A professional, statewide agricultural non-profit uniting, educating, and protecting Alabama's community of heritage poultry breeders.
The Alabama Gamefowl Breeders Association is a professional, statewide agricultural non-profit organization. The association serves to unite, educate, and protect the community of heritage poultry breeders throughout the state of Alabama.
By establishing a formal legal framework, the ALGBA provides a structured, unified voice for the preservation of historic avian bloodlines, the promotion of sound husbandry, and robust legislative and regulatory representation for its members.
The Alabama Gamefowl Breeders Association is dedicated to the preservation of heritage gamefowl genetics, the advancement of ethical poultry husbandry, and the protection of the traditional rights of breeders. Through community education, youth mentorship, and scientific inquiry into avian health, the ALGBA fosters a sustainable future for heritage poultry while ensuring strong legislative representation for Alabama's agricultural community.
The Alabama Gamefowl Breeders Association owes its spirit to men like George Wood — a lifelong Alabamian whose devotion to the land and its living things set an example the association is proud to carry forward.
Born with a naturalist's curiosity, George served his country in World War II, earning both the Bronze and Silver Stars — and, in a measure of the man, turning down promotions so he could remain in the field alongside his fellow soldiers. He came home to earn a degree in forestry from Auburn University and a master's from Duke, then returned to Alabama for good.
In 1959 he became the University of Alabama's first forester, entrusted with the care of nearly 35,000 acres. Over three decades he became the person botanists and horticulturists across the state turned to — a living encyclopedia of Alabama's trees, shrubs, and wildflowers. He founded the Alabama Wildflower Society in 1971, started the university arboretum's wildflower garden, and shared his beloved species with gardens from Huntsville to Mobile. Colleagues called him a man of statewide importance; friends simply called him a Southern gentleman.
Alongside his life among growing things, George kept and preserved a line of heritage gamefowl handed down from his great-uncle, tending them faithfully for the love of the tradition alone. He never gambled on his birds and never sold a single one — to him they were living history to be protected and passed on, not traded. It is exactly that spirit — stewardship, heritage, and quiet devotion — that the ALGBA exists to honor.
George Wood passed away at the age of 87, but the standard he set endures in every member who breeds with care and preserves these bloodlines for the generations to come.
Adapted, in the association's own words, from a remembrance published in The Tuscaloosa News.
The ALGBA is organized as a registered agricultural non-profit organization in the State of Alabama — giving heritage poultry breeders a formal, recognized body that represents their interests and preserves their traditions.
The association is advised by the Jones Miller Group of Montgomery, Alabama, ensuring the ALGBA maintains professional, robust legislative and regulatory representation on behalf of its members statewide.
The ALGBA's mission is carried out through hands-on programs that strengthen the breeding community and secure its future — while ensuring Alabama's breeders always have a seat at the table.
Incorporated 1978 • A Statewide Community of Alabama Gamefowl Breeders