Auburn, Ala. (WDNews) — Agriculture and community service were highlighted Thursday during the annual Farm-City Banquet in Auburn, where students, farmers and local leaders gathered to celebrate achievements tied to this year’s theme, “Grow Alabama.”
The theme reflects a recent economic study showing the impact of agriculture and forestry across the state. Organizers say the goal is to help students and communities better understand the role farming plays locally and statewide.
“We were amazed at the talent this year,” said Alabama Farm-City Committee Chairman Jeff Helms. “From brightly detailed posters and carefully crafted essays to top-notch Farm-City tours and banquets, 2025 was a big year for county participation. The theme was wonderfully incorporated in so many unique ways. Grow Alabama is a great reminder of the role farmers play in the state and national economy.”
Eighteen students from kindergarten through 12th grade were recognized for their work in poster, essay and video contests focused on how agriculture contributes to Alabama. Winners received cash prizes, and their work will be featured in the 2027 Alabama Farm-City Calendar.
Several Wiregrass-area students earned honors, including Kathryn Moore of G.W. Long High School, who placed second in the seventh- through ninth-grade essay contest, and Ella Hicks, also of G.W. Long, who placed second in the high school video competition.
County Farm-City committees were also recognized for their efforts, with Houston County earning Best Civic Club Programs in Division I. In Division II, Geneva County was named Best Farm-City Committee and Best Farm-City Dinner, while Dale County received multiple honors, including runner-up Best Committee and additional awards.
Two Geneva County volunteers, Debbie Dunn and Sharon Turner, were named Volunteers of the Year. Zandi Foss of Dale County received the Farm-City Service Award.
The event also recognized CK Cattle of Lowndes County as the 2026 Farm of Distinction for its work in cattle production, environmental stewardship and support of young farmers. The family-run operation will go on to represent Alabama in a regional farming competition later this year.
The Houston County Farm-City Committee was honored for the Best Civic Club Activities Award for larger population counties during the Alabama Farm-City Awards Luncheon in Auburn April 9. Houston County received cash prizes from the Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation (AFAF) for their work, which centered around the theme Grow Alabama. Throughout 2025, members of the committee shared the Grow Alabama concept with Rotary and Kiwanis clubs, the National Peanut Festival board and local 4-H students, in addition to the Ashford Study Club. From left are Alabama Farm-City Committee Chair Jeff Helms, Houston County Farm-City Committee Chair Micah Johnson and AFAF board member Mahlon Richburg.
