Alabama Farm Center

The Alabama Farm Center is a proposed $158 million livestock and agricultural facility to be constructed in the Hallmark Cooperative District at the former 567-acre Hallmark Farm near I-65 in Warrior.

The farm property was acquired by a joint initiative of Jefferson County and the City of Warrior for $7.5 million in 2019. In 2023 the Alabama Farmers Federation's Alabama Rural Economic Center proposed to construct a major farm center there, to host livestock and equestrian competitions, rodeos, and concerts. Facilities would include an indoor livestock arena, a covered outdoor arena, two livestock barns, and an exhibit hall.

Legislation to create a public Agriculture Exhibition Center Corporation to construct and operate the facility was sponsored by State Senator Shay Shelnutt. Versions of the bill easily passed both chambers early in 2024 Alabama legislative session, but a final consolidated bill was held up until the final day of the session over a dispute regarding opposition to a referendum to legalize gambling. The bill designated the corporation as an "economic development organization" under the Growing Alabama Act (Act of Alabama 2021-02).

References

• Leech, Marie (September 8, 2023) "$158 million agricultural center proposed for Jefferson County." Birmingham Business Journal
• Sharp, John (May 8, 2024) "Alabama Farm Center legislation approved, ending two-day drama over gambling and lottery politics." AL.com