By Brandon Moseley
Alabama Political Reporter
After 14 years of service leading Alabama’s largest agricultural group, the Alabama Farmer’s Federation, Jerry Newby has retired as the group’s President. Fifth generation Chilton County farmer Jimmy Parnell was elected on Monday to be his replacement.
Jimmy Parnell (48) from Stanton said in a statement released by the Farmer’s Federation,
“I’m humbled by the support I received from farmers across Alabama. I look forward to representing them as we work with elected officials, government agencies and other farm organizations to protect the families who grow our food and fiber. Alabama is blessed with a rich agricultural history and abundant natural resources that allow us to grow everything from cotton and cattle to poultry and peanuts. But its greatest strength is our people. For 91 years, the Alabama Farmers Federation has worked to improve the way of life for all Alabamians. I’m excited about the opportunity to build on the foundation established by farmers who started this organization.”
500 voting delegates representing all of Alabama’s 67 counties met in Montgomery to cast their votes.
Alabama political leadership was quick to welcome the new Farmer’s Federation President.
Congresswoman Martha Roby (R) from Montgomery said on Facebook,
“Congratulations to Jimmy Parnell of Chilton County, elected tonight as president of Alabama Farmers Federation! Also *thank you* to Jerry Newby for so many years of dedicated service to Alabama’s farmers.”
Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries John McMillan (R) said on Facebook,
“Best wishes! Congratulations to Mr. Jimmy Parnell who was just elected President of the Alabama Farmers Federation. We look forward to working with him in the coming days.” “We at the Department of Agriculture & Industries congratulate Jimmy Parnell as the new President of the Alabama Farmers Federation.”
Senator Tom Whatley (R) from Lee County said on Facebook,
“Congratulations to Jimmy Parnell, newly elected President of the Alabama Farmers Federation. Congratulations, I look forward to working with you to protect and promote Agriculture in Alabama! I know you will do an AUsome job.”
Officials announced Monday that Jimmy Parnell from Stanton will serve a 2-year term as president. Parnell served on the organization’s board of directors between 1999 and 2008, and was chairman of the group’s Young Farmers Committee in 1997.
Parnell raises cattle and runs a timber business with his father and two younger brothers. He was named the logger of the year by the Alabama Forestry Association in 2006. Parnell has a 1985 BA degree from Auburn University in 1985 in Agricultural Business and Economics.
The Alabama Farmers Foundation was founded in 1921 and has more than 400,000 members.
