By Jeff Devine
Today, we honor the vital role our farmers play in feeding America by celebrating Farmers’ Day.
Last month, Governor Kay Ivey issued a proclamation honoring farmers and recognizing October 12 as Alabama Farmers’ Day. With the proclamation and ceremony, Ivey and other leaders recognized the vital role farmers play in sustaining families and fueling the state’s $77.3 billion agriculture industry.
The proclamation ceremony was held at Sweet Creek Farm Market in Pike Road as Ivey was joined by officials and agriculture leaders, including Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries (ADAI) Commissioner Rick Pate
Other agricultural leaders, including Sweet Creek owner and State Representative Reed Ingram and Blue Ribbon Dairy owner Michaela Sanders-Wilson, joined the event to celebrate Alabama’s farmers and highlight the sacrifices they make to feed and clothe the world.
Governor Ivey, who grew up on her family’s farm, shared her personal connection to agriculture in a social media post:
“Having grown up on my family’s farm, I know firsthand the hard work and long hours it takes to be a farmer,” she wrote. “I am proud to have signed a proclamation honoring the men and women whose hands and hearts keep our state growing strong.”
In her official proclamation, Ivey commended the state’s agricultural workers for being “leaders in agricultural production and exports in the United States” and praised Alabama’s farmers for making the nation’s food supply “the safest and most reliable in the world.”
The Governor urged citizens to show appreciation for the industry, declaring,
“It is important to raise awareness and gratitude among citizens, consumers, businesses, and producers about the contributions made by Alabama farmers.”
Commissioner Rick Pate echoed that sentiment, emphasizing that Farmers’ Day and the Thank A Farmer initiative are meant to deepen public understanding of agriculture’s importance.
“Alabama farmers are the backbone of our communities,” Pate said. “They work tirelessly to put food on our tables, clothes on our backs, and keep our rural economies strong.”
Launched earlier this year, ADAI’s Thank A Farmer initiative seeks to remind Alabamians of the daily impact farming has on their lives. From unpredictable weather to long hours and narrow profit margins, the campaign highlights how farmers’ efforts often go unnoticed — even though, as Pate noted, “their work sits on every dinner table.”
Alabama remains a national leader in agriculture, ranking among the top producers of poultry, peanuts, pecans, freshwater fish, and cotton. Ivey’s proclamation calls on residents to recognize and support those who make that possible by purchasing locally grown meat, fruits, and vegetables. Locally, our region in Southeast Alabama remains a vital peanut producer, supplying approximately 50% of our nation’s peanut supply.
“Our farmers are the heart of Alabama,” Ivey said. “They deserve our gratitude every day — not just on Farmers’ Day.”
