Area farmer named president of state’s Farmers Federation
Published 10:20 pm Monday, December 3, 2012
MONTGOMERY — Jimmy Parnell of Stanton, a fifth-generation Chilton County farmer who raises timber and beef cattle, was elected president of the Alabama Farmers Federation today at the organization’s 91st annual meeting in Montgomery.
Parnell, 48, was elected to a two-year term of the state’s largest farm organization. He has a long history with the Federation, including service on its state board of directors from 1999-2008, chairman of the Federation’s State Young Farmers Committee in 1997 and president of the Chilton County Farmers Federation since 2006. In 1999, he and his wife, Robin, along with their children, James Robert and Anna Grace, were named Alabama’s Outstanding Young Farm Family.
Parnell said it’s an honor to represent Alabama farm families as the Federation works to strengthen agriculture’s position as the state’s largest industry.
“I’m humbled by the support I received from farmers across Alabama,” Parnell said following his election. “I look forward to representing them as we work with elected officials, government agencies and other farm organizations to protect the families who grow our food and fiber. Alabama is blessed with a rich agricultural history and abundant natural resources that allow us to grow everything from cotton and cattle to poultry and peanuts. But its greatest strength is our people. For 91 years, the Alabama Farmers Federation has worked to improve the way of life for all Alabamians. I’m excited about the opportunity to build on the foundation established by farmers who started this organization.”
Parnell farms with his father, James H. Parnell, and his younger brothers, Jeff and Joseph. Their timber business utilizes advanced logging equipment and skilled laborers. The Alabama Forestry Association named him Alabama Logger of the Year in 2006. Parnell’s cattle farm includes 600 beef brood cows and 2,500 stocker calves.
Parnell is a 1985 graduate of Auburn University. with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural business and economics. He and his family are active members of Hillcrest Baptist Church in Maplesville.
Parnell replaced Limestone County farmer Jerry Newby, who retired after 14 years as president.
The Alabama Farmers Federation, a member of the American Farm Bureau Federation, is the state’s largest farm organization with 385,000 members.