April Dawn Hawthorne, a 20-year-old Troy University student, was crowned Miss Alabama Agriculture during the closing session of the 83rd annual meeting of the Alabama Farmers Federation Dec. 6 in Mobile.Miss Hawthorne, the daughter of Steve and Melody Hawthorne of Kinston, represented Pike County in the contest. As the winner, she received a $2,000 scholarship and the use of a 2005 Chevrolet TrailBlazer for the next year. Miss Hawthorne will represent Alfa Farmers at a variety of events during the coming year where she will promote the state’s largest industry–agriculture. The pageant is sponsored by the Federation’s Young Farmers Division.First alternate in the pageant was Grace Smith of Autauga County. She is the daughter of Van and Ann Smith of Prattville and received $750. Second alternate was Christina Frances Vranich of Dale County who received $500. She is the daughter of Yolanda and Branko Vranich of Ozark.Anna Linley of Morgan County was named third alternate in the pageant. She is the daughter of Vicki Linley of Decatur. She received $300. Pageant contestants elected Katlin Mulvaney of Lee County Miss Congeniality. She is the daughter of Donald and Janet Mulvaney of Opelika.MONTGOMERY SINGER WINS FEDERATION TALENT CONTESTHaley Mims, 25, of Montgomery County, took top honors in the Alabama Farmers Federation’s Talent Find Dec. 6 in Mobile.She performed “Amazing Grace,” which earned her a $1,000 cash award and thunderous applause from Alfa Farmers members. Mrs. Mims and her husband, Doug, live in Montgomery where they are student pastors at Evangel Temple. First alternate in the talent contest was Buffie Barnett of Tallapoosa County, who performed “That’s Him.” She is the daughter of Ricky and Barbara Barnett of Jackson’s Gap and received a $500 cash award.