By Debra Davis

A 10-year veteran of the Alabama Farmers Federation home office is taking his experience to the field as an area organization director for Bibb, Dallas, Greene, Hale, Perry, Pickens, Sumter and Tuscaloosa counties.

Mac Higginbotham, 40, began work with the Federation in 2008 in the Governmental and Agricultural Programs (GAP) Department where he served as the Bee & Honey; Horticulture; and Greenhouse, Nursery & Sod Divisions director; and served as executive director of the Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (AFVGA). He said he’s looking forward to starting his new position with the Federation’s Organization Department July 2.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my 10 years working in the home office. I’ve made some life-long friends, and I really appreciate the relationships I’ve built and the experience I’ve gained,” Higginbotham said. “I’m looking forward to building more relationships, working with the counties in Area 6 and helping their programs develop and grow.”

Higginbotham said he will continue to assist his former commodity divisions through the Federation’s Commodity Conference in August or until his replacement is named. He also will continue working with the AFVGA as it prepares for its annual conference in November.

As an area organization director, Higginbotham will be a liaison between the state and county Federations, providing a direct line of communication between both groups. The Federation is composed of 10 areas across the state.

“Farmers are the heartbeat of Alabama agriculture,” Higginbotham said. “Their hard work, perseverance, dedication, family values and determination to produce the finest products drives the Federation staff each day. It has been a blessing and an honor to serve this organization and its members. I appreciate the trust and confidence that’s been placed in me as I move into a new area of my career.”

Organization Department Director Mike Tidwell said Higginbotham is a welcome addition to his team.

“The fact Mac is coming to us from the commodity division is very exciting to me,” Tidwell said. “Brian Hardin (GAP department director) and I have worked hard to tear down all walls between our teams. This move should be a big step in that direction by providing insight we haven’t had before.”

Higginbotham is a native of Chilton County where he grew up on his family’s farm near Maplesville. He is an Auburn University graduate with a bachelor’s degree in agronomy and soil science with a major in turf management. He and wife Janie live on their cattle and timber operation in Orrville with their three children.

The Alabama Farmers Federation is the state’s largest farm organization with nearly 360,000 members and is an affiliate of the American Farm Bureau Federation.