In a senatorial race with ramifications for U.S. farming, Democrat Everett Wess and Republican Barry Moore are battling in Alabama. A key agriculture state, Alabama is second in U.S. broiler production, second in catfish, and a top producer of cotton, peanuts, timber, and sod.
Significantly, the number of federal legislators with direct ties to farming has dropped precipitously. Roughly 6% of Congress’ 535 members actively farm and that tally is consistently shrinking.
Which of Alabama’s two Senate candidates best understands agriculture?
Wess has served Alabama as a municipal court Judge, prosecutor, public defender, and private attorney. Moore was raised on a family farm and is a veteran and small business owner. Elected to the House of Representatives in 2021, Moore is currently a member of House Committee on Agriculture.
Responding to questions from Farm Journal, Wess detailed his perspective on farming. Moore did not respond to multiple Farm Journal interview requests via email and phone.
You’re running for a seat that has previously been on the Ag Committee. Do you hope to continue in that seat?
Wess: “Yes. If elected, I would seek a seat on the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry Committee. Agriculture is essential to Alabama’s economy, our rural communities, and our national food supply. Alabama agriculture includes poultry, cattle, cotton, peanuts, soybeans, forestry, and catfish production.”
“I would approach this responsibility as an opportunity to listen to farmers, growers, ranchers, foresters, and agricultural workers across our state. Committee service should never be about political titles. It should be about delivering results for the people who work the land, raise our food, create jobs, and sustain rural Alabama.”
What is your message for farmers and ranchers? Why should they elect you to speak for them?
Wess: “My message is simple: Alabama farmers deserve a senator who listens to them, understands the challenges they face, and fights for policies that help them remain profitable and pass their operations on to the next generation.”
“Farmers are business owners who face unpredictable weather, rising costs for fuel, fertilizer, equipment, feed, labor, and financing, as well as uncertainty in the marketplace. They work hard, take substantial risks, and provide the food, fiber, and other products our nation depends on.”
“As an attorney, former municipal judge, public defender, and computer science professional, I have built my career around problem-solving, public service, and advocating for people who need someone to stand up for them. I would bring that same approach to representing Alabama’s agricultural community.”
“I will listen to producers in every part of Alabama, from family cattle operations to poultry growers, peanut and cotton farmers, catfish producers, and timber operators. I will work to ensure that federal policy recognizes the realities of their businesses, not simply the priorities of Washington lobbyists.”
What are your top 3 key agricultural policy positions?
Wess: “First: Strengthen farm profitability and make essential inputs more affordable. I support policies that help producers manage the costs of fertilizer, fuel, feed, seed, equipment, labor, and credit. I would work to strengthen agricultural risk-management tools and ensure that farm programs respond to the needs of Alabama’s diverse producers, including small and beginning farmers.”
“Second: Expand reliable markets and protect fair competition. Alabama producers need dependable markets at home and abroad. I would support fair-trade policies that open markets for Alabama agricultural products, challenge unfair foreign competition, and avoid unnecessary trade disputes that can leave farmers paying higher costs or losing customers. I would also encourage stronger regional processing, storage, and distribution capacity so more agricultural value and jobs remain in Alabama.”
“Third: Invest in rural communities and the next generation of agriculture. Agriculture cannot thrive without reliable roads and bridges, rural broadband, access to financing, agricultural research, and a trained workforce. I would support practical investments that help rural communities attract businesses and help young people enter farming. I would also work to improve access to agricultural credit, conservation assistance, and technology that helps producers operate more efficiently.”
What are 2 things you’d like to see change for U.S. agriculture?
Wess: “First, I want to see a more predictable and dependable economic environment for farmers. Producers should not have to make major planting, purchasing, and investment decisions while facing unnecessary uncertainty about markets, input costs, and federal support programs. I want Congress to work toward stable, understandable farm policies that give producers the tools to manage risk, withstand disasters, and plan for the future. When trade policy changes, farmers deserve a clear understanding of how those decisions may affect their costs and markets.”
“Second, I want to make it easier for the next generation to enter and remain in agriculture. The cost of land, equipment, financing, and other necessities can make it difficult for young and beginning farmers to establish viable operations. I would work to improve access to affordable credit, strengthen agricultural education and training, and support programs that help family farms remain productive across generations.”
“Our country needs an agricultural system in which family operations and rural communities have a genuine opportunity to thrive—not just the largest operations with the greatest financial resources.”
What is your favorite connection to or story about agriculture and farming?
Wess: “My connection to agriculture begins with my Alabama roots and my appreciation for the people who work hard to provide for their families and communities. Growing up along the Gulf Coast and spending my adult life in Alabama have given me a deep respect for the traditions, work ethic, and community spirit that define our state.”
“What stands out to me about farming is that it requires patience, discipline, faith, and a willingness to work today for results that may not come for months. Farmers plant seeds without controlling the weather, the marketplace, or every challenge that may arise. Yet they continue working because their families, their communities, and our country depend on them. That is a lesson in responsibility and perseverance that applies far beyond agriculture.”
“I believe Washington needs to appreciate that reality. Farmers do not need politicians to tell them how hard they work. They need public officials who respect their work, listen to their concerns, and help create conditions in which their businesses and families can succeed.”
How will you champion ag producers in your constituency when faced with bipartisan hurdles?
Wess: “I will approach agricultural policy with an open mind, a willingness to listen, and a firm commitment to Alabama’s interests. Agriculture should not be a partisan issue. Farmers, growers, and ranchers across our state share many of the same concerns regardless of political affiliation: profitability, access to markets, affordable inputs, disaster protection, rural infrastructure, and the ability to pass their operations on to their children.”
“As a senator, I would build relationships with colleagues from both parties, work with agricultural organizations and producer associations, and consult directly with farmers before supporting major legislation. I would seek common ground wherever possible, while being prepared to challenge policies that do not adequately serve Alabama producers.”
“I would also insist on accountability. Federal programs should be evaluated based on whether they deliver meaningful results for the people they are intended to serve.”
“My commitment is to put Alabama’s agricultural interests ahead of partisan politics. I will work with anyone, Democrat or Republican, who is willing to advance practical solutions for our farmers, ranchers, and rural communities. When we disagree, I will keep talking, negotiating, and looking for a path forward. And when Alabama producers need an advocate, I will make sure their voices are heard in Washington.”
