By Tanner Hood

At the Alabama State House, a handful of farm kids have swapped boots for blazers — serving as pages in the Alabama Legislature and learning firsthand how agriculture earns its seat at the policy table.

The page program places students in the House and Senate, where they deliver messages between members, observe committee meetings and floor debate, and interact with lawmakers who shape Alabama’s agricultural policy. 

Cullman County’s Lola Kate Haynes first served as a page in 2024 and returned for a second session. She said serving in both the House and Senate was eye-opening.

“I enjoyed meeting new people and have been able to gain many opportunities through those connections,” said Lola Kate, 15. “One of the main things I learned about was how a bill must go through committee before being considered by the whole chamber and how the leaders of both the House and Senate are selected.”

Whitney Haynes said the experience helped her daughter better understand the importance of interacting with legislators and state leaders.

“Lola Kate was able to see adults engage in debate and advocate for the causes important to them,” said Whitney, an educator and Alabama Farmers Federation A.L.F.A. Leaders Class VI graduate. “She learned so much from her experience, made new friends and walked away with a new appreciation for our state government.”

A former House page, Whitney said sharing the experience with her daughter sparked memories and rekindled her passion for advocacy. 

“Giving our children the opportunity to take responsibility and flex their ‘maturity muscles’ is one of the best things we can do for them in their formative years,” Whitney said. “That real-life experience stayed with me all these years. Advocacy is important, and belonging to an organization like the Alabama Farmers Federation that can fight for policy can help us as individuals, communities and farmers.”

A similar story unfolded for Jefferson County’s Cash Nelson.

“Being a page for the House has been a cool experience,” said Cash, 14, who volunteered during the 2025 and 2026 sessions. “I got to sit in on debates and see how bills move through the process, which makes government feel way more real. I’ve learned that no matter what side of the aisle you sit on, you have to be friends with everyone and work together to get a bill on the governor’s desk.”

Cash’s mother, Christy Nelson, highlighted the need for young people to see government in action and understand its role in everyday life.

“This is important because agriculture and government are closely connected,” Christy said. “When young farmers understand how the legislative process works, they’re better prepared to advocate for their communities and ensure agriculture has a strong voice at the table. Experiences like this can truly inspire young people and leave a lasting impact.”

Federation External Affairs Department Director Brian Hardin said seeing farm kids in the State House reaffirms his faith in the future.

“Working with legislators every day reminds us that the impact we make on our young people today will shape who they are tomorrow,” Hardin said. “It’s so important for our young farm families to be involved in the legislative process and show young people that this is an important avenue to serve our farming communities. We appreciate the lawmakers who welcome these students and hope this will continue for years to come.”

Contact a local legislator for more information on paging in the House or Senate.