The Alabama Farmers Federation has welcomed a familiar face as director of its Young Farmers Division. Hunter McBrayer, a commodity director whose roots run deep in Young Farmers, began his new role Aug. 23.

McBrayer said he is eager to travel the state, meet with members, increase engagement and help Young Farmers be more successful. 

“The Young Farmers program opened the door for me to learn more about the vital role the Federation can play in improving the lives of our farmers and rural Alabama,” said McBrayer, 32. “I look forward to forging new relationships with Young Farmers and working alongside staff in bringing in the next crop of Federation leaders.”

McBrayer joined the Federation three years ago, serving as director of the Bee & Honey and Greenhouse, Nursery & Sod divisions. He also was executive director of the Alabama Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association.

The Blount County native and former Alabama Cooperative Extension System agent earned respect and appreciation of members for his work on projects ranging from Sweet Grown Alabama and hemp to developing new transplant suppliers for strawberry growers.

An alumnus of the Agricultural Leaders For Alabama (A.L.F.A. Leaders) program, McBrayer was an avid competitor in Young Farmers contests, including Discussion Meet, where he was a three-time finalist.

“Hunter has a passion for leadership development and has strong relationships with many of our Young Farmers,” said Federation Executive Director Paul Pinyan. “I’m excited about the development of our next generation of leaders.”

A graduate of the University of Alabama with a degree in biology, McBrayer is finishing his master’s degree with Auburn University. He and wife Brooke, who is Communications Department assistant for the Federation, have a 16-month-old son, Mason. They live in Deatsville.

McBrayer replaces Young Farmers Division Director Jennifer Christenberry. The 9-year Federation veteran is transitioning to a new, part-time role with the Alabama FFA Foundation and leadership development, including the A.L.F.A. Leaders program.

Christenberry, a former state and national FFA officer, said she is excited to continue her work with Leaders while having more time with her husband, John, and son, John David. The Christenberrys reside in Montgomery.