Thank you for your interest in the Greater Gulf State Fair!

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Farmers ~ Providing Food and Fiber with Persistence
            The drought of 2007 will affect agriculture for years to come. Despite harsh circumstances, farmers continue to work hard every day to provide enough food and fiber not only for our citizens here in the United States but even for those abroad.  As the number of family farms in Alabama continues to decrease every year, productivity continues to increase. We now have only around 43,000 active farms in the state, yet our farms produced more than $5.29 billion in farm and forestry receipts last year.  Livestock and poultry accounted for 81% of the cash receipts. Farming is still Alabama’s #1 industry with poultry, cattle and calves, and greenhouse, sod and nursery products serving as our top three farm commodities.

       We are fortunate here in the United States that we spend less of our dollar on food than so many other countries in the world. Our farmers are very efficient and excellent stewards of the land. As we enter the harvest season, won’t you join me in thanking our farmers for their tireless efforts?

          Every fall, as we celebrate our bountiful harvest, Alabama’s fairs and livestock exhibitions are our state’s best entertainment for the entire family.  Our fairs are fun, educational and they highlight the important role of agriculture in Alabama.

Sincerely,

Ron Sparks
Alabama's Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries