Farming feeds Alabama and tonight Pike Countians will take time to recognize those who feed “Alabama ” and those who produce the fiber that is so essential to everyday life.

The annual Farm City Awards Banquet will be held at 6:30 p.m. at Cattleman Park and a large gathering is expected to be on hand to recognize the individuals who have been outstanding in their “fields” during the year 2010.

“The purpose of the Farm City Banquet and Farm City Week, Nov. 19-26, is to foster good relations between those who produce our food and fiber and those who provide goods and service that benefit our producers,” said Randy Hale, chairman of the Pike County Chamber of Commerce Farm City Committee. “At the banquet, we honor those who represent the farm interests in row crops, timber, poultry, beef, swine, fruits and nuts, conservation – all areas of agriculture.

“We also honor certain entities of local and state government and the corporations and businesses that derive their income from products that are sold to the agricultural and forestry sectors.”

The Farm City Committee also recognizes the importance of children learning about the role agriculture plays in their lives.

“All that many children know is that milk and eggs come from the refrigerator,” Hale said. “They have no idea that milk comes from cows and eggs come from chickens. And, a lot of people aren’t aware of the dependency the farm and city communities have on each other. That’s what Farm City is all about.”

Agricultural agencies and state and federal agencies partner with each other in an effort to keep America’s agricultural industry strong and make sure that its citizens have access to the highest quality foods at affordable prices.

Hale expressed appreciation to the Pike County Chamber of Commerce and the Farm City Committee for their hard work and dedication. He also congratulated the winners of the 2010 Farm City Awards that will be presented tonight in the areas of beef, row crops, poultry, specialty crops, timber, conservation, youth, young farmer and service to agriculture. Recognition will also be given to a recently designated Heritage and Century Farm.