Marlee Moore
(334) 613-4219

Farmers are encouraged to nominate research and Extension personnel whose work tangibly impacted their farms for two annual awards from the Alabama Farmers Federation.

Nominations are due June 7 here.

Federation Governmental and Agricultural Programs Department Director Brian Hardin said the recent pandemic highlighted future award winners’ abilities to recognize challenges, pivot and continue serving farmers and landowners.

“This year’s Duncan and Rittenour awards give our members a special opportunity to recognize those individuals who did not stop — but stepped up,” Hardin said. “I encourage Federation members to nominate those who continued impactful research and looked for new ways to deliver programming in ways that made a difference in their everyday life.”

For the third year, the Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation will sponsor two awards. The recipients address problems relevant to Alabama agriculture and forestry, which have a $70 billion state economic impact annually.

The Rittenour Award for Production Agriculture & Forestry Research will recognize Auburn University faculty for creative and original research. The winner receives up to $10,000 in program support, which can fund graduate students or research operations.

The Duncan Award for Excellence in Production Agriculture & Forestry Extension will honor Alabama Extension staff developing or implementing solutions for stakeholder-identified problems. The winner receives up to $5,000 for programming costs.

Winners will be recognized at the Federation’s Alabama Farm & Land Expo in Montgomery in August.