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Written by Tanner Hood and Mary Wilson

As part of the prestigious A.L.F.A. Leaders Class VI, 18 leaders in Alabama agriculture spent Feb. 27 through March 1 in Montgomery, Alabama, meeting with elected officials, touring state government institutions and learning how agricultural organizations operate.

The class spent Tuesday learning the legislative process during visits with House Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter, R-Rainsville, Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth, Legislative Services Agency Director Othni Lathram and a host of legislators during lunch. The afternoon consisted of visits to the House and Senate concluding with a tour of the Capitol hosted by State Auditor Andrew Sorrell. The day finished with a legislative reception hosted by the Alabama Agribusiness Council.

Wednesday was spent meeting with Gov. Kay Ivey, attending legislative committee meetings and touring the Alabama Supreme Court.

The class visited with agricultural organizations based in Montgomery on Thursday including Alabama Cattleman’s Association, Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries, Alabama Forestry Commission, Alabama Forestry Association and Alabama Poultry & Egg Association.

A.L.F.A. (Agricultural Leaders for Alabama) Leaders is a two-year, six-session, intensive leadership program of the Alabama Farmers Federation. Participants are selected through an application and interview process. Trainings center around agricultural policy, industry leadership, effective communication and organizational involvement.