Deep in the heart of Texas, more than just stars were big and bright.

During the 106th American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) annual convention in San Antonio, Young Farmers from Alabama shined brightly as they celebrated a first — competitors in all three Young Farmers & Ranchers (YF&R) contests advancing to their second rounds.

Those included Alabama’s 2024 Outstanding Young Farm Family Whit and Amanda Lovelady, who were selected for the Top 10 in the YF&R Achievement Award contest, as well as Will and Ali Gotcher of Colbert County, who made the Top 10 in Excellence in Agriculture.

After two rounds of competition, Levi Noles of Randolph County advanced to the Sweet 16 in Discussion Meet, where he and other semi-finalists tackled the topic of increasing domestic energy production while minimizing the loss of agricultural land and protecting private property rights.

“I am very proud of how well our Young Farmers represent Alabama,” said Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell. “The Young Farmers program is growing. Our state is blessed with some of the best and brightest who have the potential to become great leaders in agriculture.”

Around 90 Federation members and staff joined the crowd of nearly 5,000 from across the country who attended the convention Jan. 25-29. The theme of “Step Up. Drive Forward.” was reinforced through motivational keynote addresses from Lt. Col. Dan Rooney, founder of the nonprofit Folds for Honor, and former NFL player Eric Boles.

AFBF President Zippy Duvall echoed the optimistic tone while challenging farmers to make the most out of changing circumstances.

“With a new Congress and new administration in Washington, it’s an important time to engage with our leaders and build relationships,” Duvall said in his address to convention attendees. “You all know what a tough battle the farm bill has been. While we appreciate Congress passing another extension, we will not let up.”

During an informational session, House Agriculture Committee Chair G.T. Thompson, R-Pa., and Ranking Member Angie Craig, D-Minn., spoke about the farm bill before a standing-room-only crowd.

“With President Trump, one of his priorities is farmers,” said Thompson, who emphasized the importance of confirming the appointment of Brooke Rollins as U.S. secretary of agriculture. said. “I don’t really have a timeframe for the farm bill except to say sooner than later. The problems in agriculture haven’t gone away. Our leadership on both sides of the aisle recognizes that, and we have a lot of work ahead of us.”

During the annual Flapjack Fundraiser, the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture announced its 18th Book of the Year — “The Soil in Jackie’s Garden.” Alabama’s Women’s Leadership and Young Farmers divisions planned to distribute copies of the book during the Young Farmers Conference in February.

Additional convention highlights included a private rodeo and barbecue supper at Pedrotti’s Ranch with Florida Farm Bureau Federation members, plus special awards. Alabama was recognized in four categories: Advocacy, Coalitions & Partnerships, Engagement & Outreach, and Leadership & Business Development. The Federation also received the Navigator Award for membership growth and the Apex Award for increased contributions to the American Farm Bureau Foundation for Agriculture.

Delegates also represented Alabama during the Annual Meeting of American Farm Bureau Women. For the second year, two youth delegates attended special leadership development sessions. Sponsored by the Federation, those were Alabama FFA President Jessa Usery of Limestone County and Alabama 4-H Vice President Sarah Sloughfy of Calhoun County.

The convention closed Jan. 28 with the annual voting delegate session, where 19 Alabama farmers participated in setting AFBF policy. The 107th convention is set for Jan. 9-14 in Anaheim, California.