Nearly 700 farmers representing 16 commodities are expected to attend the Alabama Farmers Federation’s 2013 Commodity Organizational Conference, Feb. 12-14 at the Embassy Suites Hotel in Montgomery.The three-day event has a three-fold purpose: To elect state commodity committee members, set goals and priorities among commodity leaders for 2013 and share concerns and ideas on current issues, said Federation Governmental and Agricultural Programs Director Jimmy Carlisle.“It’s important we have broad-based representation of active commodity leaders so we can effectively represent Alabama farmers,” said Carlisle. “County chairmen and vice chairmen elected at this event represent the concerns and issues relative to other farmers in their county, as well as farmers within each respective commodity division. These leaders are the core of our grassroots organization and through their efforts, we are able to help develop policy that protects the interests of farmers across the state.”Registration opens at 8:30 a.m. each morning, and commodity sessions are scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m. and conclude by 3:30 p.m. Pre-registration is $25 per day and must be received by Jan. 11. After this date, registrants should expect a $25 late fee. On-site registration will be $65 per day. Commodity Meeting Dates:
Feb. 12 – Beef, Catfish, Cotton, Pork and Bee & Honey
Feb. 13 – Dairy, Forestry, Hay & Forage, Horticulture and Meat Goat & Sheep
Feb. 14 – Equine, Greenhouse, Nursery & Sod, Poultry, Soybeans, Wheat & Feed Grains and WildlifeThe state’s peanut farmers will convene in Dothan Feb. 7 for the Alabama Peanut Producers Association (APPA) meeting. The APPA is a division of the Alabama Farmers Federation and holds its annual meeting in conjunction with the Alabama-Florida Peanut Trade Show at the National Peanut Festival Fairgrounds. Registration for that meeting opens at 8:30 a.m.
There is no cost to attend the event, and lunch will be provided. To register for the conference or view the agenda, visit http://events.SignUp4.com/commodityorg. For details on APPA’s annual meeting, visit AlPeanuts.com.