Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries
Commissioner
Website: http://agi.alabama.gov/home Social Media:
About:
Rick Pate grew up working on his family’s cattle and poultry operations in Lowndes County, where he learned the value of hard work and perseverance. Because of his roots in agriculture, he studied horticulture and received his bachelor’s degree in 1978 from Auburn University’s College of Agriculture. Pate put his degree and determination to work and started Pate Landscape Co., Inc. over 36 years ago. Even though Pate has spent most of his time operating Pate Landscape, he never let go of his love for and connection to the farm in Lowndes County. He had a purebred Charolais herd of his own, but at the death of his father in 2012, he also took over the family cattle operation, Pate Charolais Ranch. Growing up on a farm, having a cattle operation, running a landscape business, and serving as the mayor of a small rural town has given Pate a unique prospective to bring to the office of Ag Commissioner. He has a genuine concern for the future of agriculture and the people of Alabama. Pate is mindful that by 2050, farmers will have to double food production to meet the needs of the world and that it will take visionary leaders who understand that we have to work smarter, not just harder, to achieve these goals. He plans to do his part by working with department staff, agriculture stakeholders and the people of Alabama to make a difference.
