The Pike County Farmers Federation received the Alabama Farmers Federation Award for Excellence at the Federation’s 94th annual meeting in Montgomery on December 7. The Federation Award for Excellence recognizes counties excelling in five sections of the Federation: organization, agricultural programs, governmental affairs, and the county’s Women’s Leadership and Young Farmers committees.

Pike County Farmers Federation President Steve Stroud said the Pike County Farmers Federation is honored to receive the Award for Excellence, which caps off a successful year for the local Farmers Federation.

“A lot of people played a part in this award and we appreciate their support,” Stroud said. “The Pike County Young Farmers hosted Farm Day at Cattleman Park in the fall. Third-graders from all the schools in Pike County spent the day learning about farm life, from farm safety to soil conservation to raising biddies.”

Stroud said the Farm-City Committee of the Pike County Chamber of Commerce also played a part in the award with its many activities and events designed to promote and strengthen the relationships between the rural and urban communities.

“The Pike County Farmers Federation has an annual scholarship program and we award three-$1,000 scholarships,” Stroud said. “The scholarships are not limited to students who plan to go into some field of agriculture. They are available to students who are pursuing degrees in community development such as teaching or nursing. This year, we also awarded a scholarship to a student at Auburn.”

The Pike County Farmers Federation annually sponsors a chute at the Pike County Cattlemen’s PCA Rodeo and contributes money to the annual Pike County Steer and Heifer Show.

“We also donate to and support the Agriculture Academy at Goshen High School,” Stroud said. “We host speaking opportunities for State Representative Alan Boothe and State Senator Jimmy Holley who keep us informed on issues that affect local farmers and agriculture.”

Special guests at the Alabama Farmers Federation annual meeting included United States Senator Richard Shelby, R-Birmingham, and Rep. Martha Roby, R-Montgomery. They shared messages about keeping America strong and secure, Stroud said. The keynote address was delivered by Michael Reagan, son of former President Ronald Reagan. He spoke about the importance of freedom and the need for strong leadership in federal government.

A highlight of the meeting was a concert of Christmas music by country music superstar Wynonna Judd.

A personal highlight for Stroud was his election to the Federation Board of Directors. As District 10 director, Stroud will represent Pike, Barbour, Bullock, Crenshaw, Coffee and Covington counties.

“I am looking forward to serving these counties and working with the board of directors,” Stroud said. “This is an honor and I appreciate the opportunity.