FSC/LAF holds 3rd Annual Women in Agriculture Conference

Shown above are Eddie Ayers’ family members honored on his behalf, Mr. Ayers’ daughter, Una Johnson, Gallion, AL; grandchildren Michael and Yanna, children of Mr. Ayers’ daughter Janella Jones of Jonesboro, GA.

The Federation of Southern Cooperatives, Land Assistance Fund (FSC/LAF) held its 3rd Annual Women in Agriculture Conference, Friday, April 4, 2025 at the New Generation Church Fellowship Hall in Eutaw, AL. The program was organized under the leadership of Ms. Audrey Haskins, FSC/LAF Research and Training Center staff. Ms. Brenda Goree served as facilitator.
Under the Conference’s theme: The Lady, The Land, The Legacy, the program featured several presentations including Female Empowerment Message by Portia Shepard of Black Women Rising; New and Beginning Farmers by Decetti Taylor, State FSA NIFA Coordinator; National Women in Ag by Cheryl Bell, of Alabama Women in Ag Chapter.
The Women’s Health Panel included presentations on Women’s Physical Health by Catherine Shelton of UAB; Women’s Mental Health by Lashaunda Lark Darien of Lock & Key Wellness and Therapeutic Health by Briana Hubbard-Bell.
Dr. Carol P. Zippert, a founder of FSC, was the keynote speaker focusing on a current project of the Federation’s Memorial Legacy Committee (MLC). She explained that the goal of the MLC project is to honor and memorialize the individual and groups that created, built and sustained the Federation since its birth in 1967. Several edifices will be constructed on the grounds of the FSC/LAF Research and Training Center in Epes (Sumter County), AL. The edifices, including a memorial wall, orchards, gardens, trails, cabins, gazebos, benches, etc. will be dedicated to individuals and groups that helped form the FSC/LAF.
Special presentations by Ms. Audrey Haskins and Ms. Ethel Giles, FSC/LAF staff were made to the family of Mr. Eddie Ayers, who contributed significant work to the Federation. He served on the Board of Directors representing Alabama cooperatives. He is also famous for founding and growing the Demopolis Federal Credit Union in 1966.