Grassroots Growth: Young Farmers Cultivates Strong Foundation for Leaders
Anecdotally, Alabama Farmers Federation members have long touted the organization’s Young Farmers program as a training ground for future leaders.
The statewide leadership of Keith Glover, Chris Langley and Jimmy Parnell gives extra credence to the claim.
Hale County’s Glover leads the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association as its 2025 president, while Langley of Chambers County has chaired the Alabama Forestry Commission since 2020. Parnell of Chilton County is president of the Alabama Farmers Federation and Alfa Insurance, a role held since 2012.
While they hail from different regions, involvement in Young Farmers has connected the men since the ‘90s — the decade each won the Outstanding Young Farm Family (OYFF) contest. The Glovers were the OYFF in ’93, followed by the Langleys in ’96 and Parnells in ’99.
The Federation has specifically supported Young Farmers, who are ages 18 to 35, since 1956. Key goals include networking, leadership development, advocacy and community service cultivated through events, special activities and contests such as the OYFF.
The investment continues to bear fruit.
That’s because Glover, Langley and Parnell are just a fraction of those whose strong roots of service were developed through Young Farmers.
Past and current Young Farmers remain thought-leaders, decision-makers and good neighbors in communities, churches and farm organizations around the state.
The Glover Family
By Marlee Jackson
Keith and Brenda Glover grin while glancing at a clip from Neighbors magazine.
The freeze-frame depicts the couple, arms full of youngsters Olivia, Anna and John, the day they were named Alabama’s 1993 Outstanding Young Farm Family (OYFF).
“When that picture was made, I didn’t see this coming,” Keith said with a laugh.
The Glovers’ herd now includes three in-laws and 10 grandchildren, with another tyke due this fall. Their farm has evolved from dairy cattle to stockers; they operate Deep South Livestock Equipment; and Keith’s mustache has edged toward a lighter shade of salt-and-pepper.
They’ve also led by example, humbly taking the reins of volunteer leadership — most recently during Keith’s time as Alabama Cattlemen’s Association (ACA) president.
“At the time, sure, I appreciated being recognized and the perks that came with the OYFF,” Keith said. “But I did not realize what effect Young Farmers has on the Alabama Farmers Federation. I think we’re seeing the same thing with YCLP (ACA’s Young Cattlemen’s Leadership Program).”
Brenda added, “You need that base to grow your leadership.”
Keith joined the Hale County Farmers Federation board in the ‘80s. After he and Brenda married, they carved out precious time from farm chores to meet with peers and glean ideas at Young Farmers events.
Those were days well spent, Keith said. That’s why he’s galvanized support for young producers during tenures as president of the local Farmers Federation and Cattlemen’s chapter.
He’s taking that motivation to the state level, thanks to encouragement from Brenda and Anna.
“They both told me when I was asked about serving that if I didn’t do it, I’d be a hypocrite,” Keith said. “I couldn’t argue. It was my time to give back.”
The Greensboro farmer is connecting with friends new and old at county events, representing ACA nationally and donning the organization’s iconic red coat for official occasions.
He and Brenda, a retired Extension agent and former Alabama Beef Checkoff Council chair, often hit the road together. They’ve long been a dynamic duo, tackling life with camaraderie forged through decades of raising children, negotiating a fluctuating ag economy and battling health challenges.
They’re continuing to grow together through perhaps the toughest part of his ACA presidency — penning columns for the Alabama Cattleman magazine.
A straight shooter, Keith brushes off praise for his service.
“I’m not a public speaker. I feel like I could find someone else to get up here and do it better than I can,” Keith said. “But I have enjoyed the last three years being involved at the executive level of the Cattlemen’s Association. I feel like I’m making a difference.”
The Langley Family
By Tanner Hood
A kitchen filled with family and friends around a table full of fresh food and happy conversation exemplifies the Langleys’ Chambers County home.
That’s where Chris and Elizabeth Langley raised sons Christopher, Charlie and Chandler and daughter Chelsea to care for the land.
“This kitchen table is where we have always gathered,” Elizabeth said. “This is where we have our discussions and grow together. This is where we instilled in our kids what we’ve learned.”
Learning has been a lifelong pursuit for the family. Chris, a sixth-generation farmer, began raising cattle and timber at 16.
“I started farming with my first cow and hand-loading pulpwood on trucks,” Langley said. “A few years later, I went through the Alabama Agriculture and Forestry Leadership Development Program (precursor to the Alabama Farmers Federation’s Agricultural Leaders For Alabama program). That opened me up to new opportunities, including Young Farmers.”
Chris became involved with the Chambers County Farmers Federation. That led to service with the Young Farmers program, which included competing in the Outstanding Young Farm Family contest. The Langleys won the title in 1996.
“Being active in Young Farmers helped me develop leadership skills and become a strong advocate for agriculture and forestry,” Chris said. “I give credit to the Federation and Young Farmers for where I am today through leadership development and relationships.”
Those experiences led Chris to serve on numerous boards, commissions and committees. In 2020, Gov. Kay Ivey appointed him chair of the Alabama Forestry Commission, where he helps protect and sustain the state’s forest resources.
He also served as president of the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association and chaired the Federation’s State Forestry Committee. Langley Farms was the 2017 Farm of Distinction.
Chris, a deacon at Rock Springs Baptist Church, said their faith is central.
“I’ve always believed in giving back the blessings I’ve been given, and God has allowed me to do that through service,” Chris said.
Elizabeth also puts Federation experience to work chairing the Chambers County Women’s Leadership and Farm-City committees.
“The Federation is our family,” Elizabeth said. “We’ve grown with these people since we were young, and the lessons we’ve learned have shaped us forever.”
Today, encouraging a new crop of leaders, including their four grandchildren, still starts in the kitchen.
“Chris and I do a lot less talking and more listening when the kids are here,” Elizabeth said. “It’s our goal to help build the next generation of leaders.”
The Parnell Family
By Maggie Edwards
Diligence and deliberation were instilled into Jimmy Parnell at an early age. Those values guide the Chilton County farmer’s leadership at home and at the Alabama Farmers Federation.
“I don’t mind work,” said Jimmy, a fifth-generation cattle farmer whose family is in the logging business. “My dad taught me two things — how to work and how to think. I’m always looking for ways to make things better.”
A lifelong passion for service and agriculture led Parnell to serve as president of the state’s largest farm organization. In that role, he’s also CEO of Alfa Insurance.
“I get emotional trying to explain how much the Federation means to me,” Jimmy said. “My ranking of priorities is faith, family and Federation. It’s a big deal. It’s humbling and rewarding to be a part of it.”
Parnell took office in 2012, but his family’s Federation involvement dates to the early ‘90s when he got his start in Chilton County Young Farmers. He then served as State Young Farmers Committee chair, District 9 director and Chilton County Farmers Federation president. One of his proudest accomplishments came in 1999 when he and wife Robin won the Outstanding Young Farm Family (OYFF) competition.
“Winning the OYFF was a tremendous deal for me, Robin and our children,” Jimmy said. “At the time, I don’t think I realized the impact of it. I understand the significance of it now more than I did then.”
Parnell credits involvement in Young Farmers for his leadership success.
“Young Farmers is a stepping stone,” he said. “It’s a road that, if I hadn’t gone down, I wouldn’t have been prepared to do the job I do today. Our most important responsibility as an organization is providing a path for young farmers in agriculture. We are talking about the future. These farmers aren’t just preparing for a crop; they are preparing for multiple. It’s a long-term investment.”
He said his role as president is similar.
“My job is to take care of this organization and guide us for this year’s crop, but it’s also my responsibility to think about future crops — crops that I might not even be here to see planted or harvested,” Jimmy said. “I thrive on being able to help and serve others. I feel like I have been able to do that as president, but I haven’t done it alone.”
Family support has been essential, he said.
“You can’t do anything without family,” Jimmy said. “I have a good wife. I’m proud of my kids and grandkids. It takes a lot of work to do all that we do, but we do it together.”
A faith-driven family, Parnell and Robin raised children James Robert and Anna Grace at Hillcrest Baptist Church in Maplesville. Their number now includes daughter-in-law Jami and three grandchildren. They have the added blessing of raising Robin’s great-nephew, Ashton.
“I always told my father I wanted to marry a farmer,” said Robin, a retired nurse. “Marrying Jimmy was my dream come true. Having children on the farm, I saw agriculture through their eyes. Raising our kids and now having the grandkids is a blessing. It’s hard work, but it’s a beautiful life. I’m grateful for each friendship created through agriculture and the Federation.”