The Alabama Farmers Federation Department of Organization recently welcomed two Auburn University (AU) graduates as area organization directors.

Barrett Gilbert serves as Area 1 director, working with county Federations in Colbert, Franklin, Lauderdale, Lawrence, Limestone, Madison and Morgan counties.

Wiley Bailey joins the staff as Area 2 organization director and works with Federations in Cullman, Fayette, Lamar, Marion, Walker and Winston counties.

Gilbert was raised around his family’s Athens cattle business and said he is excited to grow his relationships with area farmers.

“Agriculture has always been part of my life, whether directly or indirectly,” said Gilbert, 27. “Being from Limestone County helps me understand and relate to farmers in my area on a higher level.”

Gilbert graduated in agricultural business and economics in 2012 and joins the Federation after four years at Trigreen Equipment.

A Sand Rock native, Bailey joins the Federation following 18 months as a leadership and motivational speaker for workshops around the country.

“Farmers and ranchers are in the trenches every day working hard to produce our food and fiber,” said Bailey, 24. “I look forward to meeting my area farmers and understanding their needs and interests.”

Federation Organization Director Mike Tidwell said he is excited about the depth of agricultural knowledge Bailey and Gilbert bring to the department.

“These men truly understand our goal here at the Federation,” said Tidwell. “They were raised around agriculture and realize how important it is to listen to farmers and be a positive voice for agriculture.”

Gilbert and his wife, Hannah, live in Athens, where Hannah is a doctor of occupational therapy.

Bailey graduated in agricultural communications in 2015. He and his wife, Sara, plan to reside in Cullman.