Olivia Gregory of Pike County earned first place in the Alabama Farm-City Seventh-Ninth Grade Essay Contest. Gregory was awarded first place at the Farm-City Luncheon in Auburn on April 17. 

Gregory is a student at Pike Liberal Arts School and received $300 from Alabama Ag in the Classroom (AITC) for her essay, which showcased the theme of “Our Community Counts on Farmers.” Her school will also receive a matching cash prize. 

More than 350 students, county leaders and industry representatives attended the luncheon, held in conjunction with the Alabama Farmers Federation Women’s Leadership Conference. 

“Volunteers are the lifeblood of Alabama Farm-City,” Farm-City Committee Chair Jeff Helms said. “Their generous gifts of time, talent and creativity have an immeasurable impact on their communities. They understand that it is vital to show citizens of all ages just how important agriculture is to our state. Every year, I’m amazed at their ability to rally around a common cause and cultivate connections with neighbors.”

A total of 18 students, representing 14 counties, in Kindergarten through 12th grade were honored at the lunch. Winners and runners-up in poster and essay contests received cash prizes from AITC, while Alabama Farmers Cooperative (AFC) sponsored the video contest. Winning works will be featured in the 2026 Alabama Farm-City Calendar.