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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NEIGHBORS
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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
