Over 750 farmers gathered in Alabama’s Capital City Aug. 2-4 to tour farms, learn from industry experts and compete in division contests.

Six tours spread across central Alabama during the Alabama Farmers Federation’s 46th Commodity Producers Conference in Montgomery. Stops included row crop farms, cattle operations, a peanut butter plant, a winery and more.

Breakout sessions educated farmers on innovative techniques and industry issues Aug. 4, starting with an agricultural economic outlook from American Farm Bureau Federation Chief Economist John Newton.

In Young Farmers Division competitions, Chris and Jordyn Upchurch of Clay County were named Alabama’s 2018 Outstanding Young Farm Family, while Samantha Carpenter of Limestone County won the Excellence in Agriculture contest. Women’s Division sewing, quilting and tablescapes contests were also held during the conference.

The Agricultural Leaders For Alabama Class IV graduated from the two-year program Aug. 2, while Ben Maples of Limestone County won the inaugural Hay & Forage Spokesperson Contest.

The Alabama Farm & Land Expo joined the conference for the second year Aug. 4. Nearly 100 exhibitors participated.

Read more in Neighbors magazine.