The Alabama Farm-City Committee this week began accepting at-large applications for its annual Farm of Distinction contest and will run through February 4.
The winner of the contest will receive over $15,000 in prizes and have the opportunity to compete against other top farmers for the title of Swisher/Sunbelt Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year.
Alabama Farm-City Committee chairman Jeff Helms advised that the Farm of Distinction is the state agricultural industry’s “most prestigious award.”
“[I]t recognizes farm families who excel in management, innovation, stewardship and community engagement,” said Helms. “The list of winners since the program’s inception in 1986 reads like a who’s who of Alabama agriculture. From row crop and cattle farmers to catfish, poultry and greenhouse growers, these men and women are the standard bearers for the state’s leading industry.”
Agricultural experts will evaluate at-large applications, and the three finalists will be visited by judges in late February or early March. According to the committee, the overall winner and second place finisher will be announced on April 7 in Birmingham at the Alabama Farm-City Awards Luncheon.
“Visiting the farms of our finalists is a highlight of the year for me and our judges,” added Helms. “The families who operate these farms inspire us with their faith, ingenuity, resilience and servant leadership. We look forward to showcasing more outstanding individuals and adding another name to the distinguished list of Farm of Distinction winners.”
The 2022 Farm of Distinction winner will receive a John Deere Gator, courtesy of AgPro, SunSouth and TriGreen dealers. Additionally, the winner will receive an engraved farm sign from Alabama Farmers Federation and Alfa Insurance, as well as a $1,000 gift certificate from Alabama Farmers Cooperative.
Alabama’s representative in the Southeastern competition will also be given $2,500 in cash and an expense-paid trip to the Sunbelt Ag Expo October 18-20 from Swisher, along with additional prizes.
The runner-up will receive a Traeger grill and supplies valued at $1,000 from First South Farm Credit and a $500 gift card courtesy of Alabama Farmers Cooperative.
Dylan Smith is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @DylanSmithAL
