A local farmer was recently part of an exclusive leadership program through the Alabama Farmers Federation.

Franklin County farmer Gannon Nunley graduated from the Agricultural Leaders For Alabama program Dec. 5 during the Alabama Farmers Federation’s 101st annual meeting in Montgomery.

Sponsored by the Federation, A.L.F.A. Leaders’ 16 participants received training in agricultural policy, industry leadership, effective communication and organizational involvement during six institutes that included state and national legislative trips. An international experience to the United Kingdom will conclude their two-year program in January.

Federation President Jimmy Parnell hailed the program, which has cultivated local, state and national farm and government leaders.

“We are proud to invest in these young leaders,” Parnell said. “We see the impact A.L.F.A. Leaders and similar programs have had on our organization. This time and financial investment will pay dividends for decades to come.”

Members of Class V, which was first announced in December 2019, included farmers, Extension agents, agriscience educators and industry specialists, who were chosen based on a written application and interview.

Nunley is a poultry and cattle farmer in Vina.