Former Alabama Ag Commissioner Dies

HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (AP) – Former Alabama Agriculture Commissioner Albert McDonald died Sunday at his farm in Limestone County. He was 83.

McDonald’s daughter, Caroline Aderholt, says he developed an infection about a month ago and his health declined. His family was with him when he died Sunday afternoon.

McDonald was a successful cotton farmer when he was elected to the state Senate in 1974. He served eight years before being elected state agriculture commissioner in 1982. He also served eight years in that office and made an unsuccessful run for Congress in 1990.

One of his biggest accomplishments was helping to start Alabama’s successful boll weevil eradication program in 1987.

Alabama’s current agriculture commissioner, John McMillan, says McDonald used his legislative experience to get things done to help Alabama agriculture.

Funeral arrangements are pending.