Congratulations on your Centennial. “Alabama’s farmers are the soil that make the foundation of this great state. As a girl, growing up on my father’s farm, I learned the importance of working hard to provide for one’s self. And today, I am proud to work alongside Alfa to champion for all the men, women and families who work tirelessly to keep our shelves stocked and food on our tables. No matter the circumstance, no matter the challenge, our farmers always get the job done. I congratulate Alfa on their centennial and look forward to continuing to work with them in the years to come.”
Kay Ivey, Governor
Editor’s note December/Winter 2021 | Volume 46 | Number 12 Debra Davis | Editor Marlee Moore | Associate Editor Laura Unger | Graphic Designer ALABAMA FARMERS FEDERATION Paul Pinyan | Executive Director Jeff Helms | Director of Communications FEDERATION OFFICERS Jimmy Parnell | President, Stanton Rex Vaughn | Vice President | North, Huntsville Jon Hegeman | Vice President | Central, Anniston George Jeffcoat | Vice President | Southeast, Gordon Jake Harper | Vice President | Southwest, Camden Steve Dunn | Secretary-Treasurer, Evergreen DIRECTORS Brian Glenn | Hillsboro Mark Byrd | Danville John Bert East | Leesburg Tim Whitley | Horton Joe Anders | Northport Phillip Hunter | Birmingham Joe Lambrecht | Wetumpka Jimmy Holliman | Marion Junction Bill Cook | Montgomery Steve Stroud | Goshen Mark Kaiser | Seminole Thomas Adams | Newville Kathy Gordon | Dadeville Brady Peek | Athens Neighbors (ISSN 0162-3974) is published monthly by the Alabama Farmers Federation, 2108 East South Boulevard, Montgomery, Alabama 36116 or (334) 288-3900. For information about Alabama Farmers Federation member benefits, visit the website www.alfafarmers.org. Periodicals postage paid at Montgomery, Alabama, and additional mailing offices. Printed in the U.S.A. POSTMASTER Send address changes to Neighbors P.O. Box 11000, Montgomery, Alabama 36191-0001 MEMBERSHIP AND SUBSCRIPTION CHANGES 800-392-5705, Option 4 or BWatkins@alfafarmers.org ADVERTISING REPRESENTATIVE Ben Shurett, (256) 997-7922 BenShurett.alfafarmers@gmail.com DISCLAIMERS: Advertisements in Neighbors do not represent an endorsement by the magazine or Alabama Farmers Federation. Editorial information from sources outside the Alabama Farmers Federation is sometimes presented for our members. Such material may, or may not, coincide with official Alabama Farmers Federation policies. Publication of information does not imply an endorsement by the Alabama Farmers Federation.
This Commemorative Issue of Neighbors Magazine is a compilation of stories written throughout this year’s centennial celebration of the Alabama Farmers Federation. The articles, photos and remembrances reveal the hopes and visions of leaders and farm families who founded and nurtured the organization for the past century. Their efforts are responsible for what has grown to be the largest farm organization in Alabama with about Davis 340,000 members. As the Federation embarks on the next century of service, it will continue to promote the economic, social and educational interests of Alabamians. With independent county Farmers Federations in all 67 counties, local leaders determine the organization’s policies and positions on state and national issues. That grassroots leadership is what sets the Alabama Farmers Federation apart from other organizations and will chart the course for its future. We hope you enjoy this special look at the past 100 years. May it empower others to lead agriculture and the great state of Alabama to its most prosperous years ever.
Debra Davis, Editor
In This Issue 4 | Centennial Marks Time
11 | A Look Back At Federation
6 | Federation Celebrates A Century Of Service
16 | Historical Timeline Of The
For Recommitment
8 | Commodity Groups Crucial For Organization
On The Cover Centennial Logo By Mike Moody Cover Design By Laura Unger
Leadership And Legacies
Farmers Federation
24 | Young Farmers Program
Cultivates Future Leaders
37 | Women Plow The Way
For Organization Growth
50 | Federation Families Span Generation Gap
59 | Farmers Prioritize Philanthropy Programs
www.AlfaFarmers.org
EDQM A member of American Farm Bureau Federation
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Letter from the President ALABAMA FARM BUREAU
ALABAMA FARMERS FEDERATION
1921
he Alabama Farmers Federation’s T centennial is a time to reflect on the past, remember those who came before
us and rejoice in our accomplishments. It’s also a time for recommitment to our values and vision. In 1921, Alabama farmers united to provide a voice in public policy for the rural families often ignored by politicians. These men and women joined forces to improve profitability in an economic system where they felt powerless. They came together to improve the quality of life for their children and neighbors. Pursuit of this mission has never been more important than it is today. Across our country, voices for faith, family and freedom are scorned by celebrities and even our own government. The livelihoods of farmers, businesses and entire communities are threatened by increasing taxation, regulation and inflation. Families fear for their children’s future in a world plagued by anger, selfishness and moral decay. A century ago, our forefathers faced similar conditions. World War I had ended, but it was already evident this would not be the “war to end all wars.” The effects of a pandemic were etched on headstones across the countryside. While the wealthy in big cities celebrated the roaring ‘20s, rural 4
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residents suffered under low commodity prices and crushing debt. It would have been easy for farmers to feel hopeless. Few could have blamed them for buckling under the weight of a government, economy and culture which was taking their work for granted. Thankfully, that’s not the farmer’s way — it’s not the American Way. Rather than succumb to the pressures of their time, the men and women who founded the Alabama Farm Bureau rose up. They took a stand and spoke up for the countless families who love this land. Their determination and devotion laid the foundation for what would become one of the most impactful and influential farm organizations in the world. Thanks to their vision, the Alabama Farmers Federation has successfully fought burdensome taxes and regulation; increased funding for agricultural research and outreach; improved marketing for farm products; enhanced conservation of natural resources; and defended the values that make our nation great. Along the way, these farmers built one of the most respected insurance companies in the South. They invested their hard-earned
2021
money to provide protection for neighbors when disaster strikes. Today, the company they started with $11,000 in 1946 provides coverage for more than 1 million farms, homes, cars and businesses. As we commemorate the Alabama Farmers Federation’s Centennial and 75th Anniversary of Alfa Insurance, we celebrate the visionaries who laid the foundation for this organization; the leaders who set the cornerstone for its prosperity; and our members who give us strength. We honor them, not with nostalgia or complacency, but with renewed resolve. It’s our duty to meet the challenges of our time — to stand in the gap against forces fighting our faith, families and freedom. Ours is a heritage of hope and a legacy of leadership. At the Alabama Farmers Federation we are eager to embrace the opportunities ahead with optimism — encouraged by those who came before us and energized by the generations yet to come.
Jimmy Parnell, President Alabama Farmers Federation alfafarmers.org
A Century Of Service The Alabama Farm Bureau Federation was founded in 1921 to give farmers a voice in local, state and national affairs. For a century, the group’s grassroots efforts have remained constant.
By Debra Davis century. One hundred years. A Ten decades. That’s how long the Alabama Farmers Federation has
represented farmers, giving them a voice in local, state and national affairs affecting their livelihood. While the organization focuses on the future of agriculture, it’s important to recognize and honor the past, especially in its centennial year. In 1921, Alabama Extension Service Director L.N. Duncan asked farmers, bankers and businessmen to form a farm organization. Those groups met Jan. 31 at Alabama Polytechnic Institute
Alabamian Edward O’Neal, pictured speaking in Chicago, served as American Farm Bureau Federation president from 1931-1947. 6
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(now Auburn University) and voted to form the Alabama Farm Bureau, now known as the Alabama Farmers Federation. The organization’s stated purpose was simple. “The object of this Federation shall be to effectively organize, advance and improve in every possible way the agricultural interests of the great commonwealth of Alabama, economically, educationally and socially through the united efforts of the county organizations of the state.” Two years prior, the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) formed in Chicago to give farmers a seat at the table with major economic players — business, manufacturing, railroads and labor. The relationship between Extension and Farm Bureau was mutually beneficial. Duncan sought to maximize Extension’s service and effectiveness while increasing benefits to farmers. County agents were a major force in organizing local groups, often collecting dues and soliciting memberships. Montgomery County, led by Charles W. Rittenour, was the first county to formally organize in April 1921. Rittenour was county president and was elected the first president of Alabama Farm Bureau. Annual dues were $10. Organizations soon formed in Lauderdale, Limestone, Hale, Calhoun, Autauga, Geneva and Baldwin counties.
It wasn’t long before Dale, Pickens, Lee, Pike and Colbert counties organized. In less than a year, 55 counties had united. Three years later, Wilcox County joined, formalizing memberships in all 67 counties. After successfully improving cotton prices by forming a marketing association in 1922, membership sprouted to 17,000. Growth prompted establishment of the organization’s first home office building in Montgomery in 1922. In 1923, Edward O’Neal III, the first president of the Lauderdale County Farm Bureau, was elected Alabama Farm Bureau president. The organization experienced exponential growth under his leadership, catapulting him to AFBF president in 1931, a position he held until 1947. Robert Croom served the remaining three months of O’Neal’s term as state president, followed by John Edwards (1931-38); William Howard Gray (1938-40); Walter Randolph (1940-61); J.D. Hays (1961-78) Goodwin L. Myrick (1978-1998); Jerry A. Newby (1998-2012); and Jimmy Parnell (2012-present). O’Neal’s political prowess parlayed into work with the nation’s highest government officials. Serving as AFBF president through the Great Depression and Dust Bowl, O’Neal developed a relationship with then newly elected U.S. alfafarmers.org
Alabama Farm Bureau’s first home office was established in Montgomery in 1922 at 24 Commerce St. Now called the Alabama Farmers Federation, the organization’s headquarters are at 2108 E. South Blvd.
President Franklin Roosevelt and convinced him to implement programs that benefit farmers today. O’Neal helped create the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1933, the first farm bill, which helped end the Great Depression. While improving cotton prices was a catalyst to unite farmers, the Federation recognized Alabama’s agricultural diversity. It now represents 17 commodity divisions. AFBF was among the first national organizations to note the important role women have in agriculture and politics. It formed the first women’s committee in 1920, the same year the amendment giving women the right to vote was ratified. In the Federation, the first woman to hold state office was Mrs. John S. Morris of Talladega County,
who served on the executive committee in 1924. Now called the Women’s Leadership Committee, the group continues to be a source of strength for Alabama’s largest grassroots farm organization. Alabama began its Young Farmers Program in 1957 to develop farm and community leaders. Its success is evident by many current and former state Federation leaders and state political leaders who are program alumni. Improving the lives of Alabama farm families helped herald Alfa Insurance Co. In 1946, the state Federation formed an insurance company to write fire insurance on farm homes and buildings. Today, Alfa offers a full line of insurance products for customers in Alabama, Georgia and Mississippi. It covers more than 1.2 million cars, homes, farms, businesses and churches and has more than $31.5 billion of life insurance in force. Alfa offers non-standard auto coverage in 11 states through its Trexis
Insurance division. Through the insurance company, urban families began to recognize the value Federation members received from their insurance coverage and service. Membership swelled as non-farm members joined. Its strong membership ranked Alabama among the largest state Farm Bureaus. Alabama resigned from AFBF in 1981, dropping the Farm Bureau name and becoming the Alabama Farmers Federation. After a 24-year split, Alabama farmers voted to rejoin the national organization in 2005, bringing more than 400,000 family memberships and returning as one of the largest member states. When the Alabama Farm Bureau was organized 100 years ago, agriculture was the state’s largest industry. Agriculture and forestry continue to be a leading economic engine with an annual economic impact of $70 billion and 500,000 jobs. The Federation continues to “organize, advance and improve” life for Alabamians. Its strength is also the same — its members. Editor’s Note: Information for this story was gathered from a variety of sources, including the Federation’s 75th annual meeting program, Neighbors magazine, AFF archives, Auburn University archives, books, newspaper articles and personal accounts from members.
