Alabama Farm Family Claims Top Title at National Convention

By Marlee Jackson
(334) 613-4219

For the second time in four years, Alabama is home to the nation's top young farm family. Drew and Lauren Wendland of Autauga County received the Achievement Award during American Farm Bureau Federation's (AFBF) Annual Convention Jan. 12 in Anaheim, California.

The accolade honors their impact at Autauga Farming Co. (AFC) in Autaugaville, plus Farm Bureau involvement, civic service and agricultural advocacy.

"We are very honored and humbled to bring this award home to the state of Alabama," Drew said. "It's a reflection of the opportunities we have had to grow and develop through Alfa to be better equipped to serve our business and our community. God has blessed me with the opportunity to spend my days working and raising a family in Autaugaville. This award is just icing on the cake. I am proud of the legacy of AFC, the team that makes it work today and the opportunities we have looking forward. It's not my farm. It's just my turn."

The Wendlands' farm covers row crops, cattle and hay, plus timber, a fertilizer business and custom work. Their most precious crop, however, includes sons Mills, Smith and Rhett.

As Achievement Award winners, the Wendlands receive $35,000 toward a vehicle courtesy of Ford. That builds on the $80,000 prize package they clinched as the state champion.

Nearly 100 Alabama farmers were on hand to celebrate the Wendlands' win on the West Coast. They joined more than 4,000 farmers from across the U.S. for AFBF's mammoth meeting Jan. 10-13.

The 107th Annual Convention was Karah Skinner's first. Skinner said a highlight was being introduced to international representatives for agriculture during Orange County specialty crop farm tours.

"I loved getting to learn and see so many different things," said Skinner, the Cleburne County Farmers Federation president. "Sometimes, we get so used to being in our own little bubble, not because we don't want to leave but often because farmers can't leave the farm. The whole experience truly was life changing."

Farmers were entertained and educated during sessions that featured Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow and Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. Rollins recapped the Trump Administration's efforts on behalf of farm country, such as reduced regulatory burdens, trade negotiations and critical aid aimed at keeping farmers in agriculture.

Meanwhile, AFBF President Zippy Duvall noted agricultural labor is a limiting factor for young farmers while moderating an on-stage discussion.

The bipartisan panel included Senate Ag Committee Chair John Boozman, R-Arkansas; Senate Ag Committee Ranking Member Amy Klobuchar, D-Minnesota; House Ag Committee Chair G.T. Thompson, R-Pennsylvania; and House Ag Committee Ranking Member Angie Craig, D-Minnesota.

"If you don't have workforce, you have food insecurity," Thompson said. "If you have food insecurity, you have national insecurity."

Labor conversations continued during the Annual Meeting of Voting Delegates. Alabama nurseryman Phillip Hunter chairs the AFBF Ag Labor Issue Advisory Committee and led the charge to clarify the organization's workforce policy. Hunter is the Alabama Farmers Federation District 6 director and Shelby County Farmers Federation president.

In addition to debating and adopting policy recommendations, delegates reelected Federation President Jimmy Parnell to AFBF's board of directors.

Alabama accrued other accolades during the convention. Those included Awards of Excellence in all four categories; the Navigator Award for membership growth; and a Top 10 placement in Excellence in Agriculture for Josh and Bailey Williams of Tallapoosa County. Drew Wear of Lawrence County competed in Discussion Meet.

Geneva County Farmers Federation expanded its impact during the Trade Show, where its Farm-City Youth Council was honored as a County Activity of Excellence. Just 24 counties were recognized nationwide.

Alabamians also participated in the Flapjack Fundraiser, where Book of the Year "I LOVE Blueberries" was announced, and the Annual Meeting of Farm Bureau Women. Alabama 4-H President Aaliyah Sanders of Henry County and Alabama FFA President Alyx Johnson of Randolph County attended AFBF's Youth Leadership Program.

The delegation also partnered with Florida Farm Bureau for a night of fellowship at the Richard Nixon Presidential Library and Museum.

AFBF's Duvall, a farmer from Georgia, remarked on the value of Farm Bureau friendship during difficult seasons.

"We have faced some tough times across agriculture, and there's no sugarcoating that," he said. "I am reminded of the scripture in Isaiah: 'He gives power to the faint, and to him who has no might He increases strength.' You might be feeling faint some days, but you are not alone. You are surrounded by a Farm Bureau family who believes in you. Can you imagine what we can achieve together?"