Plans for the Alabama Farm Center, a major venue for agriculture-related events at the picturesque Hallmark Farm off of Interstate 65 in north Jefferson County, took a significant step forward last week.
The recently created Alabama Exhibition Center Corporation announced Friday the finalized purchase of about 500 acres for the Warrior site. That real estate deal and proposed Alabama Farm Center were first announced in September 2023 by the Alabama Farmers Federation and Jefferson County.
“The federation is proud to have cast a vision for the Alabama Farm Center, and we appreciate Alfa Insurance and the Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation investing over $15 million into making it a reality,” Alfa President Jimmy Parnell said in a written statement. “We are excited to see the AAEC take the reins as others join in moving the Farm Center forward.”
Alfa says the center will host livestock shows, rodeos, concerts and other events. It’s expected to include an indoor livestock arena, a covered outdoor arena, two livestock barns and an exhibit hall.
Last year, lawmakers approved legislation creating the Agriculture Exhibition Center Corporation, an economic development authority that will operate the center. It can apply for state tax credits to undertake the construction, management and leasing of the Alabama Farm Center. The center is exempt from some state and local taxes.
Last month, the Alabama Senate confirmed the corporation’s board members. They are:
- Jimmy Parnell, Alabama Farmers Federation
- Ralph Williams Jr., Alabama Power
- John Starnes, DeKalb County farmer
- Thomas Ellis, Lowndes County farmer
- Dr. Barrett Vaughn, Tuskegee University
- Joe Lambrecht, Elmore County farmer
- Brad Fuller, Jefferson County farmer
“Today is one we’ve been anticipating,” Williams said Friday in the written statement. “Many have shared the dream of a premier agricultural education and event center for Alabama’s young people and families to enjoy. The AAEC is committed to bringing this dream to fruition. We are confident the Alabama Farm Center at Hallmark Farm will be a regional destination that will benefit Alabama’s economy, students and workforce.”
A previous plan for an Alabama Rural Economic Center, a joint effort between the city of Clanton, Chilton County and the Alabama Farmers Federation, fell through last year.