From livestock-led plows such as this one in Franklin County to high-tech modern equipment, agriculture has evolved through the years. So has the Alabama Farm Bureau, now the Alabama Farmers Federation. alfafarmers.org
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ALA BAMA FARM BU R E A U
ALABAMA FARMERS FEDERATION
1921
2021
Commodity Groups Crucial For Farmers Federation
By Marlee Moore mproving farmers’ bottom line. IFederation That’s why the Alabama Farmers has invested in marketing,
research and supporting policy for commodities since its inception in 1921. In the early days, the Federation marketed mainstream commodities such as cotton and milk. The goal? Help farmers get better prices. Marketing associations were added for hay, hogs, grain and more. The Federation’s first official commodity group was established for dairy in 1950. As production shifted and farmers diversified, other divisions were added. The Pork Division was born in ’67; the Forestry Division was created in ’72; and the Greenhouse, Nursery and Sod Division put down roots in ’98.
Today, 15 commodity divisions comprise the Federation’s Governmental & Agricultural Programs Department: bee & honey; beef; catfish; cotton; dairy; equine; forestry; greenhouse, nursery & sod; hay & forage; sheep & goat; soybean; pork; poultry; wheat & feed grain; and wildlife. Three affiliated organizations also represent producers: Alabama Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association, Alabama Peanut Producers Association and Alabama TREASURE Forest Association. Early leaders knew commodity divisions were a key pathway for leadership development. For a century, farmers have initiated involvement to further their business interests — and stayed after realizing their impact. The Federation is a grassroots
Top photos: Commodity groups have been integral to the Alabama Farmers Federation since its inception in 1921. The group marketed crops to help farmers get better prices. Bottom left photo: The first pre-harvest commodity conference was held in 1973. Bottom right photo: Marion County farmers took time from loading a Fayette Ice Cream Co. truck to pose for a photograph April 11, 1927. 8
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organization; leadership rises from the counties. This structure and vision has improved commodities grown in Alabama — and the lives of farmers who grow them. Examples include the Boll Weevil Eradication Program, spearheaded by the Cotton Division in 1987. Other highlights are developing Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations regulations in 1999, most recently revised with guidance from the Poultry Division in 2020; passing a bill requiring labeling of catfish served in restaurants, led by the Catfish Division in 2009; and increasing federal funding to combat feral swine with a $75 million allocation in the 2018 farm bill. Federation staff members help oversee seven checkoffs — catfish, cotton, peanut, pork, sheep and goat, soybean, and wheat and feed grain. Federation members and farmerleaders determine how checkoff funds are spent. These checkoffs fund research, promotion and education and have paid incredible dividends for farmers. For example, peanut yields were around 1,000 pounds an acre in 1952. After research ramped up in 1957, Alabama peanut producers now average 3,500 pounds an acre. As Federation membership grew, leaders envisioned an annual pre-harvest conference for tours, educational sessions and presentations. Now called the Farm & Land Expo, this event began in 1973 and is held annually in late summer at rotating locations across Alabama and neighboring states. The October 1973 Alabama Farm Bureau News said it best: “A most important conference it was, where over 500 of our own farmers gathered…and numerous speakers discussed various phases of the theme ‘Food and Fuel for the Future.’” alfafarmers.org
100 Years of Alabama Extension and the Alabama Farmers Federation. Partners in making a better Alabama.
Follow us The Alabama Cooperative Extension System (Alabama A&M University and Auburn University) is an equal opportunity educator and employer. Everyone is welcome! Please let us know if you have accessibility needs. © 2021 by the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. All rights reserved. www.aces.edu
A L A BA MA F A RM BUR E AU
ALABAMA FARMERS FEDERATION
1921
2021
Grassroots Leaders Guide Federation Growth For A Century
By Marlee Moore n its first century, the Alabama Farmers Ipresidents Federation was guided by 10 farmer— elected by their fellow farmers to serve rural Alabama. Leaders of the group (originally named Alabama Farm Bureau) have diverse backgrounds, educational experiences and management styles. Despite their differences, their missions were unified — improve, organize and advance life for Alabamians.
Charles Warren Rittenour
1921-1923
He was born in Ohio, but Charles Warren Rittenour left his mark on the Yellowhammer State as Alabama Farm Bureau’s first president. Opportunities for agricultural growth attracted Rittenour to Montgomery County, but before moving south in 1918, the 37-yearold Rittenour dabbled in a burgeoning farm Rittenour organization while working on his father’s corn, wheat, alfalfa hay and horse farm. Once in Alabama, the Ohio Wesleyan University graduate bought 4,200 acres where he farmed corn, cotton, cattle and hay. He was president of Alabama’s first county-wide farm organization and represented Montgomery County when Alabama Farm Bureau formed in 1921. A temporary slate of officers was organized, with Rittenour as president. He was officially elected later that year and was called “a man of unusual alfafarmers.org
business and executive ability.” In 1923, Rittenour was president of affiliated southern region states and became president of the first Hay Marketing Association. He later served on the Farm Bureau state board and executive committee. Rittenour was secretary-treasurer when he died in 1946.
Edward Asbury O’Neal III
1923-1931
Edward Asbury O’Neal III plowed the way for reform during some of the most tumultuous times in modern agriculture. Before serving as American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) president from 1931-1947, Lauderdale County’s O’Neal made waves as an innovative livestock and row crop farmer. In 1923, he was elected president of Alabama Farm Bureau at age 48. O’Neal is credited with O’Neal incorporating many farm programs, including farm price supports, into federal law. Contemporaries recognized him as America’s No. 1 leader in agriculture. He spoke on many occasions to the White House Conference on Rural Education, the U.S. Senate Finance Committee and the Chamber of Commerce Convention in New York. O’Neal was keenly aware of the importance of elected officials, government and agricultural legislation. As AFBF president, he was a close agricultural adviser to U.S. President Franklin Roosevelt. On the farm, O’Neal embarked on a soil-building program that involved
livestock, legumes and lime phosphate. He produced then-unbelievable yields of 40 bushels of wheat, 75 bushels of corn and a bale of cotton per acre. He began growing alfalfa in 1913 and raised livestock on his 500-acre farm near Florence. O’Neal was the first Lauderdale County Farm Bureau president and was state vice president before being elected state president in 1923. Under his leadership, the organization grew rapidly in legislative, marketing and business services. He graduated from Washington & Lee University, where he studied law, in 1898 and received an honorary Doctor of Agriculture from Auburn University in 1932. He died in 1958.
Robert Farnham Croom
1931
Robert Farnham Croom led the Alabama Farm Bureau briefly — just three months — but contemporaries applauded his commitment to serving when the organization needed him. Conecuh County’s Croom was vice president when President Edward Asbury O’Neal III was tapped to lead Croom the national organization in spring 1931. The state executive committee chose Croom to finish O’Neal’s term, which ended at the state convention in July. The 43-year-old Croom raised livestock, horses and cotton. He grew peaches and strawberries and shipped his fruit to Chicago via refrigerated rail cars. Croom was also president of the December/Winter 2021 | NEIGHBORS
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First National Bank of Evergreen. When the bank folded due to the Great Depression, Croom moved to Washington to work for the U.S. Department of Agriculture. He retired in Evergreen and died in 1966.
John Littleton Edwards
1931-1938
John Littleton “Litt” Edwards wore many caps. He was a magistrate, a state legislator, farmed in Dallas County and served on the county board of education. Most notably, he was the fourth president of Edwards the Alabama Farm Bureau. Edwards was a charter member and president of the Dallas County group before being elected to lead the state organization from 1931-1938. He was elected at age 70. He also served on Alabama’s Agricultural Adjustment Administration Committee, was president of the Alabama Cotton Growers Co-op and volunteered on the State Rural Electrification Committee. Edwards attended Howard College in Marion from 1878-79 before beginning to farm. He farmed cotton, hogs, cattle, chickens and sugar cane. He died in 1946.
William Howard Gray
1938-1940
William Howard Gray was four years removed from earning his Alabama Polytechnic Institute (API) diploma when he was elected Alabama Farm Bureau president in 1938. The 29-year-old embarked on Gray a two-year term that brought healing and ended a period of strife and division within the organization. 12
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Gray was born in Madison County’s New Market in 1909 and shouldered farm responsibility at age 11 after his father died. He was API’s 1934 senior class president before becoming a county Extension agent in DeKalb County, followed by stints in Mobile and Pickens counties. He resigned as president in 1940, citing farm conditions that suffered during his time in office. When elected president, he milked 20 cows, grew 100 bales of cotton annually and raised 200 hogs, in addition to serving on the Atlanta Federal Reserve Bank board in Birmingham. He died in 1943. Noteworthy pallbearers were former Gov. Frank Dixon, Alabama Extension Director L.N. Duncan, American Farm Bureau Federation President Edward O’Neal III and U.S. Rep. John Sparkman.
Walter Leon Randolph
1940-1961
Walter Leon Randolph holds the title of longest-serving president of what is now the Alabama Farmers Federation — 21 years. He was elected in 1940 at age 34 and served until 1961, when he chose Randolph not to seek reelection due to illness. He’s the only president to have formerly served as staff — moving from information director to director of organization to executive secretary. While state president, growth in membership and service to farmers boomed. Alfa Insurance was founded as Alabama Farm Bureau Mutual Fire Insurance in 1946, and current state headquarters were built on South Boulevard in Montgomery. Far-reaching state legislative programs enacted during his leadership included sales tax exemptions on production items, farm tractor gas tax rebates, earmarking of income tax for education, and financial support for research and Extension. He was American Farm Bureau Federation vice
president from 1953-1969. Randolph was Alabama Polytechnic Institute valedictorian in 1925 before working with Extension and Progressive Farmer magazine. He later worked in Washington as assistant director of the Agricultural Adjustment Administration’s southern region and helped write national farm legislation. That legislation included the Bankhead Cotton Control Act of 1934, the Agricultural Adjustment Act of 1935, the Bankhead Price Support Act for basic commodities, and the Steagall Price Support Act for non-basic commodities, in addition to peanut marketing quotas. Before his election, he farmed in Dallas and Fayette counties. He served as a member of the Farm Credit Board of New Orleans and was an original member of the U.S. Department of Agriculture Agricultural Research Policy Committee. Randolph died in 1974.
James DeFord “J.D.” Hays 1961-1978 Enthusiasm and optimism were trademarks of James DeFord “J.D.” Hays’s tenure as Alabama Farm Bureau president from 1961-1978. The Madison County farmer was county president, state resolutions Hays chairman and vice president before his statewide election. The Hays administration oversaw dues increase from $5 to $19, plus $1 for the political action committee ELECT, which helped boost the Federation’s influence and impact. Improvements included expanding field staff and commodity programs; forming the stock life insurance company; organizing the group’s first political action committee; and creating Neighbors magazine. Hays also established the first Southern Commodity Producers Conference, attended by Secretary of State Henry Kissinger and Vice President Walter Mondale. alfafarmers.org
Major legislation through his leadership included property tax classification in 1972 and the “lid” bill in 1978. A University of Alabama chemical engineering graduate, Hays was prominent in land development in the burgeoning metropolis of Huntsville and donated 650 acres for the Robert Trent Jones Golf Course. He died in 1998. The family has since donated over 500 acres for the J.D. and Annie S. Hays Nature Preserve in Hampton Cove.
