Alabama Farmer's Federation Annual Meeting coming to Montgomery | Events

For just the third time in the history of the Alabama Farmers Federation, Montgomery will host the group’s 91st Annual Meeting Dec. 2-3. More than 1,200 members will converge in the Capital City for the occasion, which features awards, elections and speeches from Gov. Robert Bentley, political strategist Karl Rove and American Farm Bureau Federation President Bob Stallman.

“We’re excited for the meeting to come to Montgomery and feel the city offers three big advantages with the Montgomery Performing Arts Center, the Renaissance Hotel and the Montgomery Convention Center all under one roof,” said Destinations Director David Smart. “The facilities provide everything necessary for our delegates and exhibitors.”

Gov. Robert Bentley is the featured speaker for the opening session Dec. 2, scheduled from 4 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. Members will have the opportunity to attend a concert by Grammy-award winner Dwight Yoakam later that evening.

During the final business session Dec. 3, 500 voting delegates from around the state will discuss policy and elect leaders, including president of the 380,000-member organization. Earlier this year, Alabama Farmers Federation President Jerry Newby announced he would not seek re-election.

Karl Rove, a political strategist and former deputy chief of staff under George W. Bush, is the keynote speaker for the closing session. Known as the architect of Bush’s 2000 and 2004 campaigns, Rove is now a columnist for The Wall Street Journal and a commentator for Fox News. He is the author of a New York Times Bestseller, Courage and Consequence: My Life as a Conservative in the Fight.

Also during the closing general session, winners will be selected for three Young Farmers competitions: Outstanding Young Farm Family (OYFF), Discussion Meet and Excellence in Ag.

Valued at more than $50,000, prizes for this year’s OYFF recipient include a new GM model truck valued at $35,000, courtesy of Alfa Insurance; a new 825i John Deere Gator, courtesy of Alabama Ag Credit and Alabama Farm Credit; a lease on a John Deere Tractor, courtesy of Tri-Green, Sun South and Snead Ag; a computer package, courtesy of CCS Technology/ValCom Wireless; and an expense paid trip to the American Farm Bureau Federation’s (AFBF) annual meeting in Nashville in January, courtesy of the Alabama Farmers Federation.

Discussion Meet and Excellence in Ag winners receive $1,000 each, an expense-paid trip to the AFBF annual meeting in Nashville and a plaque. The runner-up in the Discussion Meet receives $500 and a plaque. First South Farm Credit and the Alabama Farmers Federation are furnishing the prizes for these contests.

Other awards presented during the meeting include the 2012 Communications Award given to the Geneva County Reaper and the Image of Agriculture award given to retiring artist Jack Deloney.

GM, official sponsor of the Alabama Farmers Federation, will participate for the second consecutive year at the meeting and promote the Farm Bureau-GM private offer, which provides Federation members with a $500 discount toward the lease or purchase of a new 2011, 2012 or 2013 Buick, Chevrolet or GMC vehicle. Since September 2011, Federation members have saved more than $1 million through this member benefit.

Information Source: ALFA