Co-op Corner: Future Leaders Program

Alabama Farmers Cooperative’s Future Leaders Program allows participants the opportunity to immerse themselves in agriculture and receive hands-on experience and an education in the Co-op system and agribusiness. Each Future Leader is assigned a Co-op, where they receive experience in different positions. They also attend trainings and participate in AFC events where they are able to network with other Co-ops and industry leaders. There are currently five Future Leaders across the state of Alabama.

Hunter Thrasher

Hunter Thrasher learned the importance of agriculture from a young age growing up on a small cattle farm. Already an employee at Madison County Cooperative, he was intrigued by the Future Leaders Program and the opportunity to further his experience in agriculture. He has been a part of almost every department at the Co-op, giving him a well-rounded experience with a good foundation for future positions. “Since my first day in the program, I noticed AFC’s staff was passionate about equipping me with all the necessary tools and went out of their way to enable me with the ability to have a successful career within AFC or any of their affiliated partnerships,” Thrasher said. “I learned the key components to a financially sound business and how AFC has continued to thrive throughout the years. They instilled in me the importance of doing quality work and that pleasing customers while being financially profitable is the key to success.”

Hunter Thrasher

Julia Schmidt

Julia Schmidt relocated to Scottsboro, Alabama from Kansas and entered the Future Leaders Program with the desire to expand her agriculture and leadership skills. “I knew I wanted to work in the agriculture industry, but I wasn’t quite sure what that would look like in Alabama, as I have never lived this far east,” Schmidt explained. “After researching Alabama Farmers Cooperative, I was impressed with the amount of partnerships, yet they still had the ‘local feed store’ feel. On the AFC website I came across the Future Leaders Program position and felt that the company’s mission and vision aligned with what I was looking for in a career.”

Schmidt now works at Jackson Farmers Co-op with store and office management. She is learning retail operations such as inventory management, merchandising and advertising through social media. “The Future Leaders Program has provided new experiences to expand my knowledge and skills through product training, networking, retail operations and agronomy,” Schmidt said.

Julia Schmidt

Seth Armbrester

Seth Armbrester came to the program as a Mississippi State graduate with a dairy background. He had hopes of learning more about Alabama’s agricultural community and gaining real life skills that he was not taught in college. As a member of the Marion County Cooperative’s team, Armbrester has been responsible for feed orders, unloading trucks and working the front counter, giving him a background in many different positions. “I have gotten the opportunity to meet so many great people both in the community and within AFC,” Armbrester said. “I have had the chance to travel all over the state attending meetings where I have gotten to learn more about the services we provide and furthering my education on animal health, feed, fertilizer, chemicals, seed and crop management. I have been truly blessed by the opportunities that have been made available to me through this program.”

Seth Armbrester

Kayla Black

Auburn University Graduate Kayla Black returned home to the Shoals and is completing the program as part of Tennessee Valley Cooperative, Florence team. She is responsible for assisting customers and helping with the deposits and weekly purchases. Black has enjoyed the networking aspect of the program the most. “I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to connect with customers,” Black explained. “Hearing about their desires, their families, personal lives and being that sounding board when they need ideas has been one of the best experiences.”

Black was interested in the Future Leaders Program for the work experience but found it was a lot more. “I thought it was just going to be work experience, but I have gained a wealth of real-life experience that will follow me for the rest of my career,” Black said.

Kayla Black

Warren Maddox

Warren Maddox spent six years in the military and has a bachelor’s degree in business management. He had an interest in the Future Leaders Program because he wanted to follow his passion. “I wanted to find a career doing what I love in farming, cattle and the outdoors,” Maddox said. “The Future Leaders Program has certainly done that for me.”

Maddox works at Andalusia Farmers Co-op where he assists with the front counter, warehouse operations, deliveries and pick-ups. “I have enjoyed being a part of this program because I have gotten to meet members from other Co-ops and learn from their experiences,” he said.

Warren Maddox

Vice President of Management Services Andrew Dempsey would like to thank the Future Leaders for their hard work. “They put in a lot of time and effort at AFC events and at their local Co-op,” he said. “I am very excited and optimistic about all of their futures with AFC and our members."

We are looking for motivated future leaders to join our team. If you enjoy working outdoors, learning about agriculture, and supporting farmers – this may be the position for you. This entry-level position offers an active, hands-on opportunity to connect with growers and producers across the south, creating a solid foundation for a career in the agriculture industry. For more information visit www.alafarm.com/jobs or contact Samantha Hendricks at samantha.hendricks@alafarm.com