Incoming Franklin County Farmers Federation President David Herring was recognized during the Presidents Luncheon at the Alabama Farmers Federation’s 95th annual meeting Dec. 5 in Montgomery. The Franklin County Farmers Federation also received recognition.

Herring was given a pin to commemorate his election. He replaces former county president Charles Ezzell, who served for 24 years.

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Herring also accepted the Franklin County Farmers Federation’s Award for Excellence at the annual meeting in Montgomery. The award recognizes counties excelling in five sections of the Federation: organization, agricultural programs, governmental affairs, and the county’s Women’s Leadership and Young Farmers committees. Herring is pictured with Federation Executive Director Paul Pinyan.

Ezzell, who has a farm in Burnout, said he greatly enjoyed his many years as head of the local organization. “I’ve just enjoyed meeting folks from all across the state and even outside the state,” said Ezzell, who this year was honored with the Franklin County Farm-City Farmer of the Year and Agricultural Lifetime Achievement Awards.

Facing some health challenges, Ezzell – and the local board of directors, with which he will remain active – decided it was time to give someone else the president’s reins. “I just felt like it was time to let some younger person have it,” Ezzell said.

He turned to Herring, of Russellville, who has served as vice president for years.

Herring said he is eager to learn as much as he can and continue the Federation’s active involvement in community events and efforts, serving now as president. He said he has some big shoes to fill, in taking over for Ezzell.

“It’s quite a job. He’s done an excellent job over the years, and I’ve got a lot to learn,” Herring said.

The Franklin County Farmers Federation received the Award for Excellence, an award also bestowed on the county last year. The award recognizes counties excelling in five sections of the Federation: organization, agricultural programs, governmental affairs and the county’s Women’s Leadership and Young Farmers committees.

The awards were part of the two-day meeting with more than 1,200 farmers from across the state, which included elections, policy making, a concert from Sara Evans, awards presentation and a closing address from Fox News correspondent Dana Perino. During an Ag Issues Briefing in the morning, international speaker and GMO advocate Mark Lynas kicked off an educational campaign by the Federation to help farmers better explain modern agricultural practices — particularly the use of GMOs — to the general public.

Other Monday events included elections to the State Board of Directors and awards for individual leaders and excellent county Federations. Other highlights included State Young Farmers and State Women’s Leadership committees’ elections and auctions raising $17,415 for the Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation.
The Alabama Farmers Federation is the state’s largest farm organization with 360,000 members.