Davis Named Alabama Peanut Producers Executive Director
Jacob Davis joined the Alabama Peanut Producers Association (APPA) as its executive director May 1. APPA serves over 900 farmers and is an affiliate of the Alabama Farmers Federation.
Davis takes the helm after a 25-year career focused on agriscience education.
“I’ve been privileged to work closely with individuals from the Alabama Farmers Federation through my involvement with Alabama FFA,” said Davis, 46, who was raised on a cattle farm near Opp. “Through those interactions, I’ve come to fully appreciate what the Federation means to Alabama’s agricultural community. I’m excited to join this great organization and work with the Alabama Peanut Producers Association and farmers across the state.”
As executive director, Davis will monitor federal policy issues impacting peanut farmers; oversee promotions for Alabama-grown peanuts; work on research projects with stakeholders such as Auburn University and the National Peanut Board; and manage day-to-day operations of APPA’s Dothan office.
“We’re thankful for the great relationship between Federation leadership and APPA’s board of directors,” said Brian Hardin, the Federation’s Governmental & Agricultural Programs Department director. “We work closely to advocate for peanut farmers and are excited for Jacob to join our team. Our farmers will benefit from his knowledge, organizational skills and understanding of the association’s structure.”
Davis is a two-time Auburn University graduate with bachelor’s and master’s degrees in agriscience technology education. He taught agriscience for 10 years before joining the Alabama State Department of Education’s Career and Technical Education Section in 2004, first as an education specialist and then as education administrator. He retired in April.
Davis has experience serving on statewide committees, including the Alabama Farm-City Committee, Alabama Ag in the Classroom Steering Committee, Alabama Soil & Water Conservation Committee, Alabama Forestry Council and Alabama Natural Resources Council. He also advised the Alabama Poultry & Egg Association board.
Additionally, Davis was a leader in the National Association of Supervisors of Agricultural Education, the National FFA board of directors and National FFA Foundation board of trustees.
Davis enjoys hunting, fishing and spending time with his wife of nearly 20 years, Sonna, and his 16-year-old son, Jaken. They attend Fairview Baptist Church in Samson.