When hundreds of young farmers convene in the Capital City for the Alabama Farmers Federation Young Farmers Conference March 3-5, they’re in for a weekend full of education, fellowship and fun.

The Federation’s Jennifer Himburg said the conference, which features a new addition of tours, will encourage and educate farmers on how to improve their properties.

“We’re touring some of the most impressive and innovative farms in central and east Alabama,” said Himburg, the Federation’s Young Farmers Division director. “This conference is a great networking and educational opportunity to inspire the next generation of farmers.”

The conference begins Friday evening at the Montgomery Renaissance Hotel and Convention Center with contestant interviews for Alabama’s 2017 Outstanding Young Farm Family (OYFF). Federation President Jimmy Parnell will welcome attendees to Montgomery during the conference kickoff banquet, and a performance by the country and Southern rock band Trotline wraps up day one.

OYFF contestant interviews continue Saturday morning. During breakfast, attendees will hear about current legislative issues, followed by tours of beef cattle, row crop and horticulture farms.

“Our goal is for these tours to trigger ideas and motivate our members so they can improve their properties and businesses,” Himburg said.

Commodity division winners and three OYFF finalists will be named at the closing banquet. Finalists compete later this year for more than $60,000 in prizes.

The conference concludes Saturday evening with a live auction benefiting the Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation. Last year, the auction raised more than $7,000.