A 10-year veteran of the Alabama Farmers Federation home office is taking his experience to the field as an area organization director for Bibb, Dallas, Greene, Hale, Perry, Pickens, Sumter and Tuscaloosa counties.

Mac Higginbotham, 40, began work with the Federation in 2008 in the Governmental and Agricultural Programs (GAP) Department where he served as the Bee & Honey; Horticulture; and Greenhouse, Nursery & Sod Divisions director and executive director of the Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association (AFVGA). He began his new position with the Federation’s Organization Department July 2.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my 10 years working in the home office. I’ve made some life-long friends, and I really appreciate the relationships I’ve built and experience I’ve gained,” Higginbotham said. “I’m looking forward to building more relationships, working with the counties in Area 6 and helping their programs develop and grow.”

Higginbotham said he will continue to assist his former commodity divisions through the Federation’s Commodity Conference Producers in August or until his replacement is named. He also will continue working with the AFVGA as it prepares for its annual conference in November.

As area organization director, Higginbotham is a liaison between the state and county Federations, providing communication between both groups.

The Federation has 10 areas across the state. Organization Department Director Mike Tidwell said Higginbotham is a welcome addition to his team.

“The fact Mac is coming to us from the commodity division is very exciting to me,” Tidwell said. “Brian Hardin (GAP Department director) and I have worked hard to tear down all walls between our teams. This move should be a big step in that direction by providing insight we haven’t had before.”

A Chilton County native, Higginbotham grew up on his family farm near Maplesville. He’s an Auburn University graduate with a bachelor’s degree in agronomy and soil science. 

He and wife Janie raise cattle and timber on their farm in Orrville with their three children.