Quick Answer

Yes, Alabama Farmers Cooperative (AFC) hires people with felony convictions case-by-case. As Alabama's largest agricultural supply cooperative with 60+ locations across the state, AFC offers accessible employment:

• Warehouse Worker: $15-22/hour (agricultural supplies, feed, inventory)

• Feed Mill Operator: $16-24/hour (operating feed manufacturing equipment)

• Delivery Driver: $18-26/hour (delivering feed, fertilizer, supplies to farms)

• Retail Sales Associate: $14-20/hour (farm supply stores, customer service)

• Career Path: Warehouse → Equipment Operator → Supervisor ($40k-$55k/year)

Table of Contents

1. Quick Answer

2. About Alabama Farmers Cooperative

3. Does Alabama Farmers Cooperative Hire People with Felonies?

4. Alabama Farmers Cooperative Jobs for People with Felonies (2025)

5. Alabama Farmers Cooperative Background Check: What to Expect

6. How to Get Hired at Alabama Farmers Cooperative with a Felony (Step-by-Step)

7. Frequently Asked Questions

8. Similar Agricultural & Farm Supply Companies

9. Final Thoughts

About Alabama Farmers Cooperative

Alabama Farmers Cooperative operates as Alabama's largest agricultural supply cooperative established in 1936 with 60+ retail locations, feed mills, fertilizer plants, and grain elevators across Alabama serving farmers and rural communities, employing approximately 1,200 workers statewide. AFC provides farm supplies (feed, seed, fertilizer, chemicals, equipment), grain handling and storage, petroleum products, and agricultural services to Alabama farmers and agribusinesses. As an agricultural cooperative, AFC offers accessible employment for people with criminal records due to rural operations across small towns, behind-the-scenes warehouse and manufacturing work, physical demanding agricultural work reducing applicant pools, skilled labor shortage in rural Alabama, case-by-case hiring evaluation, community-focused cooperative culture valuing work ethic over backgrounds, and career advancement from entry-level warehouse to equipment operator to supervisor in 2025.

Why Alabama Farmers Cooperative Is Accessible for Felons:

1. Rural Alabama operations - 60+ locations in small towns across state (less competition)

2. Behind-the-scenes agricultural work - Warehouses, feed mills, grain elevators, manufacturing

3. Physical demanding work - Loading feed bags (50-100 lbs), agricultural labor, hot conditions

4. Skilled labor shortage - Rural areas difficulty finding workers

5. Case-by-case evaluation - Cooperative culture, individual assessment

6. Community-focused - Serving Alabama farmers, agricultural heritage

7. Multiple locations - Apply to different AFC facilities statewide

8. Agricultural industry - Farming and ag supply broadly accessible

9. Entry-level accessible - Warehouse and laborer positions require minimal experience

10. Career advancement - Warehouse → Equipment Operator → Supervisor over 3-5 years

Does Alabama Farmers Cooperative Hire People with Felonies?

AFC Hiring Approach (2025): Alabama Farmers Cooperative evaluates applicants with criminal records case-by-case following agricultural industry standards that prioritize work ethic, reliability, physical capability, and safety consciousness over criminal backgrounds for warehouse, feed mill, and agricultural positions. AFC operates in rural Alabama communities where labor pools smaller and cooperative faces constant hiring needs for physical demanding agricultural work. Location managers at AFC's 60+ facilities have significant hiring discretion, particularly for entry-level warehouse, feed mill laborer, and delivery positions. Many people with various felonies work successfully at AFC across Alabama agricultural cooperative values hard work, showing up reliably, physical capability for demanding farm supply work, and community reputation over past convictions. Violence, theft, and drug trafficking face more scrutiny, but case-by-case evaluation considers time, circumstances, and rehabilitation in 2025.

