By Marlee Jackson

Alabama Young Farmers are energetic, enthusiastic and excited.

Just ask the 450-plus who attended the 2025 Young Farmers Conference — the highest turnout since 2001.

Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell hailed the State Young Farmers Committee for organizing the impressive, educational, fellowship-filled conference in Muscle Shoals Feb. 14-15.

“There’s nothing more important to me than growing this Young Farmers program,” said Parnell, a Chilton County farmer who chaired the State Young Farmers Committee in 1997. “I realize our future as an organization depends on y’all. My job is to help raise that next group to carry this organization into the future. There are people in this room who 50 years from now will still be having an impact on Alabama agriculture.”

During the welcome banquet, Parnell encouraged Young Farmers to build relationships with each other. He also rallied the farmers representing 54 counties to advocate for Alfa Health Plans legislation.

That night, Young Farmers sent more than 240 emails to legislators asking for support of SB 84. The legislation would allow the Federation to offer members a health plan that could save them 30%-60% on monthly premiums.

State Young Farmers Committee Chair Denzil Dees said he hopes the conference lifted the spirits of peers working through a tough farm economy. The Sumter County catfish and cattle farmer noted the impact of fellowship with each other, particularly during a special ‘90s Country Night celebration. 

The energy carried over into Day 2, when packed buses departed for tours of impressive operations and industries in northwest Alabama.

Stops included Wilson Dam, Colbert County; Hardin Farms, Lawrence County; Red Land Cotton, Lawrence County; Spruell Farms, Lawrence County; Clemmons and Hamner Seed Inc., Lauderdale County; Ardent Mills, Morgan County; GreenPoint Ag, Morgan County; Reeves’ Peach Farm, Morgan County; and Weaver Meat Processing, Morgan County. A Muscle Shoals must-see — Fame Recording Studios — was a treat for one tour group.

Giggles and squeals from dozens of farm kids offered background noise during the conference, which was themed “Raised on Country.” That family friendly feel was reflected in a conference highlight — announcement of Outstanding Young Farm Family contest division winners. Those young farmers will serve ex-officio terms on state commodity committees and affiliated organization boards. They received $500 from the Federation.

They are Drew and Lauren Wendland, Autauga County, Hay & Forage; Cade and Shelby Easterling, Barbour County, Sheep & Goat; Christopher and Hannah Langley, Chambers County, Forestry; Jacob and Misty Porter, Clay County, Poultry; Tommy and Lauren Murray, Franklin County, Fruit & Vegetable; Heath Clary, Hale County, Catfish; Mitchell and Rebecca Henry, Lawrence County, Beef; and Garrett and Robin Dixon, Lee County, Peanut.

Judges named the Wendlands, Porters and Dixons Top 3 finalists. They received custom cedar chairs from the Best Adirondack Chair Co. and will compete for more than $80,000 in prizes during on-farm judging this summer. The winner will be announced during the Farm & Land Conference in Chattanooga, Tennessee, Aug. 16.

The perennial favorite live auction benefiting the Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation concluded the conference. Young Farmers raised nearly $28,000 to benefit ag literacy projects, youth livestock shows, scholarships and more.