Goodwyn L. Myrick
1978-1998
Goodwyn Myrick led Alabama farmers during a time of exponential growth and influence. The Etowah County farmer was elected Alabama Farm Bureau president in 1978. In 20 years of leadership, he presided over record membership growth — Myrick 217,000 to nearly 400,000 — and rapid insurance company expansion. Political power boomed; voluntary political action committee contributions increased from $1 to $2; and the organization hired a full-time national lobbyist after resigning membership in American Farm Bureau in 1981. In 1987, the state group became Alabama Farmers Federation; the insurance company was renamed Alfa. Myrick met annually with county leaders in every area of Alabama; supported the “current use” law; and invested hundreds of thousands of dollars in educational support for schools and universities — ironic for a man whose formal education ended after 11th grade. He understood the significance of healthy, happy employees. Myrick installed a fitness center in the home office, built a state-of-the-art child-care facility and reduced Alfa Insurance agent turnover from 80% in 1978 to 15% by 1997. Myrick was a dairy and beef cattle alfafarmers.org
producer who farmed in Gadsden and Talladega. He was a former Etowah County president, State Dairy Committee member, state board member and first vice president. His honors include induction into the Alabama Agricultural Hall of Honor and the Alabama Business Hall of Fame, plus an honorary doctorate from Troy State University. Myrick died in 2003.
Jerry A. Newby
1998-2012
Jerry A. Newby’s love of farming brought him to Montgomery as president of the Alabama Farmers Federation and Alfa Insurance in 1998 when he was 51. That love fueled his leadership through 2012. During his tenure, the Federation voted to rejoin the American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) in 2005. The Commodity Department grew to include new divisions for hay and forage; wildlife; bee and honey; greenhouse, nursery and Newby sod; equine; and sheep and goats. Other accomplishments included growing the Agriculture in the Classroom program, developing the Ag Tag, creating the Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation, passing the Family Farm Preservation Act and defeating Amendment 1 (a statewide tax increase) in 2003. It was a stormy period, too. Alabama notched more catastrophic storms in Newby’s 14-year tenure than the previous 50 years combined. Most notable were Hurricanes Ivan and Katrina and the April 27, 2011, tornadoes. Prior to being state president, Newby was a state vice president; Limestone County Farmers Federation president; State Young Farmers Committee chairman; and AFBF Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee member. Newby still serves on the Limestone County Farmers Federation board.
His family grows cotton, corn, wheat, soybeans and raises stocker calves near Athens.
Jimmy Parnell
2012-present
Loyal. Honest. Personable. That’s Jimmy Parnell. Now 57 years old, the farmer has been at the helm of the state’s largest farm organization since 2012. He’s ushering the Alabama Farmers Federation into its centennial year while Alfa Insurance, of which he’s also president, celebrates its diamond anniversary. Parnell and wife Robin helped start the Chilton County Young Farmers, sparking his involvement in the state organization. Parnell was State Young Farmers Committee chair in 1998 and won the 1999 Parnell Outstanding Young Farm Family contest before serving nine years on the state board. He was Chilton County Farmers Federation president from 2006-2012. Parnell oversees insurance operations in 13 states, and Alfa is Alabama’s No. 1 life insurance company. The company recently underwent a technology systems overhaul, one of the largest IT projects in the world. The Federation has over 340,000 member families. A native of Stanton, Parnell graduated from Auburn University in agricultural business and economics in 1985 before returning to Parnell Inc., his family’s timber and cattle operation that includes a commercial cow herd and stocker calves. Parnell serves on the national Agricultural Technical Advisory Committee for Trade in Animals and Products. Yellowhammer News has named him one of Alabama’s most influential leaders. Parnell is a former Logger of the Year, named by the Alabama Forestry Association, and serves on the American Farm Bureau Federation board. December/Winter 2021 | NEIGHBORS
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Beginning A Second Century Of Collaboration
he Alabama Cooperative Extension T System and Alabama Farmers Federation have been partners for
the last 100 years, working jointly to improve agriculture and life in the state. Alabama Extension’s relationship with the Federation stretches back to 1921 when it was organized as the Alabama Farm Bureau on the Auburn University campus. “In the 1920s, some county Farm Bureau offices actually provided an office space for the county Extension agent,” said Extension Director Mike Phillips. “At a time when both organizations were young, the collaboration helped put Extension in touch with farmers and producers who could benefit from Extension knowledge and services.” Authors Joe Yeager and Gene Stevenson in their book “Inside Ag Hill” noted then-Director Luther Duncan believed the partnership was critically important to Extension. “He wanted Extension to work with organizations that were more likely to provide needed services to farmers, and Farm Bureau appeared to fit that description…chances for success were greater in cooperative efforts with Farm Bureau.” A 1925 issue of Farm Bureau News
A combined Alabama Farm Bureau and county agent’s office in Limestone County about 1929. County agent Fred Stewart is seated at the desk.
alfafarmers.org
Autauga County Farmers Federation member Andy Wendland is a longtime collaborator with Extension professionals.
called county agents “the prophets, priests and kings of our membership.” While the organizations’ names have changed over the years, their mutual commitment to Alabama has never wavered. The Federation also provides important financial support to Extension educational efforts. “Over the years, the Alabama Farmers Federation has provided crucial funding to Extension projects at the county, regional and state levels,” Phillips said. “Most recently, a very generous gift from the Federation made extensive renovations to the youth dining hall at the Alabama 4-H Center possible.” But Federation support for Alabama Extension goes beyond monetary assistance. Each year, hundreds of Federation members offer boots-on-theground support for Extension programs. They and Extension scientists conduct on-farm variety trials and use other
science-based technologies to develop important practical, research-based guidance for fellow producers, and they offer their farms as stops on Extension educational tours. Others work with Alabama 4-H members — serving as club leaders, project volunteers, team coaches and contest judges. Federation members serve on county advisory councils offering important perspectives from the state’s agriculture sector. Additionally, the Federation acts as an advocate for Alabama Extension with local, state and national policymakers. “I believe our continued cooperation to foster the state’s agriculture economy and to grow the state’s next leaders through 4-H is as important now as it was back in 1921,” Phillips said. “As both our organizations move into our second centuries of service, I am confident our cooperative efforts will help ensure a bright future for agriculture in Alabama.”
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ALA BAMA FARM BU R E A U
ALABAMA FARMERS FEDERATION
1921
2021
Making History 1941 The Federation participated in a meeting in Washington to support full parity for farmers. Ed O’Neal and Walter Randolph were key leaders in making the 100% parity proposal at the federal level.
a century ago, the Alabama Farmers Cin reated Federation has experienced exponential growth its first 100 years. It began with 17,000 Alabama
families and has grown to nearly 340,000 today. From the development of its political influence and creation of state commodity programs to founding a strong, multi-line insurance company, its mission remains the same. The Federation is led by farmers and is dedicated to serving farmers by promoting the economic, social and educational interests of all Alabamians.
1921 A group of farmers and businessmen met at Alabama Polytechnic Institute and formed what became the Alabama Farmers Federation. Charles Rittenour was elected the first state president.
1928 The executive committee of the Federation passed a resolution to establish a mutual insurance association for farmers to insure themselves. 1929 Group life insurance was offered to members through Protective Life Insurance Co. in Birmingham.
1942 The Federation purchased a $1,000 World War II defense bond and urged county organizations to purchase bonds.
1935 The Agricultural Adjustment Act Soil Conservation Program proved to be a $38 million benefit for Alabama farmers. 1937 The Federation offered its support of rural electrification.
1946 The Federation formed its own insurance company to write fire insurance on farm homes and buildings.
1931 An estimated 10,000 farmers rallied in Cramton Bowl in Montgomery to oppose a bill in the state Legislature which some claimed was meant to cripple their farm organization. Ed O’Neal was elected American Farm Bureau president.
Charles Rittenour
Robert Croom was elected to fill O’Neal’s unexpired term.
1922 The Federation published the first issue of its own newspaper of agricultural and organizational news April 1. 1923 Edward A. O’Neal III was elected state organization president. 1925 Wilcox was the final county to organize a county Farmers Federation. 16
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John “Litt” Edwards was elected state president.
1932 The Federation contracted with State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Co. of Bloomington, Illinois, to provide auto insurance for Alabama members. 1934 The Federation endorsed a plan for a $2,000 homestead exemption from property taxes.
1938 John “Litt” Edwards resigned as state president, and William Howard Gray was elected. 1939 Farm telephones were promoted as a way to help reduce fire losses.
1947 The Federation began its automobile insurance company separately from the fire company. An office building at 108 North McDonough St. in Montgomery was purchased to house the Federation, insurance company and related offices.
1940 Walter Randolph was elected Federation president. alfafarmers.org
1948 Federation headquarters experienced rapid growth and relocated to a three-story building at Clayton and Holcombe streets in Montgomery. 1953 The Federation was successful in winning sales tax exemptions on feed, insecticides and fungicides in the Alabama Legislature. 1955 Federation delegates adopted a resolution opposing any increase in property taxes. 1956 A resolution was passed at the Federation’s state convention to form the Young People’s Program. First State Young Peoples Committee elected.
1968 The Federation organized Alabama Farm Bureau Rural Health, which became Alfa Health. 1972 The lid bill, supported by the Federation to limit property tax increases, passed the Alabama Legislature. The bill established that land would be classified into categories, each taxed at a specific rate.
The first issue of Neighbors magazine was published.
1978 The Legislature passed the current use law, mandating property be taxed for its use rather than speculative value. Goodwin L. Myrick was elected Federation president.
1963 James E. Brady Jr. of Perry County was elected American Farm Bureau Federation Young People’s Chair.
1981 Alabama resigned from American Farm Bureau in January.
1965 The first Alabama Farm Bureau Women’s Committee was formed.
1986 The Federation and insurance companies home office in Montgomery was remodeled, doubling in size.
1967 The Federation urged the Legislature to provide an adequate highway system for the state.
The Alfa Endowed Eminent Scholar for Agriculture Business and Economics was established at Auburn University.
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1994 The Federation organized FarmPAC, its political action committee.
2009 The Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation was formed and funded agriculture scholarships.
2010 The Alabama Legislature passed the Family Farm Preservation Act to protect law-abiding farms from nuisance lawsuits. The State Women’s Committee changed its name to the State Women’s Leadership Committee.
1975 U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Henry Kissinger addressed the Federation commodity conference in Birmingham.
1959 The Federation and insurance companies move into a new home office on the Southern Bypass in Montgomery.
1961 J.D. Hays was elected Federation president.
1987 The organization changed its name from the Alabama Farm Bureau to Alabama Farmers Federation. Its insurance companies become known as Alfa.
1998 Jerry A. Newby was elected Federation president. The Farming Feeds Alabama campaign was launched. 2002 The Alabama Ag Tag was created to help fund Alabama Agriculture In The Classroom, Farming Feeds Alabama and agricultural scholarships. 2003 The Federation led efforts to defeat Amendment 1, a $1.2 billion tax referendum, which would have been the largest tax increase in the state’s history. 2005 The Federation voted to rejoined American Farm Bureau Federation.
