Tommy Tuberville introduces farm legislation
On Wednesday, U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville (R-Alabama) introduced two pieces of legislation—the Farm Board Act and the Mid-South Oilseed Double Cropping Study Act of 2023—to improve opportunities and representation for Alabama’s agriculture community. “Agriculture is the foundation of our economy,” Sen. Tuberville said. “That’s why I am proud to work on a bipartisan basis with Senators Warnock and Welch to introduce the Farm Board Act, legislation that will work to ensure our livestock producers have a seat at the table on the FCIC Board. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) continues to unveil more risk management tools to help our cattle and livestock producers in Alabama, and we want the Board to reflect their needs. I am also proud to stand united with my fellow Senators from Alabama and Tennessee to advocate for a new revenue opportunity for our farmers in the Southeast to produce canola and rapeseed. With the growing demand for renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuels, our producers will have enhanced opportunities to use productive acres during the winter months to earn a paycheck; now we just need the data to address the crop insurance gaps.” The Farm Board Act is led by Senators Tuberville, Raphael Warnock (D-Georgia), and Peter Welch (D-Vermont). The legislation would change the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation’s (FCIC) ten-member Board of Directors. The FCIC is a government-owned corporation that finances the federal crop insurance program’s (FCIP’s) operations. Crop insurance is vitally important to farmers, especially with high input costs. Presently there are four seats for agricultural producers on the board, one of which must be a specialty crop producer. This bill designates two of the remaining three open seats for farmers on the FCIC Board and then leaves the final seat open. The changes would not immediately affect the current structure of the board as this legislation would apply to appointments to the Board for a period of service beginning October 1, 2024, or later. “The members of the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation Board of Directors should reflect the farmers who their policies impact,” said Sen. Warnock. “The FCIC plays a crucial role in ensuring farmers aren’t financially ruined by a poor season or a natural disaster. I’m proud to partner with Senator Tuberville on this effort to ensure livestock and underserved producers have a seat at the FCIC Board’s table—this representation will be a net positive for Georgia farmers and families.” Jimmy Parnell is the President of the Alabama Farmers Federation. “As the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation and RMA continue to introduce more risk management tools for livestock producers, it is important to have farmers on the board who produce both row crops and livestock to offer their perspective,” said President Parnell. “We appreciate Senator Tuberville’s continued support of agriculture and particularly the livestock sector,” the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association said in a statement. “Changes to risk management programs have allowed increased access for cattlemen to utilize these tools effectively, so representation on this board is greatly appreciated.” The Mid-South Oilseed Double Cropping Study Act of 2023 is led by Senators Tommy Tuberville, Katie Britt (R-Alabama), Bill Hagerty (R-Tennessee), and Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennessee). The legislation would request a study from the USDA Risk Management Agency (RMA) on the gap in crop insurance coverage for certain winter oilseed crops, specifically canola and rapeseed, and double cropping policies. For farmers to take advantage of opportunities in renewable diesel and Sustainable Aviation Fuel, they need the assurance that crop insurance—such as Catastrophic Risk Protection, Yield Protection, Revenue Protection, or Revenue Protection with Harvest Price Exclusion—will be eligible in their counties for these crops and practices. To address crop insurance gaps that may exist, RMA and FCIC need analysis of winter oilseed crop and double-cropping production practices and opportunities. The diversification of our energy markets is dependent on adding new, cost-effective, and sustainable options is necessary. As a result, the agriculture industry has the opportunity not only to feed the world but also to fuel the world. There is a growing demand for renewable diesel and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), which can be met with the increased production of oilseed crops like canola and rapeseed crops. Tommy Tuberville was elected to the United States Senate in 2020 and is a member of the Senate Armed Services, Agriculture, Veterans Affairs, and HELP Committees. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Tommy Tuberville pushes to permanently repeal death tax
U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville joined Sen. John Thune in reintroducing legislation to abolish the federal Estate Tax and cut red tape that is imposing increased restrictions on working families. The two senators previously introduced this legislation in 2021. “The Death Tax destroys American jobs by stifling profitable businesses that employ hardworking Americans,” said Sen. Tuberville. “Our government should be focused on creating an economic environment that preserves small businesses and family farms instead of taxing them out of operation. I will keep pushing for policies that incentivize our next generation of farmers and business owners so that we can continue to rely on their contributions for a strong economy.” “Agriculture is the backbone of South Dakota’s economy,” said Thune. “For years, I have fought to protect farm and ranch families from the onerous and unfair death tax. Family-owned farms and ranches often bear the brunt of this tax, which makes it difficult and costly to pass these businesses down to future generations. I will continue to do everything in my power to remove these roadblocks for family businesses and repeal the death tax once and for all.” “For far too long, the death tax has wreaked havoc on farm families and small businesses across Kentucky,” said Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. “The burden of this unfair and punitive tax can be devastating for families who only want to pass down their hard-earned livelihoods to the next generation. Washington Democrats need to recognize the economic damage they’ve inflicted and join Republicans in ending this harmful tax. I0000’m proud to stand with Senator Thune for repealing the death tax for good. Kentuckians must be allowed to build upon the legacies of their family farms without fear of financial ruin.” Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell also supports the legislation. “Farming is a capital-intensive business with many of the assets such as land and equipment tied to the operation of the farm,” Parnell explained. “Without cash on hand, a family could be forced to sell these assets just to pay the tax burden, jeopardizing the viability of the farm. We need tax policies that encourage profitability of current farmers and the next generation of farmers, and repealing the estate tax is a huge step in the right direction.” Todd Wilkinson is the President of the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association. “No cattle producer should ever be forced to sell their family’s farm or ranch to pay a tax bill due to the death of a family member,” said Wilkinson. “Repealing the death tax is a commonsense way to keep the farm or ranch in the family. As a land-based, capital-intensive industry, most cattle-producing families are asset-rich and cash-poor, with few options to pay off tax liabilities. It is unacceptable that some families are forced to sell off land, farm equipment, parts of the operation, or the entire ranch to pay the estate tax. We need a tax code that promotes the continuation of family-owned businesses instead of breaking them up.” American Farm Bureau explained on their website, “Almost all farmers and ranchers have benefited greatly from congressional action that increased the estate tax exemption to $11 million per person/ $22 million per couple (indexed for inflation), provided portability between spouses, and continued the stepped-up basis. Instead of being burdened with the cost of life insurance and estate planning, farmers are able to upgrade buildings and purchase equipment and livestock to help improve their small business. And more importantly, they have been able to continue farming when a family member dies without having to sell land, livestock, or equipment to pay the tax.” “While the new higher exemption levels set by the Tax Cut and Jobs Act protect the vast majority of our nation’s farms and ranches from the devastating consequences of estate taxes, the exemption levels expire after 2025 when they will return to $5.5 million per person/$11 million per couple. Farm Bureau supports making the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act estate exemption permanent as a step toward permanent repeal.” Farming is capital intensive without being consistently highly profitable compared to other investments. A modest two-thousand-acre farm that was worth $360 an acre in 1983 could be worth $5000 per acre in 2023 valuations – and considerably more in places like Baldwin, Madison, Limestone, or Shelby Counties, where urban sprawl has raised the value of the land – even if the profitability of the farm has not increased. Even the values of the farmhouses, barns, tractors, trucks, and even the cows in the field are included in the IRS’s assessment of the value of the farmer’s estate. A cow grazing out in a cow pasture could have a tax value of $1,500 today versus $350 for her great-grandmother 30 years ago – and the great-grandmother been more profitable given today’s considerably higher input costs for feed, hay, seed, and fertilizer. Alabama’s junior Senator, Katie Britt, is also a cosponsor of this legislation. Tuberville said that he is committed to strengthening rural and farming communities. As 55 of Alabama’s 67 counties are classified as rural, Tuberville has spoken about the importance of preserving family farms in Senate AG hearings and has shared his concerns about how proposed tax hikes would impact family farms with U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Tommy Tuberville and Katie Britt vote to overturn Biden Administration’s Water of the U.S. rule
U.S. Senators Tommy Tuberville and Katie Britt voted on Wednesday in favor of a formal challenge to the Biden Administration’s Waters of the United States (WOTUS) rule through a Congressional Review Act (CRA) joint resolution of disapproval. Under the Congressional Review Act (CRA), the Senate moved to block the rule in a 55-43 bipartisan vote. “The Biden administration is using the same playbook as the Obama administration — blatant land grabs and burdensome regulations,” said Sen. Tuberville. “These policies hurt our farmers and landowners and do virtually nothing for our environment or our water resources. Our farmers and landowners need consistency, and for the federal government to get out of the way. Today I voted to block the President’s land grab attempt and stand up for Alabama farmers and producers.” “I was proud to vote today to block President Biden’s disastrous new WOTUS rule,” Britt said in a statement. “This type of anti-jobs overregulation would strangle Alabama farmers, cattlemen, manufacturers, energy producers, builders, landowners, and small businesses with red tape. As I have stated before, Alabamians have tended to our own land, waterways, and resources for generations, and we remain best positioned to preserve and utilize them for generations to come.” In December 2022, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced a new rule repealing the Navigable Waters Protection Rule (NWPR); and changing the definition of Waters of the United States in a way that expands federal jurisdiction. President Joe Biden’s new rule gives federal regulators authority over navigable and non-navigable waterways, including tributaries, wetlands, and intrastate lakes, creating uncertainty and costs for farmers, manufacturers, small businesses, and property owners. The Senate Small Business Committee found that the WOTUS rule would negatively impact an estimated 64,259 small businesses and approximately 165,425 employees across critical industries in Alabama. This new rule could potentially adversely affect farmers, ranchers, developers, builders, timberland owners, and landowners. Numerous industry leaders and stakeholders have issued statements supporting the effort to overturn this rule. “As farmers, we want and need to protect the nation’s waters,” Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell said. “This rule muddies the water for property owners, will make conservation more difficult, and will create huge liabilities for farmers.” For decades, Waters of the U.S. was defined by federal regulators as navigable bodies of water, even if navigable was often stretched to navigable by a dinghy. That all changed during the Obama Administration when the definition changed to any stream, ditch, or body of water, even if only seasonal. The Trump Administration overturned the Obama-era rule with the clearly defined Navigable Waters Protection Rule. In December, the Biden Administration, by simple decree, overturned the Trump era rule. The new rules went into effect on March 20. An identical disapproval resolution recently passed in the House on March 9 in a 227-198 vote. With Senate passage, the resolution now heads to the desk of President Biden. Congress similarly passed legislation to overturn the Biden Administration’s ESG rule allowing retirement fund managers to invest their client’s money in a socially and environmentally conscious way rather than in what produces the best returns for their clients. Biden vetoed that CRA effort. He could also veto this legislation. To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Jimmy Parnell re-elected to head Alabama Farmers Federation President
Alabama Farmers Federation President Jimmy Parnell was elected to a sixth two-year term heading the largest and most powerful Farm advocacy group in the state on Monday. “I thank you for my reelection,” Parnell said to the delegates who re-elected him. “I love y’all and truly enjoy what we’re doing. There is so much positivity going on inside this whole organization. I am so proud of that.” Parnell was re-elected by the four hundred seventy voting delegates from all 67 Alabama counties unanimously during the Federation’s 101st annual meeting in Montgomery. Parnell thanked fellow farmers from all 67 counties for their support and trust. As Federation president, Parnell also leads its affiliated insurance company, Alfa Insurance. This election to a sixth term caps off an incredibly successful year for Parnell, whose FarmPAC group endorsed candidates prevailed in numerous contests both at the primary and general election levels. Notable victories for the association include Katie Britt winning the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate over Congressman Mo Brooks, who had been an enemy of the group for years. Incumbent Gov. Kay Ivey was another high-profile endorsed candidate of FarmPAC. Ivey bested a dozen rivals to coast to re-election. Ivey addressed the group at their convention. “Tonight’s @AlfaFarmers’ 101st annual meeting marks the start of “A New Century for AL Agriculture; Continuing the Legacy.” I’ll always have the backs of our farmers, over the next 4 years & beyond,” Ivey wrote on Twitter. Parnell was recently chosen by Ivey to be one of the honorary co-chairs of her inauguration committee. Parnell succeeded Jerry Newby, who retired as the group’s President ten years ago. Parnell is a fifth-generation Chilton County farmer. Parnell raises cattle and runs a timber business. He was named the logger of the year by the Alabama Forestry Association in 2006. Parnell has a 1985 BA degree from Auburn University. Other leaders were also elected to roles in the association: Rex Vaughn of Madison County and George Jeffcoat of Houston County were both reelected to their sixth two-year terms as North Area and Southeast Area vice presidents. Both raise row crops and cattle. District 2 delegates elected agribusinessman Jeff Peek of Limestone County. Joe Anders of Tuscaloosa County was re-elected to serve a third term representing District 5. Tommy Martin of Hale County was elected to serve District 8. Mark Kaiser of Baldwin County was re-elected to a second term as District 11 director. Ann Whatley and Jonathan Edgar will each serve one-year, ex-officio terms on the state board. They were elected as chairs of the State Women’s Leadership Committee and State Young Farmers Committee. To connect with the author of this story, or to comment, email brandonmreporter@gmail.com.
Plans for Alabama rural center scrapped amid disagreement
Plans for a large agriculture center in central Alabama have fallen through, with leaders unable to agree on final details about a project that was delayed during the pandemic and projected to cost about $150 million. First announced in 2019, the Alabama Rural Economic Center, a joint effort between the city of Clanton, Chilton County, and the Alabama Farmers Federation, was projected to attract more than 900,000 visitors annually to Clanton for agriculture shows, festivals, and other events. Leaders said it could create about 400 jobs. But Chilton County Commission chair Jimmie Hardee said Tuesday the project was off after negotiations to reach a final agreement failed. He blamed the Federation for adding late demands and making changes to the project. “We are indeed disappointed that the farm center is not going forward. However, the commission has other sites and properties we are promoting for economic growth and opportunities in our county,” Hardee said. Local officials refused to sign a non-binding agreement aimed at keeping the project going by delaying some decisions until the center began producing revenue, said Jimmy Parnell, president of the Alabama Farmers Federation, which was backing the project through the Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation. “We remain committed to building the Farm Center and have begun evaluating other locations. The work we’ve done over the last two years has strengthened our resolve to develop a premier farm center and event complex in our state,” Parnell said in a statement. Initial plans for the project included a 5,000-seat air-conditioned arena, 150,000-square-foot (13,900-square-meter) exhibition building, and a 400-stall horse barn. Clanton is located roughly halfway between Birmingham and Montgomery, making it an easy drive from either city. Danny Jones, who owns Durbin Farms Market just off Interstate 65 in Clanton, said the center would have brought a lot of money to the area. “It creates more business for everybody. Not just us because we’re a market, and you know we’re already a tourist stop, but everybody needs more,” Jones told WBMA-TV. Republished with the permission of The Associated Press.
Alabama Farmers Federation marking 100th anniversary
The Alabama Farmers Federation, a statewide force in agriculture, lobbying, and insurance, will mark its 100th anniversary at its two-day annual meeting, which begins Sunday. Almost 1,200 farmers from each of Alabama’s 67 counties are expected for the meeting, which will include the election of state leaders of the organization and a program honoring the group’s history. The program also will mark the 75th anniversary of the founding of Alfa Insurance Co., which was started by the organization in 1946. The company now provides coverage for more than 1 million farms, homes, cars, and businesses. “The centennial is a time to reflect on the past, remember those who came before us, and rejoice in our accomplishments,” Federation President Jimmy Parnell said in a statement. “It’s also a time for recommitment to our values and visions.” The president of the American Farm Bureau Federation, Zippy Duvall, is among the speakers at the gathering. Republished with the permission of the Associated Press.
FarmPAC announces 2022 political endorsements
FarmPAC, the political arm of the Alabama Farmers Federation’s (ALFA), has announced its endorsements for the upcoming primary elections for 2022. ALFA president and CEO Jimmy Parnell explained that the endorsements came after months of study and consideration of all candidates who went before the federation. Parnell stated, “These candidates have invested time in getting to know our county leaders. They’ve spent time on our farms and attended meetings where they heard about the issues and concerns important to Federation members. At the same time, our county leaders have studied the candidates and decided these individuals have the knowledge, experience, and determination to help lead our state and nation in the right direction.” The following candidates have earned the official endorsement of FarmPAC: • Katie Britt — U.S. Senate• Jerry Carl — U.S. House of Representatives, District 1• Barry Moore — U.S. House of Representatives, District 2• Mike Rogers — U.S. House of Representatives, District 3• Robert Aderholt — U.S. House of Representatives, District 4• Dale Strong — U.S. House of Representatives, District 5• Gary Palmer — U.S. House of Representatives, District 6• Terri Sewell — U.S. House of Representatives, District 7• Kay Ivey — Governor• Will Ainsworth — Lieutenant Governor• Steve Marshall — Attorney General• Wes Allen — Secretary of State• Young Boozer — Treasurer• Rusty Glover — Auditor• Rick Pate — Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries• Greg Cook — Alabama Supreme Court, Place 5• Kelli Wise — Alabama Supreme Court, Place 6• Jeremy Oden — Public Service Commission, Place 1• Chip Beeker — Public Service Commission, Place 2• Tracie West — Alabama State Board of Education, District 2• Yvette Richardson — Alabama State Board of Education, District 4• Cynthia McCarty — Alabama State Board of Education, District 6• Wayne Reynolds — Alabama State Board of Education, District 8 Endorsements approved at Tuesday’s meeting will carry through to the general election. Additionally, the federation stated they would announce their endorsements for state legislature at a later date. FarmPAC Chairman Steve Dunn of Conecuh County said the Federation encourages voters to study the issues and candidates prior to the election. Dunn stated, “It’s important for Alabama voters to be engaged in the electoral process,” said Dunn. “We encourage members to exercise their right to vote, regardless of their political preference, and to consider these FarmPAC endorsements when they go to the polls.”
New stickers honoring veterans available to Alabama voters
The stickers, which will be available at in-person voting sites on Nov. 3, feature an outline of the state with an Alabama state flag and the words “I vote in honor of a veteran.”
Alabama voters to decide on abolishing elected school board
If the measure passes, Kay Ivey will appoint all nine members of the new Alabama Commission on Elementary and Secondary Education.
Inside the Statehouse: Methodists have Dominated High Offices in Alabama History
Alabama’s leading columnists discusses the respective faiths of our state’s leaders.
Farmers Federation endorses Richard Shelby in 2016 Senate re-election bid
The Alabama Farmers Federation, the state’s leading agricultural industry interest group, came out in support of Republican Sen. Richard Shelby‘s bid to retain his seat in the U.S. Senate on Thursday. Federation President Jimmy Parnell praised Shelby for taking Alabama’s deeply conservative attitudes many on issues with him to Washington, D.C. “The Alabama Farmers Federation is proud to endorse Richard Shelby for the U.S. Senate,” ALFA President Jimmy Parnell stated. “As our state’s senior senator, he shares the same conservative values that the farmers and rural Alabamians hold so dear.” Shelby, first elected to the Senate in 1986, responded in kind to Parnell’s warm words. “I am proud to have the endorsement of the Alabama Farmers Federation. I will always defend our shared values and way of life,” said Shelby. Shelby chairs the Senate’s Banking, Housing & Urban Affairs Committee, as well as the Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice and Science. Shelby is facing a long-shot primary challenge from former state Sen. Shadrack McGill.
William Canary, Jimmy Parnell: Alabama agriculture and Alabama business promote skilled worker training, tax credits
The Business Council of Alabama and the Alabama Farmers Federation are teaming up to encourage support for the new Career-Technical Dual Enrollment Program with tax credits for scholarships for eligible high school students who enroll in college-level career-tech courses at Alabama community colleges. The benefits include well-trained employees for business, agribusiness, agri-science, manufacturing, production, automotive assembly, mechanical production, and other highly skilled vocations. While contributions to two-year colleges have been tax deductible, for the first time contributions are also eligible for a tax credit in the calendar year of the donation. The BCA and ALFA support the Alabama Future Workforce Initiative career-technical dual-enrollment program that provides an opportunity for high school students to earn both high school and college credits for approved courses at 23 Alabama community colleges. Donations support scholarships for tuition, fees, books, and supplies. It’s an excellent way for business to help Alabama’s future workforce get a head start on a skilled career and contribute to an employer’s success. Students can enroll in nearly 100 high-wage, high-demand programs such as manufacturing, welding, allied health, diesel mechanics, construction, aviation maintenance, advanced manufacturing technology, and industrial engineering, skilled occupations that are useful on the farm and in manufacturing, production, and service industries. This year the Legislature appropriated $10.2 million for dual enrollment scholarships for students who attend public, private, parochial or church schools, and home schools. But this is the first year that businesses and individuals have been able to add to the appropriation with donations. Business and personal contributions can be earmarked for a program at eligible two-year schools through the Alabama Community College System. Contributions eligible for a tax credit of up to 50 percent of the donation. What better way to help create a skilled employee and help Alabama’s standard of living by donating to the career-tech, dual-enrollment program through the Alabama Community College System. William J. Canary is president and CEO of the Business Council of Alabama, the state’s foremost voice for business. Jimmy Parnell is president of the Alabama Farmers Federation, the voice of Alabama agriculture since 1921, and president of ALFA Insurance.
