FROM STAFF REPORTS

John DeLoach of Shelby County is among 17 young professionals statewide selected for the Alabama Farmers Federation’s Agricultural Leaders for Alabama program.

Federation Young Farmers Director Jennifer Himburg said the intensive, two-year leaning experience equips participants to be more engaged in agribusiness, public policy, farm organizations and their communities.

“The ALFA program focuses on personal development, political involvement, effective communication and understanding of the Alabama Farmers Federation,” Himburg said. “This is the fourth ALFA class. Previous class members now serve as county presidents, county board members and as leaders on the county, state and national levels.”

DeLoach, who is a row crop farmer, was chosen for the program based on a written application and interview. Criteria included communication skills, understanding of agricultural trends and issues, leadership skills and an interest in service beyond participants’ own self interest.

The program consists of six multi-day sessions, including a Washington, D.C., advocacy experience and an out-of-state agricultural tour. The first session is June 28-July 1.

The ALFA class includes Taber Ellis, Autauga; Lance Miller, Blount; Amy Burgess, Blount/Etowah; Eli Howard, Cullman; Wendy Yeager, Dallas; Leah McElmoyl, DeKalb; Beth Hornsby, Lee; Tyler Sandlin, Limestone; David Lee, Lowndes; Stinson Ellis, Lowndes; Samantha Carpenter, Madison; Hunter McBrayer, Marshall; Cooper Holmes, Perry; John DeLoach, Shelby; Jeremy Wilson, Talladega; Daniel Stubbs, Walker; and Russell Miller, Walker.

“This class has incredible potential for serving the federation in many areas for years to come,” Himburg said. “We look forward to seeing the relationships they will foster and watching them grow together. I have no doubt this class will serve as exceptional leaders and be a part of the backbone of our organization’s future.”

For more information about the ALFA program, visit Alfayoungfarmers.org.