Will Gilmer of Lamar County was elected AFBF Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee chairman.
2012 Jimmy Parnell was elected Federation president. 2014 The Alfa Leadership Academy was established to develop leaders and promote succession planning within Alfa Insurance Co. and the Federation. New participants are selected annually for the year-long class. 2015 Jon Hegeman of Calhoun County was elected AFBF Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee chairman. The Federation and Alabama Farmers Cooperative launched Simply Southern TV show.
2008 The first class of the Federation’s Agricultural Leaders for Alabama was chosen. Townsend Kyser of Hale County was elected AFBF Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee chairman.
2018 Farm Bureau Bank was launched in Alabama. December/Winter 2021 | NEIGHBORS
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Welcome to the century club, ALFA!
Congratulations on 100 years as the premier organization serving the farmers and ranchers of Alabama. Thank you, President Parnell and all ALFA leaders and staff, for your impressive work on behalf of agriculture. We’re confident you are headed for another remarkable century. We look forward to sharing the journey as partners in service to our members.
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YellaWood® congratulates Alabama Farmers Federation as they celebrate their centennial anniversary! Here’s to 100 more great years!
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Living The Good Life With Alfa Insurance By Debra Davis
all the other farmers, too. This organization helped give me ost farmers know a good and all the farmers a voice.” investment when they Martin has been a leader see it. Fertile land, quality in the organization for years, seeds, good equipment and serving as Coffee County 1921 2021 genetically superior livestock all Farmers Federation president contribute to future success. from 1967 to 1998. Eighty-seven-year-old Philip He served two terms as a state Philip Martin was 37 when bought the first Alfa Martin practiced all those things board member for Alabama Farm Life Insurance policy in 1971. Now 87, Martin said during his career, and his Coffee County Bureau, which eventually became the he didn’t realize the significance of the decision farm near Enterprise was successful. Alabama Farmers Federation. His first for several decades, joking that he’s in no hurry to But an investment made off the farm term was 1969-1971; his second was collect on the policy. generates dividends that are especially 1998-2003. meaningful, he said. Martin retired in 2004 after more “I remember my local agent, (the than 30 years as a dairyman, where he late) Ed Donaldson, told Mr. Ed Lowder he’s in no hurry to collect on the policy. milked cows by hand and later with (Alfa’s first executive vice president) if The purchase of that first life modern machinery. He’s seen a lot he’d let him sell the first new life policy, insurance policy is special to Martin of changes in agriculture and in the he would support the plan to sell life and his wife, Charlene. It represents insurance industry. insurance,” Martin said. “Mr. Donaldson hundreds of fond memories and “Alfa is still a great company today sold that $25,000-policy to me, and experiences they’ve had with Alfa and because of the great agents and I’ve never regretted it. I get a dividend the Alabama Farmers Federation. employees it has and because of the check from it every year.” “I got involved in the Alabama farmers who run the company,” Martin Alfa previously sold life insurance Farmers Federation right after I returned said. “It is still a company that is run by policies for other companies but began home from college,” said Martin, who people who live in our communities, selling its own life policies in 1971. lives a quarter mile from his childhood who worship and raise their families in Martin’s policy, Number L 001, is among home south of Enterprise. “It wasn’t Alabama. That makes Alfa special.” 301,361 policies issued by Alfa Life Co., long before folks on the county board The Martins still live on their farm on totaling nearly $31.5 billion in force. of directors asked me to join. I knew it the outskirts of Enterprise with their son, Martin was 37 on Dec. 2, 1971, when was an organization with a strong group Edwin. Their nephew raises beef cattle he bought the Alfa life policy. He said of dairymen who were politically active. in the fields near their home. Daughter he didn’t realize the significance of the They could get things done, not to Anne Marie Bliss and her husband decision for several decades, joking that mention the organization represented live in Texas with the Martins’ four grandchildren. Alfa President Jimmy Parnell said when he joined the Federation as a young man, it was men like Martin who encouraged him to take a leadership role. “For 100 years, the Alabama Farmers Federation has been led by hardworking men and women committed to improving life for people in their communities,” Parnell said. “Philip Martin embodies our core values of faith, family, community and integrity. As we celebrate our centennial and Alfa’s 75th anniversary, it’s only fitting that our first life insurance policy be held by a farmer like Mr. Martin.” For information about Alfa life insurance or to find a local agent, visit Philip and Charlene Martin have been married 62 years and have been actively involved in the Alabama AlfaInsurance.com. Farmers Federation nearly seven decades.
M
ALABAM A FARM BUREAU
ALABAMA FARMERS FEDERATION
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ALABAMA FARM BUREAU
ALABAMA FARMERS FEDERATION
1921
2021
Follow along as we conclude our year-long Centennial Celebration!
Dec. 5-6
#AlfaFarmers21
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ALABAMA FARM BUREAU
ALABAMA FARMERS FEDERATION
1921
2021
The Young Farmers Program cultivates leaders like President Jimmy Parnell. He, wife Robin and children James Robert and Anna Grace were the 1999 Outstanding Young Farm Family. The family is pictured with then-President Jerry Newby, a former State Young Farmers Committee chair.
Young Farmers Program Cultivates Leaders
By Marlee Moore
The Excellence in Agriculture contest was added to the Young Farmers slate of events in 2006. From left were Young Farmers Division Director Brandon Moore; winner Amy Belcher of Montgomery County; first runnersup Amy and James Burgess of Blount County with their daughter, Abby; and Federation Executive Director Mike Kilgore.
ubbed the Alabama Farm Bureau D Young People’s Program in 1956, today’s Young Farmers Program
remains a training ground for the next generation of leaders. The group has developed scores of leaders for Alabama agriculture, including statewide elected officials, legislators, and Alabama Farmers Federation board members and presidents, including current President Jimmy Parnell and his predecessor, Jerry Newby.
Training Ground
Fayette County organized Alabama’s first Young People’s county committee in 1957, shortly after the state program was formed to develop leadership skills
in 18- to 28-year-old farmers in 1956. Successive groups formed in Walker, Calhoun, Houston and Montgomery counties in 1959. Throughout the years, young farmers in all 67 counties have been active. The Young People’s Program was renamed Young Farmers in 1968. County voting delegates elect
State Young Farmers Committee members during the annual meeting business session each December. The committee has 10 elected district and at-large representatives, plus the Outstanding Young Farm Family (OYFF). Farmers from 33 counties have led the committee as chairman.
The State Young People’s Committee was created in 1956. From left are Lewis Harper, Tuscaloosa County, advisor, state executive committee; Bobby Roberts, Fayette County, reporter; Donald Springer, Tuscaloosa County, vice chair; Marvin Kelley, Etowah County, chair; Morris Stringer, Houston County, secretary; Betty Whitt, Limestone County; and Farm Bureau’s John Dorrill. Not pictured: Martha Yancey, Etowah County. 24
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Statewide Contests
Since its inception, young farmers have participated in statewide contests. A 1957 Alabama Farm Bureau News advertisement offered involvement opportunities for young farmers, including Talk Meet and Talent Find. Today, farmers ages 18-35 compete in state contests; winners represent Alabama in American alfafarmers.org
Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) contests. The OYFF contest honors farmers for excellence and advancements, plus Farm Bureau involvement. The first OYFF was Robert and Martha Gardener of Tallapoosa County in 1963. Prize packages evolved from plaques and bragging rights to include over $60,000 in prizes. Farmers from 37 counties have scored the OYFF title. Marvin Kelley of Etowah County won first place in Alabama’s inaugural Talk Meet in 1957. He was also the first Young People’s Committee chairman. Talk Meet, now called Discussion Meet, was revamped when the Federation voted to rejoined AFBF in 2005. It encourages a committee-style discussion centered on agricultural issues. Alabama’s first Excellence in Agriculture contest was in 2006. Amy Belcher of Montgomery County won the competition, which examines agricultural and Farm Bureau involvement for those whose primary income is earned off farm. Past contests included the Miss Alabama Agriculture pageant. Jewel Walters of Tuscaloosa County was named the first winner in 1958. The final queen, Casey East of Pike County, was crowned in 2008.
Jewel Walters was crowned the first Alabama Farm Bureau queen in 1958. She was previously the Tuscaloosa County Farm Bureau queen. This contest evolved into the Miss Alabama Agriculture program, which ended in 2008. alfafarmers.org
Community Service
Initial Young People’s Program advertisements supported projects focused on safety, citizenship, community beautification, health and recreation leadership. County members were encouraged to participate in demonstration projects showing how farming affects consumers. Today, county committees complete an annual report detailing activities, meetings and participation. Project examples include work days at nonprofits, food drives, touch-a-tractor events, sweet corn donations, wild hog rodeos and more.
Conference Connection
The first Young People’s Conference was in summer 1958 at Cheaha State Park. Over the years, conference
activities varied — from seminars to leadership activities to farm tours. But the goal remains the same: encourage idea-sharing, relationship-building and fellowship. Conference attendance reached 400-plus in the ‘90s, dipped for a time, then rose to over 400 again when the group met in Mobile in 2020.
National Leadership
Four Alabamians have chaired what is now AFBF’s Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) Committee. Jim Brady of Perry County led the way in 1963. After rejoining AFBF, three Alabama leaders served as national YF&R Committee chair: Townsend Kyser of Hale County, 2008; Will Gilmer of Lamar County, 2010; and Jon Hegeman of Calhoun County, 2015. Discussion Meet, formerly called Talk Meet, is a popular competition for young farmers. Members, like this crop of participants, discuss ag issues in a committeestyle format. The winner represents Alabama at the national contest annually.
