Montgomery, AL – The Alabama Farmers Federation celebrated its 103rd annual meeting in Montgomery on December 9, marking the culmination of a highly competitive season for Alabama Young Farmers. Among the highlights was Levi Noles of Randolph County claiming victory in the statewide Discussion Meet after a spirited final round centered on energy production.
Noles, an agriscience teacher, emerged victorious from a strong Final Four lineup, including Will Meadows of Houston County, Erin Tolleson of Marshall County, and Chase Hammock of Talladega County. For his achievement, Noles was awarded a four-wheeler courtesy of First South Farm Credit.
The meeting also honored winners of the Outstanding Young Farm Family (OYFF) and Excellence in Agriculture awards, recognizing individuals aged 18 to 35 for their contributions to Alabama agriculture.
Whit and Amanda Lovelady of Talladega County were named OYFF winners, receiving a prize package valued at over $70,000. This included $40,000 toward a Ford vehicle (courtesy of the Federation and Alfa Insurance), a John Deere Gator (sponsored by Alabama Ag Credit and Alabama Farm Credit), and a yearlong lease on a John Deere tractor. The Loveladys manage a diversified farm in Alpine featuring Angus and Charolais cattle herds, hay production, and freezer pork and beef sales.
OYFF runners-up Garrett and Robin Dixon of Lee County were awarded a 250-hour lease on a Kubota tractor, while second runners-up Drew and Lauren Wendland of Autauga County received a custom chemical package from Corteva Agriscience.
In the Excellence in Agriculture category, Will and Ali Gotcher of Colbert County claimed the top honor. The Gotchers operate a cattle and hay farm in Muscle Shoals while balancing careers in agricultural finance and education. They were awarded a zero-turn mower from Corteva Agriscience.
Winners from the Discussion Meet, OYFF, and Excellence in Agriculture will represent Alabama at the American Farm Bureau Federation’s Annual Convention in San Antonio, Texas, in January. These outstanding young farmers have set a high standard, reflecting the dedication and innovation driving Alabama’s agricultural community.
From left are Federation Young Farmers Division Director Hunter McBrayer; Federation and Alfa President Jimmy Parnell; the Loveladys; Alabama Ag Credit’s Doug Thiessen; and Alabama Farm Credit’s Mel Koller.
