farmers Federation’s 97th annual meeting. “Tension is building because it is …