MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Governor Kay Ivey has proclaimed October as Farm to School Month in Alabama, celebrating the vital connection between local farmers, schools and students. Since October of 2020, the Alabama Farm to School Program has been given $1.595 million from the State legislature for the Farm to School incentive program. Since then, schools have spent $3,724,315 purchasing from Alabama farmers, and they have served 8,504,382 meals featuring Alabama products. "We are proud to see Alabama students enjoying fresh, locally grown... read more ❯

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Alabama is proud to play a leading role in the America250: A Call for the Great American State Fair. Today, Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries Rick Pate issued an individual proclamation for the Alabama National Fair, emphasizing its role in the nationwide celebration. Commissioner Pate was among the first state agricultural leaders in the country to issue a proclamation recognizing the historic 250th celebration. “I recognize the Alabama National Fair’s longstanding commitment to honor agriculture, showcase livestock and... read more ❯

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries Rick Pate announced that USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins has designated 25 Alabama counties as primary natural disaster areas due to loss caused by excessive rainfall from May 1 through June 30, 2025. Fourteen additional counties were listed as contiguous disaster counties. “The excessive rain during this year’s planting season impacted over half of Alabama’s counties, causing delays or preventing planting altogether,” said Commissioner Pate. “We recognize the hardships our farmers have faced... read more ❯

MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Governor Kay Ivey and Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries (ADAI) Commissioner Rick Pate officially proclaimed October 12th as Farmers’ Day in Alabama during a ceremony at Sweet Creek Farm Market in Pike Road, Ala. The proclamation highlighted an essential role that Alabama’s farmers play in sustaining families, contributing $77.3 billion annually to the state’s economy. Sweet Creek owner and Alabama Representative Reed Ingram and Blue Ribbon Dairy Owner Michaela Sanders-Wilson joined the event and shared about the... read more ❯

MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) Commissioner Rick Pate and several ADAI staff presented a $1.9 million check to Miller Family Dairy through ADAI's Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure (RFSI) Program. Through the RFSI funds, the new Miller Family Dairy facility will be able to offer local communities fresh and nutritious milk, cheese and butter.Miller Family Dairy, a first-generation farm in Colbert County, opened in 2020 as a raw milk operation. Their farm currently owns eight dairy... read more ❯

MONTGOMERY, AL- The Alabama Open Horseman’s Association (AOHA) will host its 38th Annual State Championship Show August 29-31, 2025, at the Garrett Coliseum and its Crawford Arena in Montgomery. This year’s event will be the largest in more than 15 years, with over 2,000 registered entries showcasing more than 550 ponies and horses. AOHA offers classes for four age divisions: eight years old and under, 12 years old and under, 13–17 years old, and adult (18 and older), with separate divisions... read more ❯

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) is accepting applications for their annual Century & Heritage (C & H) Farm and Bicentennial Farm programs until Friday, August 29, 2025. ADAI created these programs to help recognize and celebrate family farms that have significantly impacted Alabama history and agriculture. A Century Farm is one that has been in the same family continuously for at least 100 years and currently has agricultural activities on the farm. The farm must include at... read more ❯

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries (ADAI) was proud to host its much-anticipated Annual Tomato Sandwich Lunch on June 25, welcoming guests from across the state to celebrate one of Alabama’s tastiest traditions and the peak of the summer growing season.The lunch spotlighted Alabama-grown tomatoes, sweet corn, onion and lettuce. It also featured several products manufactured in Alabama including, Golden Flake chips, Blue Bell Ice cream, Flowers Bakery bread, Milo’s tea and Buffalo Rock soft drinks.... read more ❯

MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Alabama Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries Rick Pate is proud to see outstanding leaders selected to direct two USDA agencies. USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins appointed respected Alabama leaders, Twinkle Cavanaugh and Monica Carroll, to pivotal USDA positions serving rural communities and the state’s agricultural sector. Cavanaugh was named State Director for USDA Rural Development in Alabama and veteran farmer Carroll will serve as the Farm Service Agency (FSA) State Executive Director for Alabama. “As commissioner, I look forward... read more ❯