Mobile Bay Hosts Farmers for Summer Tours, Workshops

By Tanner Hood

More than 700 Alabama farmers moseyed down to Mobile Bay for the Alabama Farmers Federation Farm & Land Conference Aug. 6-8.

American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall served as keynote speaker during a Saturday morning breakfast. He reminded farmers of their stories' strength and the importance of sticking together.

"What makes us different from other organizations? It's you," said Duvall, a Georgia beef cattle and poultry farmer. "Your story and engagement to build policy are the two things you bring to the table to make this organization successful. We're going to stand up and tell your story, and that's what I take into the White House."

Duvall's words of encouragement followed two days of state commodity committee elections, educational workshops and farm tours across southwest Alabama.

"My hope comes from this: We're American farmers who stand up tough and tall," Duvall added. "We built this country, and we've kept it going for 250 years. The best days of American agriculture are in front of us, and we're going to play a major role."

Those words encapsulated the purpose of the Federation's summer conference, which began Thursday against a backdrop of calm waters - Alabama's Port City setting the stage for commodity and policy-related discussions. Educational sessions highlighted the strengths of Alabama agriculture while addressing current and upcoming issues.

John Gilbert gave landowners a tour of the Solon Dixon Forestry Education Center outside Andalusia. Forester Tom Richardson presented on the state of the forest products industry during a workshop. Tim Watkins of Tallapoosa County and Terry Landry of Mobile County toured specialty crop farms.

Federation Governmental & Agricultural Programs Department Director Mitt Walker said state commodity committee elections fit naturally in this year's conference agenda.

Federation commodity committees help guide education, promotion and research work for fellow producers.

"Our farmers gathered from all parts of the state for commodity-related discussions and tours during this event," Walker said. "We also held elections for state commodity committees. I am excited about the leadership that has stepped up to serve."

Farm tours reigned Friday. Farmers boarded buses bound for southwest Alabama cattle operations, row crop farms, mills, gins, agritourism sites, nurseries and a forestry center.

Madison County farmers Nathan Lasater and Caitlin Falkner attended Thursday evening's Welcome Party. Federation President Jimmy Parnell welcomed more than 700 farmers and industry supporters to Mobile for the Farm & Land Conference. Farmers visited with Alabama FarmPAC-endorsed candidate for Congressional District 1 Jerry Carl during the conference.

Young Farmers rose to the occasion Saturday as competitors participated in Discussion Meet and Excellence in Agriculture contests. Meanwhile, the State Women's Leadership Committee welcomed ladies to a luncheon and awards program celebrating creative quilts and photographs. An Alabama FarmPAC reception later allowed endorsed candidates to mingle with constituents.

Saturday closed with a banquet honoring Alabama Extension's Dr. Jeremy Pickens and Dr. Scott Graham as Duncan Award and Rittenour Award winners, respectively. In addition, the Discussion Meet Final Four and Excellence in Ag contest winner were announced alongside the 2026 Outstanding Young Farm Family.

Walker echoed Duvall's call for farmers to stand strong together.

"This conference reminds us Alabama farmers are committed to making the world a better place, even during tough times," Walker said. "They are constant reminders of what God can do through steadfast commitment to Him and each other."