The Alabama Agribusiness Council hosted a record crowd for the 2018 Annual Meeting held June 24-26 at the Perdido Beach Resort. The meeting kicked off with the Welcome to the Beach reception, a great opportunity for attendees to reconnect with old friends and welcome first-time meeting attendees. Guests enjoyed light hors d’oeurves while they mixed and mingled and enjoyed a view overlooking the pool.
Highlights from the meeting on Monday morning include the election of our new Board President, Ben Gore with Alabama Farm Credit and the 2018-2019 Board of Directors. AAC then honored members retiring from the Board, Billy Adams, Ray Hilburn and Glen Zorn as well as Jason Davis, Immediate Past President, for their service on the Board and to the Council. Presentations from Dr. Paul Patterson, Auburn University College of Agriculture, Commissioner John McMillan, Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries, Dr. Joe Sumners on The Challenges of Rural Economic Development and Ben Mullins on the role the Department of Agriculture and Industries plays during an agricultural emergency filled the morning’s educational agenda.
After a free afternoon to enjoy Alabama’s gorgeous Gulf Coast attendees joined together for a beachside buffet featuring many coastal favorites such as shrimp, gumbo, grilled fish and key lime pie. Before dinner attendees honored special guests Governor Kay Ivey, Senator Clay Scofield and Dr. Billy Powell for their contributions to Alabama agriculture. Governor Ivey received the Distinguished Service Award, Senator Scofield was recognized as the Legislator of the Year and Dr. Powell was honored with the Heritage Award. The weather was absolutely perfect for our special evening!
The meeting wrapped up on Tuesday morning with a strong lineup of speakers on topics including Wild Pigs in Alabama presented by Dr. Steven Ditchkoff, Auburn University, Pollinators in Agriculture by Dr. Brittney Goodrich, Auburn University, a look into the future of Precision Agriculture by Clint Casey with SunSouth and Max Runge with Auburn University finished up with a Mid-Year Ag Economic Update. The quality of speakers at this year’s meeting was the best so far noted one attendee.
Throughout the meeting the Alabama Agribusiness Council Foundation sold raffle tickets for a tabletop electric grill to raise money for the Foundation’s scholarship fund. Congratulations to Dr. Billy Powell who won the raffle and a special thank you to those who purchased raffle tickets raising an additional $1800 for the scholarship fund!
Plans are already underway for next year’s meeting and we hope you’ll make plans to join us June 23-25, 2019 at the Perdido Beach Resort!