The Alabama Farmers Federation welcomed two Auburn University (AU) College of Agriculture seniors as summer interns May 20. Cohen Luker and Jonathan Parten will help guide the organization’s grassroots efforts through policy development and legislative affairs.
Talladega County native Luker will work with the Governmental & Agricultural Programs (GAP) Department to assist commodity directors with policy and preparations for the organization’s Farm & Land Conference.
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Luker brings a wealth of agricultural knowledge and insight to the Federation, said GAP Department Director Mitt Walker.
“Cohen’s family has been active in the Talladega County Farmers Federation for decades,” Walker said. “We’re excited for him to put boots on the ground working for farmers across the state. His farm experiences will be key for a successful summer.”
Luker, 22, grew up on his family’s row crop operation in Talladega. He’s worked for Luker Family Farms since 2010. Now, he’s studying agricultural business and economics with a minor crop and soil sciences in the AU College of Agriculture.
Continued involvement in agricultural organizations is a priority for Luker. It’s important to stay active in AU Young Farmers and AU Collegiate Cattlemen, Luker said.
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“Growing up on the farm and around Federation events instilled in me a passion for agriculture,” Luker said. “I’m ready to branch out and learn about Alabama’s diverse commodities, meet the faces of the state’s ag industry and try a different style of working. I’m ready to get to work with the GAP team and see what role the Federation plays in guiding agricultural policy. Alfa is a big family, and I am proud to be part of it.”
Lee County native Parten, 21, will work with the Federation’s External Affairs and Organization departments.
Parten is a distinguished leader at AU and will serve the organization well with his knowledge of the legislative process, said Federation External Affairs Department Director Brian Hardin.
“As the AU College of Agriculture president, Jonathan understands the importance of advocating for Alabama agriculture,” Hardin said. “He will be a great asset to the team. We look forward to seeing what he brings to the table and how his ideas will help serve farmers.”
Parten excels in AU involvement. He’s majoring in agricultural business and economics with a minor in political science, plus, he’s active in numerous organizations and is an AU College of Agriculture ambassador.
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“I have always been interested in the advocacy side of agriculture,” Parten said. “Throughout my AU career, I have enjoyed learning about ag policy and how policy impacts farmers’ operations. I met Brian through the AU Ag Alumni Club. He inspired me. I knew I wanted to learn from him. Being an Alabama native, Alfa Insurance and the Federation are familiar to me. I’m excited to see how I can play a positive role in the organization this summer.”
These young people are the future of Alabama agriculture, said Federation and Alfa President Jimmy Parnell.
“Real-world experience is a key component to a student’s success,” Parnell said. “It’s my hope Cohen and Jonathan will create relationships with Alabama farmers and industry leaders that will help them in the future.”
Courtesy of ALFA Farmers