What AFC Considers:

• Physical capability for demanding agricultural work (loading 50-100 lb feed bags, long hours, heat)

• Reliability and work ethic (farm supply business operates year-round serving farmers)

• Time since conviction (2-5+ years better but flexible for rural labor needs)

• Nature of conviction (theft with inventory access scrutinized, violence evaluated case-by-case)

• Position type (warehouse most accessible, delivery driver needs clean driving record, retail customer-facing)

• Willingness to work various locations (AFC has 60+ facilities across Alabama)

• Agricultural or farm background helpful (understanding farming and rural culture)

• Community reputation and references (small-town Alabama cooperative culture)

  
  

Most Accessible AFC Positions: Warehouse Worker, Feed Mill Laborer, General Laborer, Material Handler, Forklift Operator, Equipment Operator, Production Worker

What Convictions Are Accepted: Non-violent felonies (widely acceptable for warehouse and production positions), drug convictions if time elapsed (2-5+ years) and clean now, property crimes, assault depending on circumstances (case-by-case), DUI (acceptable for non-driving positions), older convictions with rehabilitation

What Faces Scrutiny: Theft (agricultural supplies, equipment, inventory worth significant money), drug trafficking (rural Alabama concern), violence (workplace safety with equipment and machinery), DUI for delivery driver positions, recent convictions within 1-2 years, active warrants

AFC Application Strategy: Apply at alabamafc.com/careers or visit AFC locations in person.

Target Warehouse Worker or Feed Mill Laborer (most accessible entry requiring limited experience). Apply to multiple AFC locations across Alabama (60+ facilities in rural communities statewide). Emphasize physical capability, farm background if any, and reliability. "I'm physically capable of hard agricultural work, reliable, and understand farm supply business" resonates with rural cooperative managers. Agricultural industry broadly accessible for people with records willing to do physical demanding work.

Alabama Farmers Cooperative Jobs for People with Felonies (2025)

1. Warehouse Worker / Material Handler

   Pay: $15-22/hour ($31,000-$46,000/year)

   Working at AFC warehouses handling agricultural supplies, feed, seed, fertilizer, and farm products, loading and unloading delivery trucks, organizing warehouse inventory, operating forklifts moving pallets of feed and supplies, picking orders for delivery, maintaining warehouse organization and safety, physically demanding work loading 50-100 lb feed bags, working in hot Alabama warehouse conditions, supporting farm supply operations.

   
   

   Requirements: Physical capability for heavy lifting (50-100 lb feed bags regularly), forklift certification helpful (AFC often provides), willingness to work in non-climate-controlled warehouses.

   
   

   Why MOST Accessible: Entry-level agricultural warehouse position requiring limited experience, straightforward material handling and inventory work, behind-the-scenes warehouse operations, physically demanding work (heavy feed bags, fertilizer, supplies in heat) reduces applicant competition significantly, agricultural supply industry accessible, prove reliability and physical capability to advance to forklift operator or warehouse lead earning $18-26/hour, easiest AFC entry for people with criminal records, available at most AFC locations statewide.

   
   

2. Feed Mill Operator / Production Worker

   Pay: $16-24/hour ($33,000-$50,000/year)

   Operating feed manufacturing equipment at AFC feed mills producing animal feed, monitoring production equipment and processes, weighing and mixing feed ingredients, operating bagging equipment packaging feed products, conducting quality checks on finished feed, maintaining equipment and production areas, following safety procedures around machinery, working various shifts including early mornings.

   
   

   Requirements: Mechanical aptitude helpful, ability to operate production equipment (training provided by AFC), attention to quality and safety, physical capability for manufacturing work.

   
   

   Why Accessible: Behind-the-scenes feed manufacturing operations at AFC mills, straightforward production equipment operation with training provided, essential to agricultural feed supply, mechanical skills developed through on-job training, higher pay than general warehouse ($16-24/hr vs $15-22/hr), advance to lead operator or feed mill supervisor, case-by-case evaluation with mechanical ability and reliability prioritized, many feed mill workers have criminal records and successful agricultural careers.

   
   

3. Delivery Driver / Truck Driver

   Pay: $18-26/hour ($37,000-$54,000/year)

   Driving AFC trucks delivering feed, fertilizer, seed, and agricultural supplies to farms and customers across rural Alabama, loading and unloading products at customer locations, operating delivery trucks safely on rural roads, providing customer service to Alabama farmers, maintaining delivery documentation and records, conducting vehicle inspections, covering multi-county delivery routes.

   
   

   Requirements: Valid driver's license with clean driving record (no DUI within 3-5 years typically), CDL helpful for larger trucks (may be provided by AFC), physical capability for loading/unloading, customer service skills with farmers.

   
   

   Why Accessible (With Clean Driving Record): Clean driving record MORE important than non-traffic criminal background, rural Alabama delivery routes (farms, small towns—not urban), behind-the-scenes agricultural delivery, customer interaction with farmers (rural agricultural community, less scrutiny than urban retail), higher pay than warehouse ($18-26/hr), non-traffic felonies acceptable with clean MVR, agricultural delivery industry accessible, advance to lead driver or logistics coordinator.

   
   

4. Forklift Operator

   Pay: $17-24/hour ($35,000-$50,000/year)

   Operating forklifts moving agricultural products throughout AFC warehouses and facilities, loading and unloading delivery trucks, organizing inventory in warehouse storage areas, transporting feed, fertilizer, and supplies, maintaining forklift equipment and safety, supporting warehouse and delivery operations, working efficiently in busy agricultural supply environment.

   
   

   Requirements: Forklift certification (AFC provides training if needed), safe forklift operation demonstrated, physical capability for warehouse work.

   
   

   Why Accessible: Specialized equipment operation skill, behind-the-scenes warehouse forklift work, AFC provides forklift training and certification, higher pay than general laborer ($17-24/hr), critical to warehouse operations efficiency, forklift operators in high demand across all AFC locations, advance to warehouse lead or inventory coordinator, case-by-case evaluation with safe equipment operation prioritized.

   
   

5. Retail Sales Associate (Farm Supply Store)

   Pay: $14-20/hour ($29,000-$42,000/year)

   Working at AFC retail farm supply stores assisting farmers and customers with agricultural products, providing product knowledge on feed, seed, fertilizer, chemicals, and supplies, operating cash register and point-of-sale systems, stocking shelves and maintaining store appearance, loading customer vehicles with purchases, customer service in rural Alabama farm supply environment.

   
   

   Requirements: Customer service skills, agricultural product knowledge (learned through training), physical capability for loading customer purchases, basic math and cash handling.

   
   

   Why Accessible: Rural farm supply retail (serving Alabama farmers and rural communities, not urban retail), agricultural product expertise developed through AFC training and on-job learning, customer interaction with farming community (less formal than urban retail), straightforward sales and stocking work, behind-the-scenes stocking combined with counter service, advance to store manager or agricultural sales specialist, case-by-case evaluation with customer service and farm knowledge emphasized.

   
   

6. Grain Elevator Operator

   Pay: $16-23/hour ($33,000-$48,000/year)

   Operating AFC grain elevators receiving and storing grain from Alabama farmers, operating grain handling equipment and conveyors, weighing and grading incoming grain, maintaining grain storage facilities, monitoring grain quality and moisture, coordinating with farmers on grain delivery, following safety procedures around grain handling equipment.

   
   

   Requirements: Mechanical aptitude, ability to operate grain handling equipment (training provided), understanding of grain quality (learned on job), safety consciousness with grain handling.

   
   

   Why Accessible: Specialized agricultural grain handling operation, behind-the-scenes grain elevator work in rural locations, mechanical equipment operation skills developed through training, essential to agricultural grain supply chain, higher pay than general warehouse, advance to grain elevator manager, case-by-case evaluation with reliability and mechanical ability valued, grain handling industry accessible.

   
   

7. Fertilizer Plant Operator

   Pay: $17-25/hour ($35,000-$52,000/year)

   Operating equipment at AFC fertilizer blending plants mixing and packaging agricultural fertilizers, monitoring blending equipment and processes, weighing and combining fertilizer components, bagging and palletizing finished fertilizer products, maintaining fertilizer plant safety and environmental compliance, operating forklifts and material handling equipment, following chemical handling safety procedures.

   
   

   Requirements: Mechanical aptitude, ability to operate fertilizer blending equipment, chemical handling safety (training provided by AFC), physical capability for production work.

   
   

   Why Accessible: Behind-the-scenes fertilizer manufacturing operations, straightforward production equipment operation, chemical handling skills learned through comprehensive AFC safety training, higher pay than general warehouse ($17-25/hr), essential to agricultural fertilizer supply, advance to plant supervisor or operations coordinator, case-by-case evaluation with safety consciousness and reliability prioritized.

   
   

8. Petroleum Delivery Driver

   Pay: $19-27/hour ($40,000-$56,000/year)

   Driving AFC petroleum trucks delivering fuel, diesel, gasoline, and oils to farms and rural customers across Alabama, operating fuel delivery equipment safely, conducting fuel deliveries and tank fills, maintaining delivery records and documentation, ensuring petroleum safety compliance, providing customer service to agricultural customers.

   
   

   Requirements: CDL with hazmat endorsement typically required, clean driving record (no DUI within 3-5 years), petroleum delivery safety training (AFC provides), hazmat background check clearance.

   
   

   Why Accessible (With Clean Record & Clearances): Highest warehouse/delivery pay ($19-27/hr), clean driving record critical, specialized hazmat delivery skill, non-traffic felonies may be acceptable if can obtain hazmat endorsement (some felonies disqualify per TSA regulations—verify eligibility), rural agricultural fuel delivery, advance to petroleum manager or fuel sales, case-by-case evaluation prioritizing driving record and safety.

   
   

9. Equipment Mechanic / Maintenance Technician

   Pay: $18-28/hour ($37,000-$58,000/year)

   Maintaining and repairing AFC equipment including forklifts, trucks, agricultural machinery, feed mill equipment, and facility systems, troubleshooting mechanical and equipment issues, conducting preventive maintenance, welding and fabricating repairs, ensuring equipment operates safely and efficiently, minimizing downtime affecting operations, working at various AFC locations as needed.

   
   

   Requirements: Mechanical repair experience or training, troubleshooting skills, welding ability helpful, agricultural equipment knowledge valued, ability to work independently.

   
   

   Why Accessible: Critical shortage of mechanics in rural Alabama, mechanical skills valued FAR more than criminal background, behind-the-scenes equipment repair work, essential to AFC operations (equipment downtime stops agricultural supply operations), highest technical pay, advance to maintenance supervisor or facilities manager, case-by-case evaluation heavily prioritizing mechanical ability, many agricultural mechanics have criminal records and successful careers.

   
   

10. Warehouse Supervisor / Location Manager

    Pay: $22-32/hour ($46,000-$67,000/year)

    Supervising AFC warehouse staff and location operations, managing inventory and supply levels, coordinating deliveries and customer orders, training and developing warehouse employees, ensuring safety compliance and procedures, overseeing forklift and equipment operations, reporting to regional management, handling customer service and issues, managing small AFC location operations.

    
    

    Requirements: Typically 3-5 years AFC warehouse or agricultural supply experience, proven leadership and reliability, knowledge of agricultural products and supply operations, promoted from warehouse worker, forklift operator, or delivery positions.

    
    

    Why Accessible: AFC promotes experienced reliable workers to supervision regardless of criminal background, many warehouse supervisors and location managers started as warehouse laborers with felony records and proved dedication over 3-5 years, performance and operational excellence determine advancement not background, agricultural cooperative culture values long-term employees, managing rural AFC facility operations serving Alabama farmers.

Alabama Farmers Cooperative Background Check: What to Expect

Background Check Process (2025): AFC conducts background checks after conditional job offer. Background checks typically review 7-year criminal history (Alabama standard). AFC evaluates case-by-case considering time elapsed, nature of conviction, position requirements (driving record for delivery drivers), and individual circumstances. Rural cooperative operations and labor shortage create more flexible accessible evaluation than urban employers. Theft faces scrutiny with agricultural supply inventory. Violence evaluated case-by-case. DUI disqualifies delivery drivers but acceptable for warehouse positions.

Timeline: 3-7 days typical for background checks at AFC.

What May Disqualify: Theft of significant value (agricultural supplies, equipment, inventory concerns), drug trafficking (rural Alabama community concern), DUI within 3-5 years for delivery driver positions, active warrants, recent violence, extreme cases

Driving Record Requirements (Delivery Driver Positions):

• Valid Alabama driver's license

• No DUI/DWI within 3-5 years (disqualifies delivery positions)

• Clean or mostly clean driving record

• Minimal moving violations

• CDL with clean record for petroleum delivery (hazmat endorsement)

  
  

Drug Testing: Pre-employment drug testing required at Alabama Farmers Cooperative in 2025 (safety-sensitive work with equipment, forklifts, delivery vehicles). Random drug testing during employment. Zero-tolerance policy. Must maintain sobriety for agricultural supply employment. Focus on achieving sobriety before applying if cannot currently pass screening.

How to Get Hired at Alabama Farmers Cooperative with a Felony (Step-by-Step)

1. Visit AFC Locations In-Person

   Drive to nearest AFC locations (60+ facilities across Alabama), walk into manager's office, ask to apply for warehouse or laborer positions. Bring ID and be ready to discuss physical work capability. Many rural locations hire in-person with less formal application process.

   
   

2. Target Warehouse Worker FIRST

   Warehouse Worker easiest AFC entry—limited experience required, physical work, behind-the-scenes operations. Apply at multiple AFC locations statewide. Prove reliability and physical capability over 6-12 months to advance to forklift operator or feed mill.

   
   

3. Apply to Multiple AFC Locations Across Alabama

   AFC has 60+ facilities statewide in small towns across Alabama. Apply to 5-10+ locations for maximum opportunities. Rural locations may have different hiring needs and manager discretion varies.

   
   

4. Emphasize Physical Work Capability

   "I'm physically capable of hard work loading heavy feed bags (50-100 lbs), working in heat, and putting in long hours" critical message. Agricultural supply work physically demanding—capability matters most.

   
   

5. Highlight Farm or Agricultural Background

   Any farming, agricultural, rural, construction, warehouse, or physical labor experience relevant. "I understand farming and agricultural supply" resonates with cooperative managers. Rural Alabama agricultural culture values farm knowledge.

   
   

6. Show Willingness to Work Any Location

   "I'm willing to work at any AFC location across Alabama and can relocate if needed" valuable. Some rural locations harder to fill than others. Flexibility increases hiring odds significantly.

7. Get Forklift Certification BEFORE Applying

   Forklift certification ($150-$300, 1-2 days) before applying shows initiative and increases starting pay ($17-24/hr vs $15-22/hr). Makes you immediately more valuable to AFC warehouse operations.

   
   

8. Be Honest About Criminal Background

   If asked: "I have [type] conviction from [year], completed requirements, focused on stable agricultural work career. I'm physically capable, reliable, and understand hard work in farm supply business."

   
   

9. Pass Drug Test

   Drug testing required at AFC. Must be clean to pass. Random testing during employment. Focus on sobriety before applying to agricultural positions.

   
   

10. Consider Other Agricultural Employers in Alabama

    If AFC doesn't work: other farm supply cooperatives, agricultural businesses, grain elevators, feed mills, fertilizer companies, equipment dealers, farming operations agricultural industry broadly accessible in rural Alabama.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does Alabama Farmers Cooperative hire convicted felons?

   Yes, AFC hires people with felony convictions case-by-case in 2025. Rural Alabama agricultural cooperative operations create accessible employment. Warehouse Worker ($15-22/hr, most accessible), Feed Mill Operator ($16-24/hr), Delivery Driver ($18-26/hr with clean driving record). Non-violent felonies widely acceptable. Apply to 60+ AFC locations across Alabama. Behind-the-scenes agricultural warehouse and manufacturing work. Physical capability matters—background evaluated individually. Agricultural industry broadly accessible for people with records.

2. Will Alabama Farmers Cooperative hire me with a felony?

   Likely depending on conviction type, time elapsed, and position in 2025. Non-violent felonies widely acceptable for warehouse and feed mill positions. Drug convictions acceptable if 2-5+ years and clean now (must pass drug test). Theft faces scrutiny with inventory. Violence case-by-case. DUI disqualifies delivery drivers but OK for warehouse. Target Warehouse Worker (most accessible). Apply to multiple rural Alabama locations. Physical demanding agricultural work. Rural cooperative labor shortage increases accessibility.

3. What is the most accessible Alabama Farmers Cooperative position?

   Warehouse Worker/Material Handler at $15-22/hour working at AFC warehouses handling agricultural supplies and feed, loading/unloading trucks, operating forklifts, organizing inventory, physically demanding work (50-100 lb feed bags in heat), limited experience required, behind-the-scenes warehouse operations, prove reliability to advance to forklift operator ($17-24/hr) or warehouse lead, easiest AFC entry for people with criminal records, available at most 60+ AFC locations statewide.

4. Can you work at Alabama Farmers Cooperative with a DUI?

   Yes for warehouse and non-driving positions in 2025. DUI disqualifies delivery driver positions (insurance and safety requirements). Warehouse Worker, Feed Mill Operator, Forklift Operator, Retail Sales—all accessible with DUI on record. Clean driving record only required for delivery trucks. Many AFC warehouse workers have DUI convictions.

5. How far back does Alabama Farmers Cooperative background check go?

   Typically 7 years for criminal history in Alabama in 2025 (Alabama follows 7-year background check standard for most employment). AFC evaluates case-by-case considering conviction nature, time elapsed, position requirements, and individual circumstances. Older convictions (7-10+ years) more acceptable than recent. Rural cooperative operations create more flexible evaluation than urban employers.

6. Does Alabama Farmers Cooperative automatically reject felons?

   No, AFC does not automatically reject people with felonies—case-by-case evaluation in 2025. Rural Alabama agricultural cooperative culture values work ethic and reliability. Physical capability for demanding farm supply work matters most. Theft faces scrutiny with inventory access but not automatic rejection. Violence evaluated individually. DUI disqualifies drivers but acceptable for warehouse. Rural labor shortage creates flexible hiring.

7. Can you work at Alabama Farmers Cooperative while on probation or parole?

   Yes if hired. Some AFC employees manage probation/parole alongside employment in 2025. Warehouse and feed mill schedules typically regular hours (day shifts, some early mornings). Be upfront about probation officer appointments after hired. Stable agricultural employment ($31k-$50k depending on position) demonstrates rehabilitation. Agricultural jobs accessible for people on supervision in rural Alabama.

8. Does Alabama Farmers Cooperative drug test?

   Yes, pre-employment drug testing required at AFC in 2025 (safety-sensitive work with forklifts, equipment, delivery vehicles). Random drug testing during employment. Zero-tolerance policy—positive test results in termination. Must maintain sobriety for agricultural supply employment. Focus on achieving sobriety before applying if cannot currently pass drug screening.

9. Can felons advance at Alabama Farmers Cooperative?

   Yes, AFC promotes based on performance regardless of criminal background in 2025. Many Warehouse Supervisors and Location Managers ($22-32/hr, $46k-$67k) started as warehouse laborers with felony records and proved reliability over 3-5 years. Career path: Warehouse Worker ($15-22/hr) → Forklift Operator ($17-24/hr) → Warehouse Lead → Supervisor ($22-32/hr) over 3-5 years. Work ethic and reliability determine advancement not background. Agricultural cooperative culture values long-term dedicated employees.

10. Is Alabama Farmers Cooperative felon-friendly?

    Generally yes with case-by-case evaluation in 2025. Rural Alabama agricultural cooperative operations accessible. Warehouse Worker ($15-22/hr) entry point. Non-violent felonies widely acceptable. Physical demanding work (50-100 lb feed bags, heat, agricultural labor). Apply to 60+ AFC locations statewide in small towns. Behind-the-scenes warehouse and feed mill operations. Agricultural industry broadly accessible for people with records willing to do hard physical work. Rural labor shortage increases hiring flexibility.

11. What benefits does Alabama Farmers Cooperative offer?

    AFC offers agricultural cooperative benefits: health insurance (medical, dental, vision) for full-time employees, retirement plan, paid time off and holidays, employee discounts on agricultural supplies and products, safety equipment and training provided, career advancement opportunities, stable employment serving Alabama farmers, competitive agricultural industry wages, and community-focused cooperative culture supporting rural Alabama.

12. How long is Alabama Farmers Cooperative hiring process?

    AFC hiring process varies by location in 2025. Rural locations often faster, less formal. Typical process: application (online at alabamafc.com/careers or in-person at locations) → phone or in-person interview with location manager (1-2 weeks) → conditional offer → background check (3-7 days) → drug test → safety orientation → start (2-3 weeks total typical). Some rural AFC locations hire within 1 week for urgent warehouse needs. Agricultural supply industry straightforward hiring for physical labor positions.

Similar Agricultural & Farm Supply Companies

Farm Supply Cooperatives (Similar to AFC):

• Farmers Cooperative Exchange (Southeast states)

• Southern States Cooperative (Southeast agricultural supplies)

• Local farm cooperatives in rural communities

Agricultural Suppliers (Also Accessible):

• Tractor Supply Co. (national farm supply chain, $14-22/hr, accessible)

• Rural King (farm supply stores, $13-20/hr)

• Coastal Farm & Ranch (West Coast agricultural supplies)

• Orscheln Farm & Home (farm supply chain)

Agricultural Industry (Broadly Accessible):

• Feed mills and grain elevators (local and regional operations)

• Fertilizer plants and chemical suppliers

• Seed companies and distributors

• Agricultural equipment dealers (John Deere, Case IH, Kubota dealers)

• Farming operations (direct farm employment)

• Food processing and agricultural manufacturing

Why Agricultural Industry Accessible:

• Rural operations in small towns (less applicant competition)

• Behind-the-scenes warehouse, manufacturing, delivery work

• Physical demanding agricultural labor

• Skilled labor shortage in rural areas

• Case-by-case evaluation standard in agricultural sector

• Community-focused cooperative culture

• Career advancement based on work ethic and reliability

• Essential agricultural supply chain (stable employment)

  
  

Final Thoughts

Alabama Farmers Cooperative offers accessible employment for people with felonies through case-by-case evaluation at 60+ locations across rural Alabama serving farming communities. Warehouse Worker/Material Handler ($15-22/hour) represents most accessible entry point requiring limited experience, straightforward agricultural material handling, behind-the-scenes warehouse operations, and physically demanding work (50-100 lb feed bags in heat) that reduces applicant competition. Feed Mill Operator ($16-24/hour) and Forklift Operator ($17-24/hour) provide alternative accessible pathways with slightly higher pay. Career advancement realistic: Warehouse Worker → Forklift Operator → Warehouse Lead → Supervisor ($22-32/hour, $46,000-$67,000/year) over 3-5 years based on reliability and work performance. Apply to multiple AFC locations across Alabama in rural communities statewide. Non-violent felonies widely accepted. Theft faces scrutiny with inventory but case-by-case. DUI disqualifies delivery drivers but acceptable for warehouse positions. Drug testing required—must pass pre-employment screening and maintain sobriety. Physical capability for demanding agricultural work critical to hiring. Agricultural cooperative culture values hard work, reliability, and understanding of farming and rural communities over criminal backgrounds. Rural Alabama labor shortage increases hiring accessibility significantly.

Key Takeaways for 2025:

• Alabama Farmers Cooperative generally felon-friendly with case-by-case evaluation

• Warehouse Worker $15-22/hour MOST accessible (limited experience, physical work, behind-the-scenes)

• Feed Mill Operator $16-24/hour, Forklift Operator $17-24/hour (slightly higher pay)

• 60+ AFC locations across rural Alabama—apply to multiple facilities

• Non-violent felonies widely accepted, theft faces scrutiny with inventory

• DUI disqualifies delivery drivers, acceptable for warehouse/feed mill positions

• Behind-the-scenes agricultural warehouse, feed mill, grain elevator operations

• Career path: Warehouse → Forklift → Lead → Supervisor ($46k-$67k) over 3-5 years

• Physical capability critical—50-100 lb feed bags, heat, demanding agricultural work

• Drug testing required—must pass pre-employment and random testing

• Get forklift certification before applying (increases pay $17-24/hr vs $15-22/hr)

• Farm or agricultural background helpful but not required

• Rural cooperative culture values work ethic and reliability over backgrounds • Apply in-person at rural AFC locations for best results (less formal hiring)

• Agricultural industry broadly accessible—consider feed mills, grain elevators, farm supply companies