By Maggie Edwards

The Alabama Farmers Federation scholarship program continues to cultivate the next generation of agriculturists. 

Seventy-seven students were recognized Sept. 23 during the annual awards program at Lazenby Farms in Auburn. The partnership between the Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation (AFAF) and county Farmers Federations awarded $136,000 to undergraduates pursuing degrees in agriculture, forestry and related fields at Auburn University (AU).

The scholarship lays a foundation for the success of students like Escambia County’s John Braxton Rhodes. He and his mother, Susan Rhodes, are lifelong Federation members who are thankful for the organization’s investment in young ag professionals.

“Alfa has impacted our lives in several ways,” Susan said. “As a single mother, the cost of college tuition is overwhelming. As a parent, I want to provide tools and resources to help my son reach his full potential.” 

John Braxton’s AU journey is an answered prayer, Susan said. For years, she asked the Lord to guide his path to The Plains. 

“Parents want their kids to succeed and live their best life,” Susan said. “If it wasn’t for this scholarship, his success wouldn’t be possible.” 

Motivational words from Susan flooded the room as she encouraged each student to get involved with the AU Collegiate Young Farmers. 

“This organization will provide you with relationships and friendships in the ag world that will last a lifetime,” she said. “I pray each student here can impact the future of agriculture.”

AU student and Madison County native Hunter Rials said he’s proud to be a part of the agricultural industry’s network.

“I’ve always had a soft spot in my heart for agriculture,” said Rials, who grew up on a small family farm. “I always knew I wanted to be involved, but I didn’t know how I would get there.”

Rials is a senior studying agricultural business and economics. This is his fourth year receiving the AFAF scholarship. 

“College of Ag students take rigorous classes,” Rials said. “Scholarships like these allow students to stay in the library to study versus having to work a full-time job to pay tuition. I speak for myself and the other students when I say, ‘Thank you, Alfa, for allowing us to become better men and women in agriculture.’”

Four special scholarships were awarded to honor the legacy of leaders in agriculture. Poultry science junior William Bradberry of Cullman County received the Ronny Donaldson Memorial Scholarship; horticulture sophomore Nate Payne of Lee County received the Jimmy Witt Memorial Scholarship; Lawrence County’s Taylor Hood, a junior studying animal sciences with an animal/allied industry concentration, earned the Mike Henry Memorial Scholarship; and Emily Brown, a sophomore studying fisheries, aquaculture and aquatic sciences, received the Alabama Catfish Producers Scholarship. 

Federation President Jimmy Parnell encouraged the group of AU students to distinguish themselves through initiative and problem solving.

“Work hard,” said Parnell, an AU College of Agriculture alumnus. “Nothing will make you stand out in a crowd like working hard. I encourage you to learn to think and to make friends with fellow classmates and professors.” 

Parnell expressed the Federation’s commitment to Auburn and the next generation.  

“This organization was formed almost 104 years ago at AU for the purpose of representing farmers and rural citizens of Alabama,” Parnell said. “The future of the Federation and our state is in the hands of young people.” 

2025-2026 scholarship applications open Nov. 1 at AlfaFarmers.org/scholarships. The deadline to apply is February 1, 2025.

Scholarship Recipients: