Federation Introduces New Class of A.L.F.A. Leaders

By Lydia East

Class VII of the Agricultural Leaders for Alabama (A.L.F.A. Leaders) program was announced June 29 after a strenuous application and interview process.

Fourteen participants who range from farmers and ag lenders to Extension agents will become part of a distinguished network of Alabama Farmers Federation leaders whose involvement and personal growth advanced through the prestigious leadership experience.

A.L.F.A. Leaders is sponsored by the Federation and creates an intensive learning environment by focusing on individual development, political involvement, effective communication and understanding of grassroots leadership.

"A.L.F.A. Leaders is Alabama's premier ag leadership initiative," said Ag Leadership Programs Director Hunter McBrayer, who is a Class IV graduate. "It refines leadership and creates better advocates for agriculture across local communities, Alabama and our country. A.L.F.A. Leaders changes lives."

Program graduates have gone on to become county presidents, board members, legislators and other leaders at the local, state and national level. More than 300 difference-makers have graduated from A.L.F.A. Leaders and its predecessor, the Alabama Agriculture and Forestry Leadership Development Program.

The program begins in September and will conclude with a capstone project presentation and graduation at the 2028 Farm & Land Conference. Participants will enhance their skills in agricultural policy, industry leadership, productive communication and organizational involvement at six seminars in Alabama, Washington, D.C., and a to-be-determined international location.

Participants were chosen by an independent selection committee comprised of former class members and stakeholders with a deep-rooted commitment to agricultural leadership development.

Selection is based on community involvement, personal ability and character. The program is designed for agricultural leaders ages 25 to 45.

Members of A.L.F.A. Leaders Class VII are:

• Shelby Easterling, Barbour County, poultry, cattle and sheep farmer
• Charlie Langley, Chambers County, cattle farmer and logger
• Karah Skinner, Cleburne County, cattle farmer and social media influencer
• Jonathan Sanders, Coffee County, row crop and cattle farmer
• Caleb Elrod, Cullman County, cattle farmer and school principal
• Amanda Baker, Fayette County, cattle ultrasound technician and meat market owner
• Tyler Walker, Geneva County, commercial beekeeper
• William Stewart, Jackson County, row crop farmer
• Hunter Rogers, Limestone County, agriscience teacher
• Kristen Roberson, Marshall County, county Extension director
• Jake Tucker, Monroe County, cattle farmer and agricultural lender
• Laura Jean Mitchell, Montgomery County, agricultural communicator
• Ben Johnson, Randolph County, poultry, cattle and row crop farmer
• Levi Noles, Randolph County, agriscience teacher