Kiwanis: By Haley Mitchell Godwin

Community leaders, farmers and supporters of agriculture gathered Tuesday at the Luverne Church of Christ Fellowship Hall for the annual Farm-City Luncheon. Coordinated by the Kiwanis Club and Farm-City Committee, with support from the Crenshaw County Extension Agency, Alabama Ag Credit and local agri-businesses, the luncheon served as a centerpiece of Crenshaw County’s Farm-City Week activities.

The event, catered by The Chicken Shack, began at noon with Crenshaw County Extension Coordinator Amanda Evans welcoming attendees and recognizing the contributions of elected officials, Future Farmers of America (FFA) chapters, the forestry commission, her office support staff, sponsors and volunteers.

“Our community counts on farmers, and events like these allow us to honor their vital role while bridging the gap between agriculture and urban life,” said Evans, before highlighting the successful Kindergarten Farm Day held earlier in the week and introducing guest speaker Ashley Merritt, relationship manager for Alabama Ag Credit.

“I live in Coffee County and I like to say that Coffee and Crenshaw are first cousins, not exactly the same but they have a lot of the same traits and both are encompassed by agriculture ,” said Merritt. “Crenshaw county is part of my territory, and I really enjoy spending my time over here with our folks and that is one of my greatest joys in life, being able to give back to the industry that gave so much to me. I grew up and still live on our family farm where my children make up the fifth generation of our family to live on the land. Today, I work to help our producers keep agriculture viable now and for future generations.”

Drawing on 15 years of experience in rural appraising and agricultural lending, Merritt addressed pressing issues such as high interest rates, low commodity prices, drought and the delay in passing the Farm Bill. She emphasized the critical role of food security and shared her insights on innovative and still developing agricultural practices, including biofuels and solar power.

She also highlighted the importance of food security and advocating for farming-friendly policies, urging attendees to reach out to their elected officials asking them to take actions that recognize and support agriculture’s pivotal role in sustaining local and global economies

“On average, 20% of calories consumed from one meal in the U.S. cross international borders,” Merritt said. “This underscores the need for robust policies that support our farmers and protect our food supply.”

Merritt also reflected on the impact of 4-H and FFA programs in shaping her agricultural career, crediting these organizations with broadening her perspective beyond her family’s farm in New Brockton.

“Growing up, our family didn’t vacation much,” Merritt said. “4-H and FFA became my outlet to explore the world and deepen my love for agriculture.”

Patsy Owens, secretary of the Crenshaw County Kiwanis Club and a long-time Farm-City Week advocate, thanked the guest speaker and praised Evans and the Farm-City Committee for their dedication.

“Farmers nourish America, and highlighting their significance is an honor,” Owens said. “Amanda’s leadership when it comes to honoring our farmers is what ensures Farm-City Week continues to thrive in Crenshaw County.”

This year’s Farm-City Week theme, Our Community Counts on Farmers, emphasized the essential connection between agriculture and urban life, reminding attendees of the mutual reliance that sustains communities.

The Farm-City program, established during a challenging time for American farmers not too different from some of today’s challenges, has grown since President Dwight D. Eisenhower’s 1955 proclamation of the first Farm-City Week. Today, it serves as a national platform to continue fostering appreciation for agriculture and its contributions to society.