AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. — Alabama farmers should be on the lookout for a poll, administered by the Alabama Extension and Auburn University researchers, and will provide lawmakers with agricultural data from the state’s producers. The poll is expected to arrive via the U.S. Postal Service.
Kelli Russell, an Alabama Extension assistant professor in agricultural economics and rural sociology, said this poll will help researchers better understand how 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.”
What Matters Most
Russell added that the questions will help Auburn University and Extension researchers determine what matters most to 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.
Approximately 5,000 farmers were randomly selected from a list provided by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
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.