Franklin County Farmers Federation receives Award For Excellence
More than 1,300 farmers and guests descended on Montgomery for the Alabama Farmers Federation’s 96th Annual Meeting at the Montgomery Performing Arts Centre and the Montgomery Convention Center Dec. 3-4.
As part of the two-day event, the Franklin County Farmers Federation was recognized with the Award for Excellence.
The award recognizes counties excelling in five sections of the Federation: organization, agricultural programs, governmental affairs and the county’s Women’s Leadership and Young Farmers committees.
Guest and keynote speaker for the event was Gov. Kay Ivey, who reflected on the rural roots she shares in common with the event’s attendees.
“Alabama’s rural areas are not just about farming, agriculture or timberland; like many of you, I call parts of rural Alabama my home, and I’m sure proud of that,” Ivey said. “I believe that the best government is the government that responds to the needs of the people. My cabinet, my staff and I want your input. Responsive government is our goal, and (the Federation) is a key component of that effort.”
In her remarks, Ivey said reducing the tax burden on American families is a priority, and she promised to “do more than give lip service to the needs of our rural Alabamians.”
The first day of the annual meeting featured a pop tab collection contest among county Federation Women’s Leadership Committees to benefit Ronald McDonald Houses in Alabama; annual report on the Federation and affiliated Alfa Insurance; opening of the silent auction to benefit the Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation and performance by country music superstar Travis Tritt.
The second day included a benefit breakfast and live auction to support AFAF; Agriculture Issues Briefing featuring EPA Regional Administrator Trey Glenn, American Farm Bureau Federation Public Policy Executive Director Dale Moore and Miss Alabama Jessica Procter; elections to the Federation’s Board of Directors; awards presentations for outstanding counties and dedicated Federation members; The Young Farmers Discussion Meet and prize presentations for Excellence in Agriculture and the Outstanding Young Farm Family; and the keynote closing address from Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey.
The live and silent auctions raised $16,485 for AFAF, which will be used for scholarships, livestock shows and Alabama Ag in the Classroom.
