Auburn, AL — Calhoun County native and Auburn University student Jackson Cleary has been awarded a $2,000 scholarship from the Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation (AFAF) and the Calhoun County Farmers Federation. Cleary, a sophomore studying pre-agriscience education, was recognized during the Alabama Farmers Federation’s annual scholarship reception held September 29 at Lazenby Farms in Auburn.
Cleary was joined by Federation President Jimmy Parnell, past Calhoun County Farmers Federation President and Federation Central Area Vice President Jon Hegeman, and Federation District 6 Director Phillip Hunter during the presentation.
This year’s scholarship banquet celebrated 83 students from 61 Alabama counties, collectively receiving over $150,000in scholarships to support their studies in agriculture, forestry, and related fields. The partnership between the AFAF and county Farmers Federations aims to encourage young people to pursue agricultural careers and continue Alabama’s strong farming tradition.
During the event, students like Madison Thrailkill of Autauga County shared how these scholarships make higher education more accessible. “This scholarship helps ease the burden for me, my family, and other students,” she said. “It’s more than financial support — it’s a personal investment in our growth and future.”
AFAF Scholarship Committee Chair Chris Carroll expressed his appreciation for the students’ commitment to agriculture. “Food security is national security,” Carroll said. “A nation that cannot feed itself cannot defend itself. I thank each student for choosing to build a career in agriculture.”
Several special memorial scholarships were also presented, honoring the legacies of agricultural leaders like Jerry and Dianne Newby, Mike Henry, R.W. Donaldson, and Jimmy Witt.
Applications for the 2026–2027 AFAF scholarships open November 1, 2025, at AlfaFarmers.org/scholarships, with a deadline of February 1, 2026.
