MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Conecuh County young farmer Cameron Smith joined the Alabama Farmers Federation field staff April 29. As Area 9 organization director, Smith will serve farmers in Butler, Choctaw, Clarke, Conecuh, Marengo, Monroe, Washington and Wilcox counties.
Smith brings a friendly demeanor and deep appreciation for agriculture to the role, said Organization Department Director Matthew Durdin.
“We are excited to have Cameron join our team,” Durdin said. “I have known Cameron for a little over 10 years and been able to watch him excel in the agricultural industry. He fits our Core 4 values of Faith, Family, Integrity and Community. I’m excited for our members in Area 9 and the relationships that will be forged for years to come.”
Smith was raised in Cullman County’s Vinemont community, where he cultivated a love for agriculture by working for local farmers. He’s called Castleberry in south Alabama home since marrying Christin, his wife of nine years. An avid hunter, Smith is raising sons Booker, Briggs and Brier Klay to appreciate the great outdoors at Booker Farms, his in-laws’ cattle operation.
The Smiths honed their agricultural advocacy efforts through the Conecuh County Farmers Federation and local Young Farmers Committee. Since graduating from Auburn University with a bachelor’s in agricultural business and economics, Smith has continued to build a network of farmer-friends across the state. He’ll use that experience and understanding of the Federation’s mission when visiting members, engaging with local Alfa Insurance staff and connecting county leaders to state-level resources.
“There’s something about farming that draws you in, no matter what commodity it is. I think it’s natural to long to do what God created us to do — to work hard and cultivate the resources he gave us,” said Smith, 35. “I am extremely thankful for the time I’ve had outside the Federation. I’ve seen the reality of farming and sat with farmers to make life-changing decisions about what their farm was going to look like the next year. I want whatever we’re working on — whether it’s a political issue, labor issues, anything — to have a positive effect on the people who are the backbone of our nation.”
Smith is one of 10 area organization directors (commonly called field men). His Area 9 formerly included Crenshaw County, now served by Area 8 Organization Director Jacob Davis.
Smith joins the Federation from Americot, where he was a seed salesman whose strong relationship-building skills and understanding of seed technology led him to double regional sales and market share in just two growing seasons. He previously spent seven years managing fertilizer operations for GreenPoint Ag in Evergreen and Atmore, where sales tripled during his tenure.
Smith brings extensive community involvement to the Federation. He’s first vice president of the Alabama Association of Conservation Districts; chairs the Conecuh County Soil & Water Conservation District; and represents local alumni on the Auburn Agricultural Alumni Club board. The Smiths worship at CrossWay Ministries Church in Andalusia.
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