The first Young People’s Conference was in 1958 at Cheaha State Park. Today, young farmers still gather annually to fellowship. Front from left: Kitty Walter Garrett, Montgomery; Anne Bailey, Perry; Fred Harbison, Cullman; Frances Shelton, Lauderdale; Back from left: Tommy Walters, Pike; Lanier Denson, Calhoun; Ronnie Pounders, Colbert; Eleanor Craft, Pickens; Mrs. Wilbur Shirah, Russell; Donald Springer, Tuscaloosa; Brenda Shirley, Madison; Donald Hand, Autauga; and John Branyon, Fayette. Chairman Marvin Kelley of Etowah County greeted Mrs. Ruby Henry of Cheaha State Park. December/Winter 2021 | NEIGHBORS
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Simply Southern Spotlight Commemorating 100 Years of the Alabama Farmers Federation
hroughout the second half of 2021, the Simply Southern TV staff interviewed Alabama Farmers Federation members and asked them to reflect on the organization’s 100 year T history. Excerpts from those interviews are included here. In its 100 year history, what do you think are some of the most important contributions from the Federation? L.O. Bishop: The biggest things were offering good insurance to farmers in rural areas, and then the removal of the sales tax on farm inputs. (Show 726) Faye Dial: I think the Women’s Leadership Committee members have played a big role in helping the Alabama Farmers Federation keep its ideas going. They are the support system for the home, for the farm, for their husbands — and working together as partners on the farm. (Show 725)
Mark Byrd: Education is the key. I think in 2020, a lot of people’s eyes were opened, and we realized that food doesn’t just come from a grocery store — it comes from a farm. So educating our consumers as well as educating farmers. Through Federation conferences, we learn a lot every year. (Show 726) What do you hope the future holds for farming and the Federation? Matthew Brady: I see the Federation doing a lot of good for my generation. A lot of times, young farmers have a hard time getting started, but we have to get my generation involved in agriculture. (Show 720) Richard Edgar: I hope we always remember the importance of a grassroots effort. In the next 100 years, we need to use all the tools we can to communicate, but we have to remember that personal touch. (Show 726)
Simply Southern TV is sponsored by alfafarmers.org
Alabama Stations and Times
Saturday, Central Time Market Station Time Columbus, Ga. WLTZ 38 5:00 PM Sunday, Central Time Mobile WPMI 15 6:00 AM Birmingham WBMA 33/40 6:30 AM Huntsville WAFF 48 9:00 AM Montgomery WAKA 8 10:30 AM Dothan WTVY 4 10:30 AM
RFD-TV: Wednesdays • 3 p.m. Central ALWAYS ON: www.SimplySouthernTV.net
How did you first get involved in the Federation? Billy Maples: My dad was the first Alabama Farm Bureau member in Limestone County. When I was a kid, I rode with him around the neighborhood asking people to join for $3. Later, Ray Jones, who was a fieldman, asked me to lead a Young Farmers group in the county. (Show 722) Jim Brady: My dad helped sell fire insurance policies when it first started. I served as Alabama Young People’s Committee Chairman in 1963 and 1964. When I was elected American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) Young People’s chair, Walter Randolph of Alabama was AFBF vice president and J.D. Hays was Alabama’s president. Those may just be names to other people, but they were giants in agriculture back in those days. (Show 720) For those who aren’t actively involved in the Federation, why is this centennial such an important anniversary? Jonathan Sanders: The Federation has been a voice for agriculture in order to promote jobs, promote the economy, and help us in Alabama to have a competitive advantage. (Show 726) Grace Ellis: Every time you have a meal or any time you slip on that favorite pair of jeans, you are participating in agriculture. I think it’s a big deal to say that farmers in Alabama are thriving and that we’re working hard to provide a safe and reliable product to our consumers. (Show 726) To hear more from each of these Federation members, visit SimplySouthernTV.net. Scroll to the search bar at the bottom of the page, and type in the corresponding show number. Catfish Checkoff
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BEAR HARRIS GROUP of Wells Fargo Advisors Congratulates
ALABAMA FARMERS FEDERATIONS’ 100TH ANNIVERSARY Bowman Bear & Mark Harris 2660 Eastchase Lane, Suite 301 Montgomery, AL 36117 Office: 334-395-7080 Investment and Insurance Products: • NOT FDIC Insured • NO Bank Guarantee • MAY Lose Value Wells Fargo Advisors is a trade name used by Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC, Member SIPC, a registered broker-dealer and non-bank affiliate of Wells Fargo & Company. © 2020 Wells Fargo Clearing Services, LLC. All rights reserved. CAR-0420-01697 IHA-7063371
Gilpin Givhan congratulates the Alabama Farmers Federation on a century of accomplishment—and a legacy of service to our state.
SHARING A
Tradition of Excellence.
GILPINGIVHAN.COM MONTGOMERY, AL ABAMA 334.244.1111 no representation is made about the quality of legal services to be performed, or the expertise of the lawyer performing such services.
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9/9/21 11:18 AM
Here's to another 100. Your partners at Alabama Farm Credit congratulate the Alabama Farmers Federation on reaching this 100 year milestone. We look forward to our continued partnership.
www.AlabamaFarmCredit.com
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ALABAMA FARM BUREAU INSURANCE
ALFA INSURANCE®
Alfa’s corporate home office complex is located on 67 acres and exceeds 492,000 square feet. The facilities accommodate over 900 employees.
A Foundation Of History By Brooke Foster
1947
lfa Insurance was built on a strong A foundation. Its presence came about through the Alabama Farmers
Federation. The Federation founded the insurance company while housed at rental offices at the Fourth National Bank Building in downtown Montgomery in 1946. Membership growth led to the expansion of Alfa buildings over the years to better serve its members. From its humble beginning of offering fire insurance on farm buildings, Alfa has grown to provide coverage for almost 1.2 million homes, cars, farms and business, as well as more than $31.5 billion in life insurance. The evolution from smaller buildings in downtown Montgomery to corporate headquarters on the city’s East South Boulevard allows Alfa’s team members to better serve its customers and employees in the 11 states where it conducts business.
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Federation and insurance offices moved into a two-story building at 108 North McDonough St. in Montgomery.
1948 Federation and insurance offices expanded again, moving to a three-story building at 201 Clayton St. in the Capital City. December/Winter 2021 | NEIGHBORS
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1959 Federation and insurance offices relocated to a new complex with approximately 40,000 square feet on the East South Boulevard in Montgomery.
1968, 1972, 1986 Alfa’s home office building continued to grow, expanding three times in 18 years. The building nearly doubled in size during each expansion, adding additional spaces for human resources, the cafeteria, mailroom, accounting and other administrative departments.
1991 Alfa built a state-of-the-art daycare facility adjacent to its main office for preschool children of employees. The 10,000-square-foot facility is licensed for 125 children.
1993 Alfa remodeled the office complex, growing from 160,000 to 310,000 square feet. The expansion allowed the company to update its facilities with the latest computer technology. The project included 35,000 square feet of unfinished office space to accommodate Alfa’s future growth.
2006 Alfa opened its Business Processing Center July 24. The 134,000-square-foot building is behind the corporate headquarters. It is designed to protect the company’s key processing functions and ensure business continuity. Over 22,000 tons of concrete and 775 tons of reinforced steel were used in its construction. The building is designed to sustain winds from an F3 tornado or a Category 5 hurricane. 32
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Putting theory into action with ESG. The New Equation brings people and technology together to drive meaningful action and sustained outcomes. Learn more at TheNewEquation.com
© 2021 PwC. All rights reserved. PwC refers to the US member firm, and may sometimes refer to the PwC network. Each member firm is a separate legal entity. Please see www.pwc.com/structure for further details.
1041872-2022-Neighbor's Magazine Alabama Farmers Federations’ Centennial Anniversary 2021 Ad-Opt. 3.indd 1
8/30/2021 5:23:01 PM
Giving it your all today, Doing it all again tomorrow.
Some don’t get it, but we do. Natural resources sometimes need financial resources. That’s why since 1916, Alabama Ag Credit has helped farming families purchase property, replant after a harvest, manage their agribusiness, and refinance property. With the financial support for everything from combines and tractors, to general business operations, we can offer you customized long-term and short-term credit options. Call us today to learn about our competitive rates and how our relationship lending can help your farm grow.
AlabamaAgCredit.com Call 800.579.5471 Andy Wendland, Autauga County MEMBER
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LEADERSHIP COMMITTEE
ALAB AMA F ARM BU REAU
ALABAMA FARMERS FEDERATION
1921
2021
The farm family stood as a bulwark of freedom, Gov. Lurleen Wallace observed at a 1967 meeting of the Alabama Farm Bureau Women’s Committee where she was a luncheon guest. From left are Dot Smith, Tuscaloosa County; Annie Ruth Loyd, Jackson; Judi Coers, Dale; Nell Guthrie, Bullock; Mabel McDale, Limestone, chairman; Wallace; Clara Bell Dial, Sumter; Caroline Bacheldor, Russell; Alice Gregg, Marion; and Gay Langley, Talladega.
Politics, Policy, Promotion And Education Women Plow The Way For Organizational Growth
By Debra Davis
olicy, politics, promotion and P education. Those are the building blocks of the Alabama Farmers
Federation Women’s Leadership Division. As the Federation celebrates its centennial, it’s also a time to reflect on the role females played in parlaying the organization into a political powerhouse
with grassroots members as its core strength. In 1924, Mrs. John S. Morris of Alpine in Talladega County became the first woman to hold statewide office in what was then known as Alabama Farm Bureau. Two years later, she was elected the first president of the State Women’s Council, a forerunner to the State Women’s Committee. The group became the Women’s State Women’s Leadership Committee Chairman Kathy Gordon, right, and longtime member Lillian Slay of Chambers County discuss the organization’s history during the Women’s Leadership Conference earlier this year in Birmingham.
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Leadership Division in 2010. The new name reflects women’s contributions and is more closely aligned to its American Farm Bureau counterparts. The headline in the Alabama Farm Bureau News Sept. 6, 1965, read: “On Their Way! Farm Bureau Women Organized To Carry On Important Duties.” Formal organization of the Women’s Committee was completed during the group’s first meeting at the state headquarters Aug. 26-27 that year. That was in accordance with recommendations made by the 1963-64 Study Committee and approved by the Special Delegate Session in February 1965. The late J.D. Hays, state president at the time, was quoted in the article saying, “Farm Bureau from this day is going to be a better organization.” His prediction was spot-on. Women’s Leadership committees across the state continue to organize county events to educate a growing urban population about the importance of Alabama agriculture. County leaders also help with statewide projects like Alabama Ag In The Classroom December/Winter 2021 | NEIGHBORS
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Kicking off the 1968 Rural Clean-up drive are Houston County Sheriff A.B. Clarke; Mrs. Rudolph Weeks and Mrs. A.C. Singleton, Farm Bureau Women’s Committee; W.O. Mendhein, sanitation supervisor; County Engineer F.R. LeBron; and Mrs. Tullie Hollis, Farm Bureau Women’s Committee chairman.
First-place winners in the 2010 Women’s Leadership Division contests were, from left, Deloris Mount of Crenshaw County, hand-stitched quilts; Gayle Smith of Limestone County, machine-stitched quilts; Lydia Haynes of Cullman County, handbags; and June Flowers of Pike County, tablescapes. The contests were at the Alabama Farmers Federation’s 38th Annual Commodity Producers Conference in Columbus, Georgia.
Farm Bureau Women’s leaders attended the 1965 convention in Birmingham. From left are Mrs. Thomas McDole, Limestone County, chairman of the new Alabama committee; Mrs. Haven Smith of Chappelle, Nebraska, chairman of the American Farm Bureau Federation Women’s Committee; Mrs. D. C. Till Jr., Lowndes County, vice chairman; and Mrs. L. D. Smith, Tuscaloosa County, secretary.
and Farm-City. County committees frequently organize meetings where local politicians communicate with members about pending legislation. The Alabama Cooperative Extension System played a significant role in the early years of the Women’s Division. Extension workers helped educate homemakers about gardening, food safety and preservation, and sewing. Today, many women are decisionmakers on their family farms. It’s not uncommon to see women driving a tractor, combining grain, running a multi-million-dollar poultry farm or working cattle. While their roles have changed, their mission remains the same — making certain Alabama agriculture has a seat at the table when decisions are made about its future.
Alabama voting delegates to the 1973 American Farm Bureau Women’s Conference in Los Angeles, California, were, from left, Mrs. Rex Roberts, Mobile County; Mrs. Ada Lee Hood, Etowah County; Mrs. Oscar Jones, Autauga County; Mrs. Fred Whitfield, DeKalb County; Mrs. B.B. Phillis, Henry County; Mrs. Emma Saxon, Etowah County; Mrs. Fern Kitchens, Walker County; Mrs. Edna Hughes, Jefferson County; Mrs. Emmett Gaston, Mobile County; Mrs. Ocie Tucker, Jefferson County; and Mrs. Loretha Hall, Escambia County. Mrs. Hood was elected by the Southern Region as its voting delegate to the American Farm Bureau Federation business session. 38
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during planting season). However, some gardeners noted the choice of vegetable varieties has decreased as seed companies have consolidated and focused more on commercial varieties. Sam Wall, who spends time in both Pensacola, Florida, and Forest Home, Alabama, sees some bright spots in seed advancements. “Collards are a hundred times better,” he said. “Now, you don’t even have to open the windows when you cook them!” There is no doubt gardening has changed a lot in 100 years, but one thing has remained the same: Gardeners love to share! Many of their observations on gardening shifts are listed below.
