By Tanner Hood

Whether swamping through rain-soaked corn fields or facing below-freezing temps to check winter wheat, Alabama Farmers Federation State Young Farmers Committee Chair Forrest Anders’ favorite place is on the family farm. 

“Originally, I didn’t want to come back to farming after high school,” said the 30-year-old Morgan County row crop farmer. “Family means everything to me, and I quickly realized this was where I was meant to be.” 

Forrest is the second generation full time on the farm, working alongside his brother, Lane. Forrest’s father and boss, Kenneth, sparked his interest in Federation involvement. 

 “Lane and I grew up going to annual meetings in Mobile,” Forrest said. “Dad was very involved and wanted us to be. Our former county Young Farmers chairman invited me to a meeting, and I fell in love with it.” 

Young Farmers involvement has taken priority for Forrest, helping expand his network and improve the farm. In 2024, it even helped introduce him to his now-wife, Madison. 

“Forrest and I talk about how our paths always got close but never crossed until his county Young Farmers chairman became my coworker and introduced us two years ago,” said Madison, a Blount County native. “I grew up in a rural area, but my family didn’t farm, so my plan was to move to a big city and work in broadcast journalism. I did that for a bit, but God’s timing is funny. After getting married in 2025, I get to live this beautiful life in an area like where I’m from.” 

After serving on the State Young Farmers Committee for two years representing District 1, and with encouragement from Madison and colleagues, Forrest decided to lean into leadership. 

“Running for chair was something I thought about from the beginning. After a lot of learning and growing, I decided the chairmanship was worth pursuing,” Forrest said. “I really enjoyed helping plan the 2025 Young Farmers Conference in Muscle Shoals, and that convinced me I could do well as the chairman.”

Despite a wet spring and late harvest that kept him busy in the fields, Forrest hit the road to call on county committees across the state. That opened his eyes to the importance of relationships. 

“No organization has done more for our industry and way of life than the Federation,” Forrest said, recalling his campaign message. “The more you try to give back to the Federation, the more you get from it. I’m forever in debt, and this is one way to try and help.” 

After his election, Forrest’s eyes turned to 2026. An idea became paramount: increase Young Farmers participation and engagement in upcoming elections. 

“I think our Young Farmers have more to gain from Alabama FarmPAC endorsements and elections because the people running today make tomorrow’s decisions,” Forrest said. “If we can build those relationships with elected officials now, it can pay dividends in the future.” 

As Forrest prepares to make a difference in the lives of Young Farmers, Madison plans to be his biggest cheerleader while helping him stay organized. 

“I want to make sure he has what he needs to succeed,” Madison said. “He doesn’t do things for himself; he does them for others. It’s a privilege to serve with him.”

Federation Young Farmers Division Director Hunter McBrayer praised Forrest’s goals.

“One of our biggest challenges is convincing young families across the state to dedicate time to Young Farmers,” McBrayer said. “Forrest has a deep understanding of what the Federation can do for farmers, and his ability to share his experiences is vital to our organization. There’s no doubt this will be a great year under Forrest’s leadership.” 

As Forrest prepares for a year of traveling, planning and growing, he pulls his strength from family roots. 

“With changing markets and volatile prices, family is the one constant we have in this industry,” Forrest said. “They’re always going to be there.”