MONTGOMERY, Ala., — Gov. Robert Bentley provided opening remarks to start the Alabama Farmers Federation's 93rd annual meeting at the Montgomery Performing Arts Centre Dec. 7. Bentley praised the state's farmers, while discussing job creation, his newly formed Drone Task Force and the success of the state Agricultural and Rural Crime Unit.

"Farmers are the greatest people in the world," Bentley said. "You have to live by faith every day. But most importantly, you love the people you serve, and you feed us all."

Bentley said farmers have to know how to run a business, and highlighted the Accelerate Alabama program, which helps small businesses prosper in the state. In his second term, Bentley said he plans to build on the accomplishments of his first term to improve Alabama.

"All that farmers do, you help our state, and I want to thank the Farmers Federation for supporting me to make this state better," he said.

More than 1,200 farmers are attedning the two-day event, which includes elections, award presentations and entertainment.

"This meeting is valuable because of the information we can take back to our farms and our counties to make agriculture better as a whole," said Blount County Farmers Federation board member Tim Whitley. "Visiting with producers from across the state always means we learn how to do something to better our own operations."

The Federation also recognized Jim Bannon this afternoon with the Service to Agriculture award, the organization's highest honor. Bannon recently retired as the director of outlying units for the Alabama Agricultural Experiment Stations (AAES).

"I'm honored and humbled to be chosen for this award," Bannon said. "I always tried to be a servant leader, and I believed in management by walking around. You can learn a lot by getting out and doing work."

At the time of his retirement, Bannon oversaw research efforts at 15 AAES units.

Tonight, Federation members will enjoy a concert at the MPAC from Grammy Award-winning musician Ronnie Milsap.

Monday's events include a breakfast supporting the Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation, with former Auburn University football coach Pat Dye; election of officers; awards for county organizations and Women's Leadership Committees; and announcement of winners in Young Farmers competitions.

By Mary Johnson, Alabama Farmers Federation