Gardening Innovations Since 1921 By Lois Chaplin o honor the centennial of the T Alabama Farmers Federation, let’s observe how gardening has changed
over 100 years. The subject could fill a book, is fun to ponder and is a sure rabbit hole of memories and thoughts. To begin my research, I immediately sought input from gardening friends on Facebook, a 21st-century fount of information for gardeners. Folks concurred that availability, more options and technological advancements influenced our garden habits. “It’s cyclical with the times...like fashion,” said Dani Carroll, a regional Extension agent in east-central Alabama. “I remember when lawns were the most popular topic out there. Now, I’m seeing lawn interest decline in favor of 2020 Victory Gardens and heritage plants.” Shane Harris of Tallapoosa County Extension added, “My grandfather once said that each plant or tree around the home had to be edible, had to have a
Alabama
job. They even swept the yard and had no grass.” Steve Bender, Southern Living’s Grumpy Gardener, noted, “The ability to buy fresh produce year-round means people now garden because they want to, not because they have to.” Indeed, gardening is more of a choice these days, with more emphasis on ornamentals. Rebecca Bull Koraytem, a sales executive with David Austin Roses, observed that, “New varieties have broad national appeal and thrive in a variety of soils and climates. When I first started my design career, I would put hours into choosing just the right variety. Now, I see the same varieties sold coast to coast. It’s all about making the gardener successful.” Carol Reese of the University of Tennessee in Jackson pointed out the “year-round” availability of plants. Plastic containers were not around 100 years ago. Plants were sold as ball-andburlap or dormant bare-root (and only
n Bagged potting mixes n Drip irrigation n Sprinkler technology n Container-grown nursery stock n Nearly year-round plant availability n Compact plants for small spaces and containers n Lightweight ornamental containers n Foundation plantings around houses n Artificial lighting for indoor cultivation n Controlled-release fertilizers n Tolerance to heat, cold, disease and other stresses n Fancy hybrid native azaleas, hydrangeas and other ornamentals n Improved blueberries, persimmons and other home garden fruit n Improved greenhouse and hydroponic materials and equipment n Targeted chemistry for insect and disease management n Virtual connection to gardening groups, information n Nearly unlimited plant and seed availability via internet n Proliferation of indoor flowering plants and foliage plants Lois Chaplin is an accomplished gardener and author. Her work appears here courtesy of Alabama Farmers Cooperative.
Congrats On A Century Of Growth, Alfa Farmers! E ALAFARM.COM 40
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alfafarmers.org
TIME WAITS FOR NO TRACTOR
M
idmorning. I was driving the Alabama two-lane highways. My old Ford loped across farmland, cattle pastures and a chipped asphalt highway that predated the Coolidge administration. The sun was blaring. There were dew splotches on the pavement. I was on my way to Birmingham, running late as usual. I was supposed to speak at a luncheon for retired veterans. I wore a necktie, my finest Salvation Army-bin Hush Puppies and Old Spice. My tardiness, however, was my own fault. I had avoided interstates in favor of south Alabama’s lethargic back roads. I always avoid interstates. I dislike interstates. I come from slow-moving country people who abhor interstates with a purple passion. My people were farmers, ranchers and fundamentalists. We were brought up to move slowly when dealing with 1,400-pound animals, to be careful and to always wear clean underwear before riding in an automobile. We do not do interstates. At some point during my drive, I found myself stuck in a line of nearstandstill traffic. Bumpers and headlamps backed up like a strand of Christmas lights. The cars were moving slower than a Canadian glacier, and I knew I wouldn’t make the luncheon. I banged on my steering wheel. “You gotta be kidding! C’mon!” I tried my cell. No service. Great. When we came to a hill, I saw the cause of the midmorning congestion. A fleet of John Deere tractors was leading the sluggish parade. The convoy advanced at a cool 9 mph. And something happened. I was catapulted into a time warp. I found myself four decades in the past, riding upon the knee of my father as he piloted a red belly Ford along an old two-lane. I could almost see the string of Toyotas and Chevys behind him, honking impatiently. I could almost see him spitting into his Dr. Pepper bottle. I was raised among farmers, homemakers, shade-tree mechanics and men who drove tractors on rural routes. My people were livestock people, dirt
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people, tee-totalers and deep-water Baptists with sunburns that stopped mid-arm. We were obsessed with Billy Graham, rainfall totals, Coca-Cola and punctuality. My grandfather read the “Farmer’s Almanac” for spiritual wisdom. Sometimes I forget these things. But today, I was remembering plenty. I pulled over at a filling station to use the phone. The man behind the counter was built like a refrigerator. He plopped a phone on the counter whereupon I called the retired-veterans guy and apologized for being late. He told me the luncheon was about to start and not to worry, we’d try some other time. He was gracious, but I could tell I’d disappointed everyone. I hung up and felt like a boot heel. “Everything okay?” “Fine.” He nodded. I faked a smile. As I was walking out, something happened. Something we writers call “the whole point of this run-on story.” At the front door, I stopped. I turned. The back of the store was stocked with fishing tackle. There were live-bait coolers, humming, filled with crickets and night crawlers. There were lures of every size, shape and denomination. Rods, reels, bait wells. I asked where people went fishing around here. He pointed out the window. “Place up the road. Big old farm. It’s private, but the farmer lets people fish his pond because it’s stocked.” A feeling came over me. I cannot explain it. It was a creeping feeling that started in my belly. Here I was on an average morning in south Alabama without a thing to do. I bought a few bucks’ worth of fishing gear, a pocket-fishing rod, peanuts and a cup of lukewarm coffee. In a few minutes, I was navigating red dirt roads until I found a fishing hole that could have doubled as the world’s largest mosquito
breeding pit. The serene pond looked like something from an early period Monet. Behind the water was a far-off combine. Cattle lingered. When I stepped from my truck, my Hush Puppies sank 6 inches into the Alabama mud with a suction sound. I was in Heaven. I fished for three hours. I fished until my skin was covered in new freckles, and my red hair was dry. I fished until I faintly remembered what my grandfather used to call me as a nickname — Critter. When I was packing up, the silence was shattered by the pleasant roar of a 45-horsepower diesel, rolling up the hill, towing a combine. When the Massey Ferguson got closer, the farmer did not stop. He shot his arm out the window, waved and shouted. “Catch anything?” I held up five small bream on a stringer like a kid who just won the spelling bee. He saluted me, then spit into a Dr. Pepper bottle. And as I pulled out of the long driveway onto the secluded highway, I realized I was smiling. Smiling hard. The American farmer is in my bloodline and always will be. I am proud of these men and women who do their part to spin this earth forward. Farmers deserve a nationwide fanfare they will seldom receive in this lifetime. And yet, they aren’t interested in fanfares. They prefer simplicity, humility and the sanctuary of open spaces. It is for this reason that — even if I arrive late for my own memorial service — I will always choose to drive the back roads of Alabama. Happy 100th birthday, Alfa Farmers. Columnist and novelist Sean Dietrich shares tales of common people, the human spirit, traditional regional music and life in the American South through his podcast series at SeanDietrich.com. alfafarmers.org
A LABAMA FAR M BUR E AU
ALABAMA FARMERS FEDERATION
1921
2021
Telling The Story – Alfa Advertising
products to service options, FAlfarom Alabama Farmers Federation and Insurance have evolved over
the past 75 years, and so has their advertising. Formed in 1946 to provide fire coverage to Alabama Farm Bureau members, the company quickly began offering automobile policies and other services. Over the years, advertising has showcased Alfa’s outstanding customer service and core values of faith, family, community and integrity. While Alfa’s advertising has changed over the years, Alfa’s exceptional customer service has remained the hallmark of the company’s marketing efforts.
1946-1972
Black and white print ads were used from the late 1940s to early 1970s. One of the first highlighted three lines of insurance offered by Alabama Farm Bureau: automobile; fire and windstorm; and life insurance. During this time of rapid expansion, Alabama Farm Bureau became known as The “Growth” Company. Ads ran in newspapers across the state of Alabama with the tagline “Helping Build the South in a New Era.” One of the company’s first television commercials was developed during this time, running extensively on WSFA-TV in Montgomery. Viewers from the late ‘50s and ‘60s still quote the famous spot, which featured local child celebrity Dixie Lee Turner announcing, “Mama, it’s the Farm Bureau man.” 46
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1973-1986 The 1970s saw Farm Bureau adopt a new logo, which it kept until the name change more than a decade later. Color print ads depicted family life in the South. Taglines of the era included “Because We Care,” which foreshadowed the development of the company’s philanthropic brand, “Alfa Cares.” In 1980, the organization established the inhouse advertising agency Creative Consultants Inc., which continues to be charged with creating memorable marketing campaigns for Alfa and maximizing the effectiveness of the advertising budget.
1987-2009 In 1987, Alabama Farm Bureau Insurance changed its name to Alfa Insurance. The name Alfa was derived from using the first two letters of the words “Alabama” and “farmer.” It was selected as the ideal name to reflect the company’s agricultural heritage and passed stringent tests for memorability. With the name change came a new logo. One of the most successful advertising campaigns in Alabama history encouraged current and potential customers to remember Alfa as, “A New Name for an Old Friend.” Advertising reflected Alfa’s sense of family, community and top-rated customer service from some of the “Best Agents in the Business.” The slogan and jingle “Call Alfa” were adopted during this time and have since become memorable parts of Alfa’s legacy. In 1991, the Haynes quadruplets of Calhoun County, along with their older sister, became the faces of Alfa. Sporting matching red shirts emblazoned with the letters of the brand, the Alfa Quads appeared in television commercials and print advertising for the next several years. When they graduated from college in 2013, Alfa again featured the family. In the early 2000s, Alfa urged customers, “Let’s Talk About Tomorrow,” during a campaign which featured special effects, including a piano falling on a sports car.
2010-Present Alfa launched its first mobile app in 2010. The launch of Alfa2Go® coincided with a new advertising campaign, “Right There with You.” Customer and employee testimonials later were used to reinforce the human connection of the Alfa brand. Creative Consultants Inc. (CCI), brought television production back into Alabama during this time — saving money which was invested in media placement. Local talent was utilized to achieve high production value at minimal cost. For several years, Alfa advertising featured slices of everyday life — showcasing the importance of customer service and affordable insurance. Sean of the South served as Alfa’s spokesperson in 2020-21, before the company shifted gears to highlight how little things (like accidents) can become big things without proper insurance. The new campaign debuted in September 2021. Meanwhile, CCI expanded advertising in recent years to include extensive digital marketing as Alfa rolled out online quoting and purchasing for automobile customers. alfafarmers.org
MOO...VERS & SHAKERS
Our farmers help feed cattle, catfish, poultry and horses, too.
