By Maggie Gaddy

The Alabama Farmers Federation continues to grow the future of Alabama agriculture through investments in scholars pursuing agriculture- and forestry-related careers.

Seventy-nine students were honored Sept. 21 during the annual scholarship awards program at Lazenby Farms in Auburn. Through a partnership between the Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation (AFAF) and county Farmers Federations, almost $140,000 in scholarships was awarded to Auburn University (AU) undergraduates.

For Calhoun County native Jackson Cleary, that investment is turning a passion for agriculture into a promising career. A senior studying agriscience education, Cleary said the scholarship provides more than financial support.

“Good farmers show up, adapt and invest in crops they can’t immediately see the end results of,” Cleary said. “No one plants on Monday and sees the harvest on Tuesday. Y’all (farmers) don’t know me well, but you invested in me. I haven’t taught an ag class yet, but you planted the seeds here anyway. I don’t take that for granted.” 

Cleary said his job as an ag teacher will directly influence the next generation of leaders.

“Whether my students end up in production agriculture, a lab, an office or anywhere in between, I want them to leave my classroom knowing what ag is and the importance of it,” Cleary said. “All of my future students are a part of the Federation’s investment today. Thank you to anyone who has ever put money toward a student trying to do this same thing. It truly matters, and I am proof of that.” 

Cleary’s gratitude was echoed by families who gathered to celebrate their scholars.

Cullman County Farmers Federation President Ben Haynes and wife Whitney proudly watched their son, Jack, receive one of eight special endowed scholarships during the banquet. They raise row crops, cattle and their six children — who range from 18-year-old Jack to 4-year-old Rueben — in Fairview.

“If you know me, you will hear me say, ‘The Lord knows,’” Whitney said. “This May, we wrote our last check for daycare…I was so proud. Then the fall came, and I wrote my first college tuition check. The Lord knew this scholarship would be beneficial to us financially, but it has to be more than that.”

Whitney said Jack, who is majoring in biological and agricultural technology management, has seen the risk and reward of involvement in agriculture. 

“He has walked those steps right along with us and still chose to pursue a career in agriculture,” Whitney said. “The Federation has planted seeds for his success. When you invest in a student’s education, you invest in the future of agriculture. You tell these young people there is room at the table for them. For the little boy who spent his evenings flipping through tractor catalogs, this scholarship is full of meaning.” 

Federation President Jimmy Parnell said the grassroots organization is proud to give back to young people. 

“We are very supportive of Auburn,” said Parnell, an AU College of Agriculture alumnus. “Our beginnings of the Federation started at Auburn almost 105 years ago. We work hard to continue strengthening that relationship.” 

During the program, Parnell encouraged students to work hard and create community with peers.

“Hard work will set you apart quicker than anything else,” Parnell said. “Learn to reason, take in facts and put out effort. In our society, thinking and figuring out solutions are important. If you can work hard, think and make friends, you will be successful.” 

Students can apply for scholarships Nov. 1-Feb. 1 at AlfaFarmers.org/scholarships.