Alabama farmers met with lawmakers and agency representatives during the Alabama Farmers Federation’s biennial Washington Legislative Conference March 5-7.

Briefings and small group meetings focused on disaster relief, farm labor, feral swine control and crop insurance.

Farmers visited the Environmental Protection Agency; hosted a barbecue reception; interacted with Alabama’s U.S. representatives; and met with Ambassador Gregg Doud, the Chief Agricultural Negotiator in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative.

A special ceremony honored U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby, R-Alabama, who received the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Golden Plow Award. The award recognizes members of Congress who exemplify ag leadership and support of Farm Bureau policies.