Enterprise native Grace Heim has joined the Alabama Farmers Federation’s External Affairs Department, bringing experience from inside the Alabama State House to her new role representing the interests of farmers and rural communities.

The Federation announced Heim joined its lobbying team on Aug. 17 as a director of state legislative programs. She will work on policy issues affecting farmers and rural Alabama while taking an active role in the State House during legislative sessions.

Heim is also a familiar name to Yellowhammer News. She previously interned with YHN, adding to a background that includes experience in state government, politics, and communications.

“I care about making sure Alabama’s farmers have a voice in the policy decisions that affect them, and I have seen how those decisions get made,” said Heim, who studied political science at Auburn University. “I’m excited to put that understanding to work for our state’s farmers.”

Before joining the Federation, Heim worked as a legislative assistant for the clerk of the Alabama House of Representatives and as communications director for the House Majority Office.

Federation External Affairs Department Director Brian Hardin said that State House experience will be an asset as the organization prepares for the 2027 legislative session.

“We’re excited for Grace to put boots on the ground, meet our farmers and form relationships with the people we’re here to serve,” Hardin said. “At the same time, she has a breadth of experience and deep relationships that will pay dividends both in the State House and in Alabama communities. We’re already preparing for the 2027 Legislative Session and are pleased to have Grace on our team.”

Heim’s political and government experience also includes internships with U.S. Sen. Katie Britt (R-Montgomery); the Alabama House Ways and Means Education Committee; the Alabama Law Institute; and the Republican National Committee.

While at Auburn, Heim was a sports reporter and assistant sports editor for The Auburn Plainsman. She also served as a counselor for Alabama Girls State.

The Alabama Farmers Federation is the state’s largest farm organization, with more than 350,000 members across all 67 counties, and is a member of the American Farm Bureau Federation.

Sherri Blevins is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News. You may contact her at [email protected].