By Jeff Helms

Farmers weighed down by weather and work found renewal as they made the pilgrimage to Chattanooga, Tenn., Aug. 14-16 for the Alabama Farmers Federation’s mid-summer Farm & Land Conference. 

More than 600 commodity producers and young leaders came to the Scenic City on the lookout for new ideas, old friends and encouragement. Former Georgia Agriculture Commissioner Gary Black struck a chord with Federation members during Saturday’s luncheon.

Speaking on “Certainty in Uncertain Times,” he challenged the farmers to understand their motivation and be decisive as they strengthen relationships. 

“When you get back to your farm, and you answer your ‘why,’ I hope you put on the other bookend of that we GET to do this,” said Black, who leads OnPoint Strategies. “These are uncertain times, but I feel confident about the certainty of these particular principles and hope there’s one or two you can sink deep into your activities as you move forward.”

The unique bonds of the farming family were evident as the conference kicked off Thursday. The convention center transformed into a county fair atmosphere with red and white tents, children’s games, popcorn, ice cream and Southern cooking. Candidates vying for Federation endorsements in the 2026 elections bore witness to the organization’s grassroots clout by making the trek to mingle with members.

On Friday, farmers traded tractors for tour buses as they explored ag-related sites in central Tennessee, northeast Alabama and northwest Georgia. Stops included nurseries, beef cattle farms, timber tracts, row crop operations, a Mennonite farm market and country ham smokehouse. 

The Women’s Leadership Division hosted a tour in lieu of its traditional commodity-themed contests. Dixie Black, who serves on the State Women’s Leadership Committee, said the tour to Sweetwater Valley Farm dairy and the Lodge Cast Iron factory was a time of comradery. 

“I don’t know that we could love each other any more than we already do,” said Black of Butler County. “We all have a common goal of promoting our farms and industry. We just all want to do whatever we can for each other.”

Following tours, Federation members headed to the baseball stadium for Ag Night as the Chattanooga Lookouts hosted Alabama’s own Montgomery Biscuits. 

Saturday was dedicated to education and leadership development, with a jam-packed schedule featuring Young Farmers contests and seminars.

Seminar topics included the impact of inflation on agricultural businesses, farm labor, the ag economy and opportunities for farmers at the midpoint of their careers. The Women’s Leadership Division luncheon showcased farm-themed door prizes and a mini-market with local artisans. 

Twenty-five agriculturalists ages 18-35 faced off in committee-style conversations as contestants in the Discussion Meet. Thanks to program growth, Alabama then held its first Sweet 16 round of competition. Meanwhile, five individuals and one couple gave presentations on how off-farm work contributes to agriculture during the Excellence in Agriculture contest.

The Farm & Land finale Saturday night honored researchers and Extension personnel who make tangible contributions to farm productivity and profitability. Eddie McGriff earned the Duncan Award, while Rishi Prasad received the Rittenour Award.

The banquet included graduation for 18 members of Agricultural Leaders for Alabama (A.L.F.A.) Class VI. Their two-year growth journey included a capstone project with specific recommendations for agricultural workforce development. In addition, the Young Farmers Division recognized Outstanding Young Farm Family and Excellence in Agriculture winners, as well as Discussion Meet finalists.

The farmers’ visit to music-rich Tennessee concluded with entertainment by the Pleasant Home FFA String Band.

Federation Governmental & Agricultural Programs Department Director Mitt Walker said the Farm & Land Conference was a welcome reprieve for farmers hard pressed by challenges back home. 

“Farming is tough, and it’s not getting any easier,” Walker said. “This week proved once again that farmers are resilient, innovative and trust in God’s provision. It’s an honor to provide them an opportunity to learn, share ideas and renew friendships.”