Headland, Ala. (WDNews) — According to the Alabama Farmers Federation, Henry County farmer Emmanuel Bankston has been appointed to the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee, marking a major milestone in a leadership journey that has stretched across three states and more than a decade of agricultural service.
Bankston, 35, recently traveled to Washington, D.C., as the newest member of the national committee. The Headland-area farmer said agriculture has remained a lifelong passion rooted in family and community.
“Being able to tell people their food is healthy, nutritious and was grown sustainably by hard-working American farmers is a story worth telling,” Bankston said. “If I can do any little part to promote our industry and help the consumer understand where their food comes from, that’s my life’s work.”
According to the federation, Bankston grew up moving frequently as the son of a U.S. Marine but found his connection to farming through his grandfather’s cattle operation in Georgia.
“I’m what you would call a ‘skip-generation farmer,’” he said. “My granddad raised cattle in Georgia. That’s where I picked up the love and the passion for agriculture.”
Bankston later attended Clemson University before working for Archer-Daniels-Midland and eventually relocating to Headland to oversee the Golden Peanut buying point. He purchased his first farm in 2020 and has since expanded his cattle and forage operation.
“This is my first farm. I purchased it back in 2020 before COVID,” Bankston said. “It’s my pride and joy.”
The federation said Bankston currently serves on the Henry County Farmers Federation board and previously completed four years on the Alabama Farmers Federation State Young Farmers Committee, including a term as vice chairman.
American Farm Bureau Federation President Zippy Duvall later appointed him to the national committee.
“I want to make it better and make sure that if you’re a young person involved in agriculture, the first thing you think about when you want to get involved is, ‘I want to be part of Farm Bureau,’” Bankston said.
Federation Young Farmers Division Director Hunter McBrayer praised Bankston’s leadership and commitment to agriculture.
“From collegiate Farm Bureau to YF&R and through service on three different state committees to the national level, Emmanuel has built a strong network, remained deeply engaged in the process and established himself as a respected leader among farmers — no matter their age — across the country,” McBrayer said.
