Alabama Farms Invest $140K in 79 Student Futures

Alabama farmers just made a powerful statement about investing in tomorrow by awarding nearly $140,000 in scholarships to 79 Auburn University students who are training to become the next generation of agriculture leaders.

The Alabama Farmers Federation honored these students during their annual scholarship program at Lazenby Farms in Auburn on September 21. Through a partnership between the Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation and county Farmers Federations, these scholarships support undergraduates pursuing agriculture and forestry careers.

Butler County native Rileigh Rogers was among the recipients, earning the Jimmy Witt Memorial Scholarship as she begins her freshman year studying horticulture. She joins 78 other students whose dreams of working in agriculture just got a financial boost.

For senior Jackson Cleary from Calhoun County, the scholarship means more than tuition help. The agriscience major shared what this investment truly represents at the awards ceremony.

"Good farmers show up, adapt and invest in crops they will never see the end results of," Cleary said. "You don't know me well, but you invested in me. I haven't taught an ag class yet, but you planted the seeds here anyway."

Cleary plans to become an agriculture teacher, directly influencing future leaders. He sees every student he'll teach as part of the Federation's investment today.

The Ripple Effect

This investment extends far beyond 79 individual students. Each scholarship recipient will touch countless lives through their future work, whether in production agriculture, research labs, or classrooms across Alabama.

Federation President Jimmy Parnell, himself an Auburn College of Agriculture graduate, emphasized the organization's deep roots. The Federation began at Auburn almost 105 years ago, and strengthening that relationship remains a priority.

During the program, Parnell encouraged students to focus on three things: hard work, critical thinking, and building community. "If you can work hard, think and make friends, you will be successful," he told the gathered scholars and families.

The grassroots organization's commitment to giving back reflects the agricultural community's understanding of long-term investment. Farmers know better than anyone that you plant seeds today for harvests you may never see yourself.

Applications for the 2026-2027 scholarship cycle open November 1 at AlfaFarmers.org/scholarships, with a deadline of February 1, 2027.