Local farmer becomes LEADER

By Staff
Jonathan Willis FCT Staff Writer
Unlike the farmer of yesteryear whose primary concerns were to work the fields and tend to the livestock on his land, today's farmers face an ever-changing fast-paced world that could quickly leave them behind.
One local farmer is trying to make sure that doesn't happen.
Scott Hamilton, of Spruce Pine, is one of 27 members from around the state who was chosen to participate in the Alabama Agriculture and Forestry Leadership Development Program, otherwise known as LEADERS.
The program is a 50-day training class that takes place over the course of two years and aims to develop participants' leadership skills, give them a better understanding of the industry including the public policy process and to teach general citizenship education.
Hamilton, who is a cattle and poultry producer, has three broiler houses that grow chickens for Gold Kist. He said that he was originally unaware of the significance of being involved in the course.
Tim Reed, the Franklin County Extension Coordinator, said that the program encourages county offices to get people involved and he thought that Hamilton was a good candidate.
Hamilton, a 1989 graduate of Russellville High School and a 1995 graduate of Auburn University, said the goal of the class is to make the participants better leaders in their communities and churches as well as in the industry.
Hamilton serves as president of the Alabama Contract Poultry Growers Association as well as being a member of ALFA and Farm Bureau.
The average farmer in America is in his late-50s, so the LEADERS program targets candidates who are in the 25 to 40 age range.
Part of the learning process of the program includes a national study and an international tour that will help the participants see what the agricultural industry is like in other parts of the world.
Hamilton and his wife, Deborah, have two children, Jacob, 7, and Kayla, 4.
He said that the opportunities gained from this course will do nothing but help him in the future.