AFVGA Huddles Up for Annual Conference

By Maggie Edwards

A football-themed specialty crop conference huddled together almost 300 farmers, industry professionals and vendors in Gulf Shores Feb. 4-6.

Alabama Fruit & Vegetable Growers Association (AFVGA) Executive Director Blake Thaxton said the theme "Game Plan for Growth: Team AFVGA" was a testament to farmers' hustle and heart.

"Football is a big deal in Alabama, so we felt this theme would really resonate, especially since the conference was held right before the Super Bowl," Thaxton said. "It reflects the spirit of teamwork AFVGA members have to bring fresh produce to consumers."

The conference created a team-like atmosphere, giving producers the playbook for cultivating crops, fighting plant diseases and marketing products.

"Just like a successful team, progress in agriculture depends on us working together, sharing ideas and supporting one another," said AFVGA President Taylor Hatchett of Chilton County. "The past year brought change, opportunity and lots of hard work for growers. This event gets us together to discuss weather challenges, new markets and updated production practices."

The conference agenda included a packed session on marketing led by Hatchett.

Additionally, a slate of standout speakers highlighted various crops and technologies. From drone spraying to disease protection, farmers took a deep dive into ways to become more profitable.

New this year was an integrated pest management workshop led by Alabama Extension, plus roundtable talks on flowers, farm-to-school programs, indoor growing and wholesale marketing.

AFVGA honored an outstanding crop of individuals, too.

Dylan Teel of Bejo Seeds received the Partner of the Year Award for continuous support of the AFVGA Trade Show.

Lawrence County's Larry LouAllen received the Exceptional Achievement Award - the association's highest honor.

"I thank this group for allowing me to serve them," said LouAllen, a fourth-generation farmer from Moulton. "Serving AFVGA has been a highlight of my life - that I could be a part of something like this. I am honored. I am also filled with hope seeing so many young people here involved in agriculture."

Pike County's Don Wambles was honored with the AFVGA Service to Horticulture Award for his work through the Alabama Farmers Market Authority. Wambles became a fearless proponent of specialty crops, often scoring touchdowns for Alabama horticulture on state and national stages.

"I'm truly humbled by this," Wambles said. "It's an honor to be recognized by (the farmers) who I went to work for every day for 30 years. Every decision I ever made, I asked myself three questions: Is this going to glorify God? Is this going to bring honor to my family? Is this going to help a farmer?"

The inaugural Grow Forward Award, sponsored by First South Farm Credit, highlighted farmers with innovative ideas.

Covington County's Sidney and Sheryl McKathan claimed the Grow Forward Award and $5,000 after an in-depth application and presentation.

The McKathans' farm, Pleasant Pastures, began in 2019 with honeybee hives. It has grown into a well-loved specialty crop and agritourism operation in Andalusia.

"I feel blessed to have others believe in our farm as much as we do," Sheryl said. "When we saw the award advertised, it caught our eyes. We knew it would be something to challenge us. It would also benefit our farm in the long run."

In addition, the Jimmy Witt Memorial Scholarship was presented to Auburn University student Nate Payne, while the AFVGA Scholarship went to Troy University student Tori Hobbs.

During the Tailgate Party ticket fundraiser, conference attendees raised over $4,000 for scholarships.

The 2027 AFVGA conference is Feb. 3-5 in Gulf Shores.

AFVGA is an affiliated association of the Alabama Farmers Federation.