AUBURN, AL — Calhoun County native and Auburn University senior Jackson Cleary was among 79 students recognized Sept. 21 during the Alabama Farmers Federation’s annual scholarship awards program at Lazenby Farms in Auburn.
Cleary received a $2,000 scholarship from the Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation and the Calhoun County Farmers Federation. He is studying agriscience education at Auburn University and plans to use his education to help prepare future students for careers in agriculture and related fields.
The scholarship was part of nearly $140,000 awarded to Auburn University undergraduates through a partnership between the Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation and county Farmers Federations.
Cleary said the financial support represents an investment not only in his education but also in the students he hopes to teach.
“Good farmers show up, adapt and invest in crops they will never see the end results of,” Cleary said. “No one plants on Monday and sees the harvest on Tuesday. Y’all 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. I don’t take that for granted.”
Cleary said he hopes to help students understand the role agriculture plays regardless of the careers they ultimately pursue.
“Whether my students end up in production agriculture, a lab, an office or anywhere in between, I want them to leave my classroom knowing what ag is and the importance of it,” Cleary said. “All of my future students are a part of the Federation’s investment today. Thank you to anyone who has ever put money toward a student trying to do this same thing. It truly matters, and I am proof of that.”
The scholarship program also included eight special endowed scholarships. Among those recipients was Auburn University student Jack Haynes of Cullman County, who is majoring in biological and agricultural technology management.
His mother, Whitney Haynes, said the scholarship provides financial assistance while also encouraging young people who choose careers connected to agriculture.
“When you invest in a student’s education, you invest in the future of agriculture,” Haynes said. “You tell these young people there is room at the table for them.”
Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell, an Auburn University College of Agriculture alumnus, said the organization continues to support students and maintain its longstanding relationship with the university.
“We are very supportive of Auburn,” Parnell said. “Our beginnings of the Federation started at Auburn almost 105 years ago. We work hard to continue strengthening that relationship.”
Parnell also encouraged scholarship recipients to develop a strong work ethic, critical-thinking skills and relationships with others as they prepare for their careers.
“Hard work will set you apart quicker than anything else,” Parnell said. “Learn to reason, take in facts and put out effort. In our society, thinking and figuring out solutions are important. If you can work hard, think and make friends, you will be successful.”
Applications for 2026-27 Alabama Farmers Federation scholarships open Nov. 1. The application deadline is Feb. 1, 2027.
CUTLINE: Calhoun County native and Auburn University student Jackson Cleary received a $2,000 scholarship from the Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation and the Calhoun County Farmers Federation during the Alabama Farmers Federation scholarship reception Sept. 21 at Lazenby Farms in Auburn. Cleary is a senior studying agriscience education. From left are Federation President Jimmy Parnell, Cleary, Calhoun County Farmers Federation board member and Federation Central Area Vice President Jon Hegeman, and Federation District 6 Director Phillip Hunter.