WHEAT & FEED GRAIN PRODUCERS
GrainsofTruth.net
Congratulations to a century of serving and 75 years of providing stable
Alabama Farmers Federation forms in 1921 to provide a voice to the farming community of the state
Alfa Insurance expanded product coverage offering to include private passenger auto
1921
Alfa Insurance established a life insurance operation
1947
1971
1946
1956
Federation leaders founded Alfa Insurance in 1946 to provide fire protection for rural residents and John Tucker Harris of Lee County submits first application
Alfa Insurance appointed EW Blanch, now Aon, to arrange reinsurance protection for property catastrophe events
Alfa Insurance sustained over $22 million in paid claims from Hurricane Fredrick
1979
1975 First edition of “Neighbors” published
Alabama Farmers Federation on Alabama’s farming community insurance protection through Alfa
Hurricane Ivan struck Mobile Bay and widespread insured damage totaled $328 million
Alfa Insurance privatized to better serve the membership
Jimmy Parnell elected President of Alabama Farmers Federation and assumed Alfa presidency
2004
2007
2012
1995
2005
2011
TODAY
Hurricane Opal resulted in $76 million of insured damage
Alfa Insurance sustained major hurricanes in back to back years with Katrina causing $233 million in paid claims
Unprecedented tornado outbreak resulted in largest historical catastrophe event for Alfa Insurance with nearly $450 million in paid claims
Alfa Insurance has over $1.4 billion of policy surplus, a staff of over 2,000 and manages over $4 billion in assets
ALA BAMA FARM BU R E A U
ALABAMA FARMERS FEDERATION
1921
2021
Roots Run Deep
Faith, Family And Farming Span Generations
By Debra Davis and Marlee Moore many farm families across the state, their roots run in the Alabama Farmers Federation. Fordeep The organization was founded in 1921 as Alabama Farm Bureau. Although the name changed, farmers’ belief in its mission remained. It’s a belief many farmers have passed to the next generation. When flipping through old county directories or issues of Neighbors magazine, names rise from the pages across the years: Corcoran, Ellison and Maples
The Corcoran Family
are among a bevy of others. Once a family sees the impact the Federation has on faith, family and farming, the next generation is all in. Leadership rises from the organization’s grassroots, and many leaders get their start in the Young Farmers Program before progressing to county, commodity, state and national roles. Three families whose involvement spans generations are featured below. Remember: These are just a fraction of the farm families in the Alabama Farmers Federation. And it’s never too late to be the first generation.
onny Corcoran of Barbour County is a legend in Alabama’s S rich farming history and was a leader in the Alabama Farmers Federation. He chaired and founded the Alabama Boll Weevil
A portrait of Sonny and Ann Corcoran of Barbour County is held by family members, front row from left, Kim and Walt Corcoran, Tom and Denise Corcoran; second row, Allie Logan, Gardner Young, Liston Clark and Joe, Shelby and Henry Corcoran; third row; Sterling, Cassie, Cody and Cade Young. 50
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Eradication Program and served in state and national leadership roles in the cotton and peanut industries. His wife Ann, who lives on their farm, served four terms as State Women’s Committee chairman. The Corcorans’ love for the Federation transcends generations. Their children grew up attending Federation events, as have their children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Walt and wife Kim have two daughters, Allie Corcoran Logan and Cassie Corcoran Young, who have held positions in the county Young Farmers. Walt served on the State Young Farmers Committee, and Allie is a former state committee chairman. Both help lead state commodity committees. Cassie’s husband, Cody, also farms and is on the Federation’s State Cotton Committee and county Young Farmers Committee. Tom and Denise’s family is part of the farm, too. Their son, Joe, is on the county Young Farmers committee, while their son, Liston, is a student at Auburn University. Tom is a board member for the county Federation and Alabama Peanut Producers Association. Walt and Tom’s nephew, Liston Clark, also works on the farm, is a county board member and serves on the State Beef Committee. alfafarmers.org
The Ellison Family
Baldwin County farmer Burie Ellison, second from left, with his father, F.B. Ellison; son, Brady; and grandson, Tucker.
The Maples Family
From left are Ben, Tommy and Billy Maples of Limestone County — three generations of leaders in the Alabama Farmers Federation. alfafarmers.org
he Alabama Farmers Federation is an important ingredient T to successful farming for the Ellison family in Baldwin County. Being part of an organization that represents their political
interests, offers educational opportunities and provides social networking is what kept them involved for three generations. Patriarch F.B. Ellison is a former Federation state board member and county president. His son, Burie, serves on the Baldwin County board. Burie’s son, Brady, is a member of the county Young Farmers. “When I was in high school, I can remember my dad leaving home to attend Federation meetings in Montgomery or going on other Federation trips,” Burie said. “His friends would sometimes tease him about leaving the farm, but he knew the importance of being part of what was going on. Being a part of the Farmers Federation helps us get to know people from all over the state. We learn things from each other that make us better farmers, and we have people to help us when we need it.” The kind of help the Federation can bring was evident in November 2020 when Baldwin County voters overwhelmingly passed two local amendments to protect rural areas against unwanted annexation.
hree generations of Maples men have carried the mantle of T State Young Farmers Committee chair — Billy from 1965-66, Tommy in 1995 and Ben in 2018 — a unique feat within the
Alabama Farmers Federation. When Billy was a child, he helped his father recruit Limestone County Farm Bureau members. Later, Billy hit the road enlisting county Young Farmers, attending board meetings and traveling to national events, including a leadership conference in California. Generations of Maples children grew up around the Federation, routinely playing in the back of meeting rooms. When Tommy and Ben were chairmen, the family adapted — caring for poultry and Maples Stock Farm Angus in their absence. “Since Dad went through the program, he understood its importance and was very supportive when I had a meeting,” said Tommy, who won the Outstanding Young Farm Family contest in 1997 with wife Melanie. The Mapleses called the Young Farmers Program a worthwhile investment — personally and for the Federation. It laid the groundwork for greater involvement. Billy served on the state board; Tommy was State Beef Committee chair; and Ben and wife Heather won the Excellence in Agriculture contest in 2016. “Young Farmers broadens your outlook on life,” Billy said. December/Winter 2021 | NEIGHBORS
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C ongratulations! C E
L E B R A T I N G
100 Y of A L F A
E
A
R
FARMERS FEDERATIO
S
N
FROM YOUR FRIENDS AT
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READY FOR YOUR ARRIVAL Relax in Montgomery’s rooftop pool and spa. Escape to the elegance of Mobile’s historic Battle House Hotel. Come experience Alabama’s top hotels, resorts, and courses along the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. Stay in eight luxury hotels and play 26 world-class courses from the Tennessee River to Mobile Bay. Laugh, play, explore, and relax in picturesque settings. Pamper yourself in luxury spas. Tee off with family and friends. Walk to area attractions. Enjoy farm-to-table cuisine. It’s time to plan your next trip to the Robert Trent Jones Golf Trail. To learn more, visit rtjgolf.com or call 800.949.4444. We will be here awaiting your arrival.
ANNISTON/GADSDEN » AUBURN/OPELIKA » BIRMINGHAM/HOOVER » DOTHAN » FLORENCE/MUSCLE SHOALS GREENVILLE » HUNTSVILLE » MONTGOMERY/PRATTVILLE » MOBILE » POINT CLEAR
A LABAMA F AR M B U R E A U
ALABAMA FARMERS FEDERATION
1921
2021
Giving Back:
Farmers Prioritize Philanthropy In the ‘80s, the Federation began funding ag scholarships at Auburn University. Former Lee County Farmers Federation President Tom Ingram presented $1,000 scholarships to Alice Miller of Safford, Shae Wyatt of Linden, Cheryl Neuman of Auburn and Evelyn Love of Billingsley.
The Federation continues to award scholarships and support students through the Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation. In 2018, 78 Auburn students earned assistance, including Logan Chappell of Madison County, second from left. He’s pictured with Federation President Jimmy Parnell, Lamar County Farmers Federation President Will Gilmer and Auburn University College of Agriculture Dean Paul Patterson.
By Marlee Moore t’s hard to quantify a hundred years of generosity from the Alabama Farmers IFederation.
In 1944, Federation members helped fund a Red Cross Clubmobile to entertain servicemen. In 1986, the group endowed an Auburn University (AU) eminent scholar. Jump to 2015, and members donated $210,000 to the American Cancer Society. Examples below continue to show how farmers give time, talents and resources to serve others on county, state and national levels.
The Ag Foundation
Although philanthropic giving was prevalent since the Federation’s inception in 1921, the Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation (AFAF) was founded in 2009. The AFAF primarily builds on the Federation’s history of providing college scholarships for students. In partnership with counties, the Foundation gives $1,750 scholarships annually to land-grant university agriculture and forestry students. The Alfa Foundation, a subset of Alfa Insurance, annually gives 100 students $1,000 scholarships. The AFAF also supports Alabama Ag In The Classroom and raises funds through Ag Tag sales and events such as the AFAF Skeet Shoot.
Youth Development
Since 2006, Alfa Health has supported UAB’s Rural Medicine Program (RMP) by giving $500 book stipends to first-year students committed to practicing medicine in rural areas. RMP first-year students for 2021 are, front row from left, Chandler Davis, Rehobeth; Nicole Tyler, Wetumpka; Sydney Whitt, Ardmore; Cameron Roddy, Sheffield; and Chandler Flanigan, Hanceville. Back row from left are Skyler Pavlou, Spanish Fort; Nolan Baker, Warrior; Wade Jones, Guntersville; and David Russo, Springville. alfafarmers.org
Developing youths’ passion for agriculture is paramount for the Federation through donations such as its scholarship endowment at AU, which started in 1983 and has built continually since. The Federation also sponsors FFA Career Development Events. County Federations support local students who compete statewide and nationally. December/Winter 2021 | NEIGHBORS
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The same is true for Alabama 4-H. The Federation laid a foundation for its involvement in 1984, when counties helped fund the Alabama 4-H Center Alfa Dormitory. In 2016, the AFAF donated $50,000 to renovate the dorm. Another donation funded a cafeteria refresh in 2021. The state organization, AFAF and county Federations support local livestock shows and host the Junior Beef Expo and new Junior Swine Expo, launchpads for young leaders to network, cultivate their work ethic and get experience in agriculture. Additional gifts provide high-GPA athletes scholarships through the Bryant-Jordan Scholarship Foundation. In 2004, an Alfa donation helped revitalize SchoolFest, a school matinee program at the Alabama Shakespeare Festival.
Serving Farmers
Donations improve quality of life for farmers. The Federation helped make AU’s Seed Lab a reality in 1979 and funded AU’s state-of-the-art ag testing lab in 1996, which provide accurate, helpful soil and plant diagnostic reports. In 1984, a Federation-funded computer lab at AU’s Extension Hall helped farmers process information more quickly. Another donation maintains Mesonet Weather Stations installed by Alabama A&M University. The Federation’s AU endowment has led both Alfa Eminent Scholars — Robert Taylor, hired in 1988, and Mykel Taylor, named in 2021 — to provide tangible solutions for Alabama farmers via agricultural economics work. Gifts to the HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology help with projects such as drought-tolerant soybeans and gene-mapping of peanuts. Additionally, a $100,000 gift supported the National Poultry Technology Center; a $200,000 donation helped fund the AU Meats Lab; a $500,000 donation built the Alfa Pavilion at Ag Heritage Park; and $1 million built a new Tennessee Valley Research & Extension Center administrative office.
