Every day there are more people born; more mouths to feed; more backs to clothe. And fewer farmers to do the job. In Alabama, the average age of a farmer is 55 years old. There are fewer than 50,000 farmers in our state and fewer young people are pursuing farming as a means to make a living. If our country is to continue as a world leader in agricultural production, we need more young people to become farmers. That's an important goal of the Alabama Farmers Federation's Young Farmers Division. By coming together as part of the state's largest farm organization, young farmers between the ages of 17 and 35 can share their enthusiasm and experience with others and work toward building an even stronger farming future for themselves and generations to follow.

Our Mission
Participation in the program provides an opportunity for young farm families to become involved in a farm organization that will listen to their ideas and act on their needs. It develops leadership training and experience and expands the varied interests of young Alabamians. The Young Farmers Program creates awareness of the issues that face today's young farmers and focuses on solutions. A better understanding of agribusiness and current farm programs helps prepare young farmers to be good leaders and successful businessmen and women. The biggest reward, however, may come from just being with others who are drawn by a common bond - agriculture. Relationships formed among Young Farmers members have spanned decades. Now many of those former young farmers are serving key leadership roles in the Farmers Federation.

In Summary
The Young Farmers Program:

• Develops leadership training and experience;
• Expands the varied interests of young, rural Alabamians;
• Creates awareness of the problems that face today's young farmers, and focuses on solutions to overcome these problems;
• Promotes better understanding of agribusiness and current farm programs;
• Broadens understanding about the organization, operation and policies of Alabama Farmers Federation;
• Gives Alabama's young farmers the opportunity to have a vital voice in the largest farm organization in Alabama;
• Recognizes the achievements of young farmers.

To find out more about the Young Farmers Program and how you or someone you know can become a part of this group, contact the Alabama Farmers Federation at 1(800)392-5705, ext. 3153. Or click here to email us