Local Students, Leaders Honored with Statewide Farm-City Awards

Farm-City Grows Alabama Through Service, Student Success

Apr. 11, 2026 at 12:56am

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A high-end, photorealistic studio still-life photograph featuring a collection of polished, premium objects arranged elegantly on a clean, monochromatic background, symbolizing the diverse elements of Alabama's agricultural and forestry industries.The Alabama Farm-City Awards Luncheon celebrated the state's agricultural and forestry sectors, honoring student achievements and county-level initiatives that are 'Growing Alabama' through education and community engagement.West Point Today

The Alabama Farm-City Awards Luncheon in Auburn on April 9 recognized achievements and embraced the theme 'Grow Alabama,' highlighting the importance of agriculture and forestry in the state's economy. Top-performing students were honored for their displays in poster, essay, and video contests, while county Farm-City committees were recognized for their exceptional community involvement and outreach efforts.

Why it matters

The Farm-City program aims to bridge the gap between rural and urban communities, showcasing the vital role that agriculture and forestry play in Alabama's economy and culture. By honoring student achievements and county-level initiatives, the awards luncheon celebrates the next generation of agricultural leaders and the grassroots efforts that are 'Growing Alabama' through education and community engagement.

The details

Eighteen kindergarten through 12th-grade students were recognized for their winning poster, essay, and video entries, which highlighted ways agriculture and forestry contribute to Alabama's growth. Winners received cash prizes from Alabama Ag in the Classroom and Alabama Farmers Cooperative. In addition, county Farm-City committees were honored for their exceptional work, with Division I and II winners receiving cash prizes from the Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation for categories like Best Farm-City Committee, Best Farm-City Tour, and Best Media Coverage/Proclamation. CK Cattle of Lowndes County was also named the 2026 Farm of Distinction for its commitment to stewardship, support of young farmers, and community impact.

  • The Alabama Farm-City Awards Luncheon took place on April 9, 2026 in Auburn.
  • The theme 'Grow Alabama' was a callback to the 'Agriculture & Forestry Grow Alabama: An Economic Contribution Study' released in 2025.

The players

Jeff Helms

The Alabama Farm-City Committee Chairman and the Alabama Farmers Federation communications director.

Kim Earwood

The Alabama Ag in the Classroom Steering Committee Chair.

CK Cattle

A three-generation cattle operation in Hope Hull, Lowndes County, that was named the 2026 Farm of Distinction for its commitment to stewardship, support of young farmers, and community impact.

Chuck and Katie Madaris

The managers of the CK Cattle operation.

Ian Romero

A student at Sacred Heart School in Cullman County who earned fourth place in the Alabama Farm-City poster contest for students in kindergarten through third grade.

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What they’re saying

“We were amazed at the talent this year. From brightly detailed posters and carefully crafted essays to top-notch Farm-City tours and banquets, 2025 was a big year for county participation. The theme was wonderfully incorporated in so many unique ways. Grow Alabama is a great reminder of the role farmers play in the state and national economy.”

— Jeff Helms, Alabama Farm-City Committee Chairman, Alabama Farmers Federation communications director

What’s next

Chuck Madaris of CK Cattle will represent Alabama during the Sunbelt Ag Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year contest this fall.

The takeaway

The Farm-City Awards Luncheon showcased the vital role that agriculture and forestry play in Alabama's economy and culture, honoring the next generation of agricultural leaders and the grassroots efforts that are 'Growing Alabama' through education and community engagement.