Community Support
Federation leaders are active community members. Local donations 60
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range from small, tangible gifts — angel tree donations, food drives and soy crayons given to schools — to sizable donations. Gifts of time and expertise are prevalent, as members and employees serve on local boards or through other organizations. For example, Alfa Insurance employees coordinate Meals on Wheels deliveries to address senior hunger and isolation in Montgomery, while Women’s Leadership committees collect pop tabs for Ronald McDonald House Charities. When communities are in need, local Federations are ready to help. For example, the Walker County Farmers Federation donated $500 to all volunteer fire departments in the county after 2016’s rampant wildfires exhausted local resources. In 1987, Mobile County Farmers Federation donated $25,000 to purchase a helicopter for the University of South Alabama Medical Center. Peanut butter donations are common following hurricanes and other natural disasters. So is boots-on-the ground assistance after events like the April 27, 2011, tornadoes. Federation members serve farmers outside Alabama, too. For example, they gave over $80,000 to help farmers in Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas and Colorado recover from wildfires in 2017.
Helping Rural Alabama
In 2004, the Federation and Alfa
presented the University of Alabama’s Rural Medical Scholars Program $1.8 million to fund scholarships for students who will practice medicine in rural areas. Since 2006, Alfa Health has supported UAB’s Rural Medicine Program by giving $500 book stipends to first-year students. On the state level, donations include $120,000 to Children’s of Alabama; $60,000 to help construct greenhouses at Rainbow Omega, a home for people with disabilities; $250,000 for a dorm at Helen Keller School; and multiple gifts over the years to Camp ASCCA, most recently a $45,000 donation in 2005 to renovate a pavilion at the camp for people with disabilities. Additionally, Alfa supports rodeo associations and Master Gardener programs and funds the People Against A Littered State (PALS) program. Plus, thousands of tourists from across the U.S. have discovered the importance of agriculture at The American Village thanks to a $250,000 donation to renovate a historic barn at the park in Montevallo.
Donations
Gifts to the Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation are tax deductible. To donate, visit AlabamaFarmersFoundation.org or contact Amanda Butts at (334) 612-5525 or abutts@alfafarmers.org.
The state organization, local Federations and partner agencies often coordinate food donations, such as shelf-stable and protein-rich peanut butter, to help communities following natural disasters.
The Alabama Farmers Federation invests in youth livestock programs, such as the Junior Beef Expo, to encourage and motivate the next generation of Alabama agriculture leaders. alfafarmers.org
1921 1922 1923 1924 1925 1916 1927 1928 1929 1930 1931 1932 1933 1934 1935 1936 1937 1 1955 1956 1957 1958 1959 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 1989 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 200 1921 1922 1923 1924 1925 1916 1927 1928 1929 1930 1931 1932 1933 1934 1935 1936 1937 1 1921 1955 1956 1957 195820211959 1960 1961 1962 1963 1964 1965 1966 1967 1968 1969 1970 1971 197 By John Allen Nichols 1990 1991 1992 1993 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 ALA BAMA FARM BU R E A U
ALABAMA FARMERS FEDERATION
Legislative Victories Of The
February
Legislators attempted to weaken the structure of the Alabama Farm Bureau. In response, through its grassroots efforts, the Alabama Farm Bureau mobilized over 10,000 farmers. The crowd descended on Montgomery to attend a legislative hearing on the proposal. The crowd was so large, the hearing was moved to the Cramton Bowl. This effort was successful in defeating the legislation.
Photo: Alabama.gov
1931
A McCormick Farmall tractor in a field.
June
After nearly a decade-long battle, the Alabama Farm Bureau achieved one of its first hard-fought victories — a gas tax rebate for farm tractor gasoline. Up to that point, farmers were forced to pay either a 6-cent tax per gallon for efficient highway gasoline or were relegated to using the less efficient farm gasoline at a low cost. The farm tractor gas rebate allowed farmers to purchase gas for their tractors free of the 6-cent tax, allowing them to purchase the more efficient gasoline at a lower cost.
Photo: Alabama.gov
1949 Cramton Bowl circa 1930.
July
March
In the early ‘30s, farmers recognized the burden that property taxes placed on landowners, especially on those who depended on the land for their livelihoods. Therefore, the early Alabama Farm Bureau supported implementation of a state income tax, with the understanding that the income tax would eventually replace property taxes. The income tax was implemented in 1935.
1935
The Alabama Farm Bureau continued working for farmers across the state in the 1950s, culminating in the passage of a bill that exempted many agricultural inputs from sales taxation. The bill primarily exempted fertilizer from sales tax, but it additionally exempted insecticides, fungicides, livestock feed, chicks and poults, and livestock. This established the initial tax exemptions, which have been added to over the years.
1959
The Alabama Farm Bureau supported Bibb Graves in his effort to obtain what would come to be known as a “homestead exemption” on property taxes. The legislation, which was at first widely unpopular, helped farmers secure ownership of their property by reducing the financial burden placed by a 6.5 mill ad valorem tax on their properties.
Photo: Alabama.gov
May
1937
A fertilizer plant at Muscle Shoals.
Photo: Alabama.gov
August
Bibb Graves speaks to a crowd during a picnic at a Montgomery park. 62
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In perhaps one of the most controversial legislative battles in organization’s history, the Alabama Farm Bureau championed legislation known as the “Lid Bill.” After several federal court rulings, Alabama’s property tax system was deemed unconstitutional. Reform became necessary, but there were widely varying ideas about how to fix the problem. The “Lid Bill” established that land would be classified into various categories, each taxed at a specific rate. Farmland was set at 15% and was later lowered to 10%.
1972
alfafarmers.org
1938 1939 1940 1941 1942 1943 1944 1945 1946 1947 1948 1949 1950 1951 1952 1953 1954 1972 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 05 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 1938 1939 1940 1941 1942 1943 1944 1945 1946 1947 1948 1949 1950 1951 1952 1953 1954 72 1973 1974 1975 1976 1977 1978 1979 1980 1981 1982 1983 1984 1985 1986 1987 1988 1989 2007 September 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021
Alabama Farmers Federation To finalize the property tax system in Alabama, the Alabama Farm Bureau championed the “current use” tax valuation system. Through the current use system, agricultural land is valued at its current use instead of the speculative market value. This classification helps many farmers remain in production even today, when they farm in fringe suburban areas where speculative land value would make property taxes prohibitively costly.
Photo: Alabama.gov
1978
A family farm in Montgomery County.
Several decades in the making, the Alabama Family Farm Preservation Act represented a monumental modern accomplishment of the Alabama Farmers Federation. In the late ‘90s and early 2000s, farms across the country were seeing a surge in nuisance actions brought against them to stop their operation. Though there was supposed to be reliable “case law” that would prevent these types of actions, courts were finding new ways to skirt around established judicial precedent. In an effort to protect Alabama farm families from potentially losing their farms, the Alabama Farmers Federation helped draft the Family Farm Preservation Act. The act prevents an individual from bringing a nuisance lawsuit against a farm so long as they conform to generally accepted agricultural practices. Also known as a “right-to-farm law” Alabama’s has been reviewed as one of the stronger “right-to-farm” laws in the nation.
November October
The boll weevil had established itself as a formidable opponent to cotton farmers across the Southeast, including Alabama. There were several ideas of how to best deal with the pest. A popular one included growing peanuts instead of cotton. In the late 1970s, USDA launched the Boll Weevil Eradication Program. The program consisted of grower referenda (similar to the checkoff programs) where producers voluntarily paid into a fund dedicated to research geared at eradicating or at least suppressing the boll weevil. In 1984, at the encouragement of the Federation, farmers passed the Alabama component of the Boll Weevil Eradication Program into law. It made the voluntary contributions mandatory, to ensure the boll weevil would never again cause widespread destruction.
1984
2010
December
With a consumer base growing further removed from agricultural production, and with a growing effort in the farming community to be more transparent, many farmers in Alabama have opened their operations in various forms to the public. These operations became “agritourism” locations and gave the public a chance to get back to the farm and see where their food comes from. Though commendable, this effort put farmers at risk. If someone was injured while on the farmer’s property, the farmer could be liable for medical bills and expenses that could put the entire operation in jeopardy. In an attempt to protect both the public and farmers, the Alabama Farmers Federation helped draft legislation that resulted in a limitation of liability for Alabama farmers. Under this law, an Alabama farmer who wishes to open his operation to the public can put the public on notice with a sign in specific language warning the public of the dangers in entering a farm operation. The public is then given the choice whether to assume the risk of entering or to “watch from afar.” This results in clear communication and risk acceptance.
Photo: Alabama.gov
2012
The Boll Weevil Monument in downtown Enterprise.
October
By 2009, the catfish industry was well established in Alabama, making the state the second-largest producer of catfish in the nation. However, Alabama catfish producers were losing market shares to cheaper, imported fish products. The Federation State Catfish Committee encouraged the Alabama Farmers Federation to find a way to distinguish U.S. FarmRaised Catfish from its foreign competitors. Thus, in 2009, the Alabama Legislature enacted a labeling bill requiring restaurants to clearly signify the origin of their catfish. In 2015, the Legislature strengthened the bill by including all catfish species in the labeling requirement.
2009 /2015 alfafarmers.org
Pumpkins ready for fall activities on an Alabama farm. December/Winter 2021 | NEIGHBORS
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Solutions for your business needs today and beyond. Given today’s market challenges, working with a dedicated team driven by a shared vision can make all the difference. Regions Commercial Relationship Managers know that developing a strong understanding of your business and its unique operations helps us provide highly responsive, personalized solutions. Let us leverage our capabilities and create a comprehensive financial strategy to help guide and strengthen your business.
Commercial Banking | Treasury Management | Capital Markets Specialized Industries Congratulations on 100 great years! We can’t wait to see what you do in the next 100. Draper L. Stanford, CTP | Senior Vice President Commercial Banking | 334.832.8963 draper.stanford@regions.com 201 Monroe St., Suite 200 Montgomery, AL 36104 | ALMG81602Y regions.com/commercial-banking
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AU B U R N U N I V E R S I T Y C O L L E G E O F A G R I C U LT U R E
Etched above the two original entryways to Samford Hall are two words: agriculture and mechanics, the foundational programs of Auburn University. For nearly 150 years, the College of Agriculture has fueled the infrastructure, economy and quality of life for the citizens of Alabama. This is our heritage, and it is still our purpose. Today, our natural resources are dwindling, our global population is exploding, and our world is experiencing unprecedented demand for food, fuel and fiber. We are meeting these challenges head-on. Through highimpact research and innovation, we are strengthening the agricultural landscape with new developments in precision technology, digital and biotechnology, urban growing systems and more. We are doing this not just for tomorrow, but for generations we’ll never know. We are a part of this world, and we’d like to leave it a little better than we found it.
K E E P U P W I T H T H E I N N O VAT I O N S AT T H E S E A S O N AU B U R N . C O M .
Our linemen don’t need capes. Just hard hats. Severe weather can cause devastation. But as soon as it’s safe, Alabama Power is on it – repairing power lines and protecting our communities. We’re even engineering and incorporating the latest technology to prevent outages and restore power faster than ever. You could almost say our linemen are real-life superheroes, but they’ll tell you they’re just doing their job. If you’ve got an outage, we’ve got you covered. Report online at AlabamaPower.com/reliable. Or call our 24/7 outage support line at 1-800-888-APCO (2726).
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Extension — Helping you face whatever life brings. Alabama Extension helps you make good decisions and protect your family, businesses, and future. • • • • • • •
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