Commodity Organizational Conference Set For 2009
Farmers representing producers in 17 commodities grown in Alabama will gather at Birmingham’s Cahaba Grand Conference Center on Feb. 3-5 for the Alabama Farmers Federation’s annual Commodity Organizational Conference.According to Federation Commodity Director Jimmy Carlisle, the three-day event has a three-fold purpose: To elect state commodity committee members, set goals and priorities among commodity leaders for 2009 and share concerns and ideas on current issues.”It’s really important that we have broad-based representation of commodity leaders so that we can effectively represent Alabama farmers,” said Carlisle. “Our three-day format has allowed us to expand our educational programs for each commodity, providing more value to the meeting and giving our members more of a worthwhile event to attend.”For that reason, Carlisle urges county commodity chairmen and vice chairmen from all 17 commodities to attend the event.The meeting date for each commodity is listed below. In an effort to allot more time for commodity sessions, please note that registration will begin at 8:30 a.m. with the meetings beginning at 9:30 a.m.Feb. 3 — Bee & Honey, Beef, Catfish, Pork, Greenhouse, Nursery & Sod and Wildlife.Feb. 4 — Cotton, Hay & Forage, Forestry, Meat Goat & Sheep and Poultry.Feb. 5 — Dairy, Equine, Horticulture, Soybean and Wheat & Feed Grains.The Alabama Peanut Producers Association will meet in conjunction with the Alabama/Florida Peanut Trade Show on Feb. 12, 10 a.m., at Dothan’s National Peanut Festival Fairgrounds.