By Brandon Moseley
The Alabama Farmers Federation announced more endorsements in the coming 2022 elections.
The group endorsed incumbent State Rep. Rhett Marques (R) for Alabama House District 91, which is in Coffee County.
“Rep. Marques cares about the work of the farmers in our district,” said Carl Sanders, Coffee County Farmers Federation president. “He works hard for us and represents agriculture well.”
“It is humbling to receive the endorsement of the farmers of this district,” Marques said. “I know their needs and their issues well and will continue to work with them on both.”
Marques and his wife, Christina, have been small business owners and operators of Goodson Tire for the past 21 years. Marques served on the Enterprise City Council before being elected to the State House of Representatives in 2018.
The Alabama Farmers Federation endorsed incumbent State Sen. Will Barfoot (R) for Senate District 25, which covers all or portions of Crenshaw, Elmore, and Montgomery counties.
“Sen. Barfoot does an excellent job for the people of District 25,” said Tony Beck, Crenshaw County Farmers Federation president. “He is a hard worker in the Senate, and we appreciate his representation of agriculture in our district.”
“It is always gratifying to receive the endorsement of the Alabama Farmers Federation,” said Barfoot. “They are hard-working people with a strong work ethic. I share their values and look forward to continuing to represent them in the Senate.”
Barfoot is a Montgomery area attorney.
The Alabama Farmers Federation endorsed incumbent State Rep. Chris England (D-Tuscaloosa) for reelection in Alabama House District 70, which is in Tuscaloosa County.
“Rep. England is a strong voice in the Legislature,” said Jim Lavender, Tuscaloosa County Farmers Federation president. “He is accessible, works hard and appreciates the work of the farmers in this state.”
“It is humbling to receive the endorsement of the Farmers Federation,” England said. “They are a huge part of my constituency, and I look forward to continuing to work with them.”
England is an associate city attorney for the City of Tuscaloosa, a member of the Tuscaloosa Road Improvement Commission and vice president of the Alabama Law Institute. He is also a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.
The Alabama Farmers Federation has endorsed incumbent Sen. Garlan Gudger (R-Cullman) for reelection in Alabama Senate District 4, which encompasses all or portions of Cullman, Lawrence, Marion and Winston counties.
“Sen. Gudger is a leading businessman in our community,” said Ben Haynes, Cullman County Farmers Federation president. “He knows the needs of the businesses of this district and will work hard to represent them.”
“It is humbling to have the endorsement of the farmers in my district,” said Gudger. “I look forward to working with them and appreciate the vote of confidence they have given me.”
Gudger is the second generation in his family to own and operate Southern Accents Architectural Antiques Inc.
The Alabama Farmers Federation held leadership elections during its 100th annual meeting on Dec. 6, in Montgomery. The gathering was highlighted by the state’s largest farm organization celebrating its centennial year.
Steve Dunn, a Conecuh County row crop and cattle farmer, was reelected secretary-treasurer.
Calhoun County’s Jon Hegeman was reelected Central Area vice president, and Jake Harper of Wilcox County was reelected Southwest Area vice president.
Elections were held during the Federation’s business session, where nearly 500 voting delegates from all 67 counties selected officers and directors. Officers serve two-year terms, and directors serve three-year terms. Officers and district directors also serve on the Alfa Insurance Co. board of directors.
Dunn’s election is statewide and marks his 12th term as secretary-treasurer. He also serves as Conecuh County Farmers Federation president and is a former State Young Farmers Committee chairman.
Hegeman will serve his second term as Central Area vice president. He manages greenhouses in Calhoun and Cherokee counties and is a former State Young Farmers Committee chairman.
This is Harper’s 10th term as Southwest Area vice president. A cattle and timber farmer, Harper also serves as Wilcox County Farmers Federation president and was a district director from 1988-1996.
Walker County poultry, cattle and row crop farmer Dorman Grace was elected District 1 director. Grace also serves as Walker County Farmers Federation president.
Cullman County poultry and row crop farmer Steve Lake was elected director of District 4. Lake also is a Cullman County Farmers Federation board member.
Elmore County produce farmer Joe Lambrecht was re-elected to his third term as District 7 director. Lambrecht is an Elmore County Farmers Federation board member.
Barbour County poultry and cattle farmer Trip Horne was elected District 10 director. Horne also serves as Barbour County Farmers Federation president.
Elected to one-year, ex-officio terms on the state board were Women’s Leadership Committee Chairman Lydia Haynes of Cullman County and State Young Farmers Committee Chairman Mitchell Henry of Lawrence County.
The Alabama Farmers Federation is the state’s largest farm organization with more than 340,000 members. It uses a true grassroots approach to select candidates, relying on FarmPAC endorsements from county Federation boards for local elections.
To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandon.moseley@1819News.com.
