FROM STAFF REPORTS

Shelby County Farmers Federation members Robert Byrd and Jesse Touchstone received individual awards for their leadership and service during the Alabama Farmers Federation’s annual meeting Dec. 9.

Byrd was honored with an Individual Leadership Award for Service to a Commodity Division. He is a longtime member of the Shelby County Farmers Federation’s Greenhouse, Nursery & Sod Committee and recently received the Alabama Nursery & Landscape Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award. He has also served his county as a FarmPAC Advisory Committee member.

Byrd received the award during the second general session of the Federation’s 98th annual meeting in Montgomery, which drew over 1,200 attendees to the Capital City.

Touchstone was honored with an Individual Leadership Award for Service to the Young Farmers Division. As chairman of the Shelby County Young Farmers, Touchstone took the lead in helping fourth-graders at Chelsea Park Elementary School build a raised bed garden and taught the students how to plant and care for fruits and vegetables.

Also during the annual meeting, new Shelby County Farmers Federation President John DeLoach and outgoing President Jimmy Bice were recognized during the Presidents Luncheon.

Bice received a plaque for his six years of service, and DeLoach received a pin to commemorate his election.

New Shelby County Farmers Federation President John DeLoach and outgoing President Jimmy Bice were recognized during the Presidents Luncheon at the Alabama Farmers Federation’s 98th annual meeting Dec. 9 in Montgomery. Bice, center, received a plaque for his six years of service, and DeLoach, right, received a pin to commemorate his election. The two are pictured with Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell.