A random sampling of Alabama farmers will receive the Alabama Farm Poll from Alabama Cooperative Extension System and Auburn University researchers via the U.S. Postal Service. This poll is the first step toward providing Alabama lawmakers and decision-makers with agricultural data from Alabama farmers.

Alabama Farm Poll
Kelli Russell, an Alabama Extension assistant professor in agricultural economics and rural sociology, said this poll will help researchers better understand how agricultural producers and Alabama farm households adapt to emerging challenges and opportunities.

“We know Alabama farmers participate in many surveys on the state and national level,” Russell said. “However, this survey really is different. This survey also will ask questions related to their perspectives, their decision-making and their drive.”

Russell said questions will help Auburn University and Extension researchers determine what matters most to Alabama farmers. It will also help researchers understand issues that may not rank as high on the list of concerns.

Understanding and Supporting Alabama Farmers
Mykel Taylor, head of Auburn University’s Department of Agricultural Economics and Rural Sociology, said the poll matters because agricultural organizations and policymakers need a firm grasp on the needs and perspectives of farmers in different regions of the state.

“These questions are not the same ones that are asked by USDA-NASS and other survey groups,” Taylor said. “Farm labor and health insurance are two examples of topics that could be brought up in the farm poll. We want to understand what drives farmers to make decisions on their farm.”

Taylor said testimonials and quotes are important to Alabama lawmakers, but data from the Alabama Farm Poll also will be valuable as elected officials make policy decisions.

“We worked together with partners, including the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association, the Poultry & Egg Association and the Alabama Farmers Federation,” Taylor said. “This is a comprehensive survey that will be used by commodity groups and agricultural partners to support Alabama’s agricultural producers.”

Valuable Insights
Five thousand Alabama farmers were randomly selected from a list provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Russell said this random sampling will help researchers take the pulse of Alabama’s farming community.

Taylor said other states, including Iowa, have been surveying farmers since the 1980s. Their surveys have yielded valuable results about farmers’ top priorities and biggest concerns. Survey findings were helpful for state decision-makers.

Russell said the agricultural economics and rural sociology department is often focused on markets, but this survey will home in on sentiment.

“This survey is important to Alabama farmers because it is a chance for them to make their thoughts known on a variety of issues facing the state both now, and in the future,” Russell said. “We plan to begin publishing results in late summer 2025 and look forward to sharing our findings with Alabama farmers and our partners.”

More Information
Learn more about the Alabama Farm Poll at www.aces.edu/go/ALFarmPoll.

If you receive an Alabama Farm Poll in the mail by accident, reach out to Russell at kjr0041@auburn.edu. Farmers may contact Russell or Taylor regarding questions about the farm poll. Producers can reach Taylor by email at mrt0055@auburn.edu.