Lawrence County Farmers' Market

Alabama Agriculture & Industries Rick Pate grew up working his family’s cattle and poultry farm in Lowndes County. Because of his roots in agriculture, he studied ornamental horticulture and received his bachelor’s degree in 1978 from Auburn University’s College of Agriculture. Rick Pate was elected Commissioner of Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries in 2018 out of four in the Republican primary. He was re-elected in 2022 without Republican or Democratic Party opposition. Pate started Pate Landscape Co., Inc. in 1982. Under Pate’s leadership, the company has been profitable and award winning. 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 owned a purebred Charolais herd, after the death of his father in 2012, he also took over the family cattle operation, Pate Charolais Ranch. In 1996, he joined Lowndesboro’s Town Council and served as Mayor in 2004. While serving as mayor, a new well and water tank were added, the water system was expanded, and sidewalks were installed through town. He resigned in 2018 after being elected Commissioner of Agriculture and Industries. Growing up on a farm, running a business and cattle operation, and serving as the mayor of a small rural town has given Pate a genuine concern for the future of agriculture and the people of Alabama. Pate has been a member of the Montgomery Rotary Club since 1987, served as president in 2011-2012 and was given the Rotary District 6880 Jerry Brunson Unsung Hero Award in 2016. He served as President of the Alabama Associated General Contractors (AGC) in 2015 and was appointed “Life Governor” of AGC of America. In 2022, he was inducted in the Alabama Construction Hall of Fame and in 2023 into the Alabama Livestock Hall of Fame. In 2024, Pate received the Alabama Grocers Association’s “Spirit of Alabama Award” and the Alabama Farmers Federation “Service to Agriculture Award”. In 2025, he received the Alabama School Nutrition Association “Friend of the Year” award. He is a lifetime member of the Auburn Alumni Association and endowed a scholarship at Auburn University for Lowndes County Residents. Pate has been married to the former Julie Dismukes since 1989, and they have two grown sons, Richard (Karolina) and James (Talia).