By Brandon Moseley
The Alabama Farmers Federation announced more endorsements of legislative incumbents ahead of the 2022 elections.
The Alabama Farmers Federation endorsed incumbent State Rep. Kyle South (R) for another term in Alabama House District 16, which covers portions of Fayette, Jefferson and Tuscaloosa counties.
“Rep. South is a leader in the House of Representatives and a friend to farmers,” said Joe Roberts, Fayette County Farmers Federation president. “He is accessible and hardworking, and we are proud to support him.”
“I enjoy representing the farmers in my district,” said South. “They are hardworking people with strong conservative values, and it is an honor to represent them at home and in Montgomery.”
South is the President and general manager of West Alabama T.V. Cable. He has a bachelor’s degree in marketing from the University of Alabama and is a lifelong native of District 16.
The Alabama Farmers Federation endorsed incumbent State Sen. Chris Elliot (R) for Alabama Senate District 32, which is in Baldwin County.
“Sen. Chris Elliott is one of the hardest workers we have representing us in Montgomery,” said Hope Cassebaum, Baldwin County Farmers Federation president. “He is a conservative go-getter who knows how to get things done in the Legislature, and we are proud to endorse him.”
“It is an honor any time you are endorsed by the farmers of this state,” said Elliott. “I greatly appreciate the vote of confidence they have given me and take it very seriously.”
Elliot received his bachelor’s degree from the University of Richmond in Virginia, where he majored in political science and urban policy.
Elliott was previously chairman of the Baldwin County Commission, chairman of the Eastern Shore Metropolitan Planning Organization and the Baldwin County United Way.
The Alabama Farmers Federation endorsed incumbent State Sen. David Sessions (R) for Senate District 35, which covers the southern portion of Mobile County.
“David is in the farming business himself, so he knows the importance of agriculture in our district and state,” said Art Sessions, Mobile County Farmers Federation president. “He has worked hard to represent farmers and all the people of southern Mobile County and will continue to do so.”
“I personally and professionally know the importance of agriculture to the people of this district and our state,” said Sessions. “It is an honor to serve them and to be their voice in Montgomery.”
Sessions previously served in the House of Representatives and served the people of House District 105 before joining the Senate. He owns and operates a farming business in Grand Bay.
The Alabama Farmers Federation endorsed incumbent State Rep. Lynn Greer (R) for Alabama House District 2, which is in portions of Lauderdale and Limestone counties.
“Rep. Greer has been representing the people of Limestone County for many years and has done so effectively,” said Jeff Peek, Limestone County Farmers Federation president. “He is more than qualified to continue his representation.”
“It is a compliment to receive the endorsement of this district’s farmers,” Greer said. “I know their needs and their issues well and will continue to work with them in the future in the House of Representatives.”
Greer attended the University of Alabama at Huntsville and received his bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Auburn University. He is the former owner of Rogersville Marine and currently owns Greer Construction and Greer Management.
The Alabama Farmers Federation endorsed incumbent State Rep. Scott Stadthagen for Alabama House District 9, which is in Morgan County.
“Rep. Stadthagen has worked hard to represent the people of this district and take our voices to Montgomery,” said Morgan County Farmers Federation President Mark Byrd. “We look forward to him continuing his good work for us another four years.”
“I am humbled by the Alabama farmers endorsing me,” said Stadthagen. “I have enjoyed representing them in the past and will work tirelessly for them in the future.”
Stadthagen is a graduate of the University of West Alabama and is the owner of Hagen Homes Inc. He has served as a member of the Hartselle Chamber of Commerce, the Morgan County Builders Association and the Economic Development Group of Hartselle.
The Alabama Farmers Federation recently celebrated its 100th Anniversary at a celebration in Montgomery.
American Farm Bureau President Zippy Duvall, a farmer from Georgia, attended the opening banquet. Duvall thanked Alabama farmers for their dedication and praised the Federation for its work supporting rural Alabamians and fighting for conservative values.
“Congratulations on 100 years. What an accomplishment,” Duvall said. “We are just as relevant today as we were 100 years ago. Not many membership organizations can say that.”
The meeting continues Monday with state board elections and the Federation’s business session. The Federation’s yearlong centennial celebration concludes Monday night.
