A new scholarship through the Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation (AFAF) is set to honor former Alabama Farmers Federation President Jerry Newby’s lifelong dedication to agriculture. 

The Jerry and Dianne Newby Endowed Scholarship will be available for Limestone County residents and Federation members during the 2025-26 scholarship application period. Students pursuing a degree in agriculture at an Alabama college or university will be eligible to apply. 

Outgoing Limestone County Farmers Federation President Jeff Peek said there was no better way to honor Newby’s generosity and commitment to agriculture than with a scholarship.

“I think a good part of his legacy is the opportunities he created for young people and how he has given back to others,” Peek said. “If you know Jerry, you know his greatest asset is Dianne. She stood beside him the whole time he was president. We thought both deserved the honor.”

A Limestone County native, Newby’s passion for agriculture drove him to serve as the Federation and Alfa Insurance president from 1998 to 2012. Under Newby’s leadership, Alabama reaffiliated with American Farm Bureau Federation. He also guided Alfa through unprecedented catastrophic storms and worked to ensure customers could recover following claims.

Federation Executive Director Paul Pinyan said Newby is most known for leading by example with humility and a genuine concern for others.

“Mr. Newby earned respect and admiration within the ag community because of servant leadership,” said Pinyan, who serves on the AFAF board. “Even today, whether it’s through the family farm, his church or the community, Mr. Newby is dedicated to helping others. This scholarship honors the Newbys’ legacy by preparing young people to be leaders in agriculture.” 

Newby is heavily involved in Newby Farms, which operates in north Alabama and southern-middle Tennessee. A committed Christian, Newby is also a devoted family man who cherishes time with Dianne, their children and grandchildren.

The Jerry and Dianne Newby Endowed Scholarship is open to additional contributions. To learn more, contact AFAF Principal Officer Phillip Johns at pjohns@alfafarmers.org.