Durrance Named Federation State Legislative Programs Director
MONTGOMERY, Ala., Dec. 17 — Alabama Farmers Federation today announced the promotion of Russ Durrance to state legislative programs director. Durrance will immediately begin his new duties, which focus on representing Federation members in public policy discussions at the Alabama State House.
Federation External Affairs Department Director Brian Hardin said Durrance’s work as director of the Federation’s Poultry, Pork and Dairy divisions prepared him for the new role.
“Since joining the Federation in 2019, Russ has distinguished himself for his ability to research complex issues and implement action plans to serve members,” Hardin said. “He worked to secure disaster relief for growers negatively impacted by COVID-19; led efforts to revise Alabama’s Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO) rules; worked to expand local meat processing capacity; and advised leaders, members and coworkers on issues related to energy, the environment and nutrient management. Russ also worked to develop young people through Federation-sponsored livestock events and was instrumental in expanding shows at the upcoming Southeastern Livestock Exposition with the creation of the Alabama Junior Swine Expo.”
Durrance said he’s eager to amplify farmers’ voices in Montgomery.
“While I’ve enjoyed my time working in the Governmental and Agricultural Programs Department, I’m excited to expand my reach and ability to serve our members in the State House,” he said. “My role working on the CAFO revisions in 2020 helped me understand the benefit and need to focus on governmental policy to benefit Alabama farmers and our rural communities.”
A native of Newnan, Georgia, Durrance earned a degree in agricultural business and economics from Auburn University in 2017. He previously worked in Chattanooga, Tennessee, as a broiler service technician and was a management trainee with JPB/Pilgrim’s Pride.
Durrance and his wife, Stephanie, live in Auburn where she teaches school, and he mentors future agricultural leaders as chapter adviser for the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity.