North Alabama farmers harvest ALFA awards

MOBILE — North Alabama farmers took home wins for Outstanding Young Farm Family and Excellence in Agriculture at the Alabama Farmers Federation Farm and Land Expo in Mobile on Saturday.

Brady and Anna Peek of Limestone County were named the Outstanding Young Farm Family. The couple went into the farming business in 2010 and have increased their row crops yields and efficiency since that time. They have also grown their operation to include custom farming and a trucking business. The Peeks have expanded into growing flowers and sweet corn, as well.

Brady is the State Soybean Committee chair and chaired the State Young Farmers Committee in 2021.

The Peeks won more than $80,000 in prizes, including a new $40,000 Ford truck from Alfa Insurance; a John Deere 825i Gator sponsored by Alabama Farm Credit and Alabama Ag Credit; and a year’s lease on a John Deere tractor, courtesy of John Deere, TriGreen and SunSouth.

Mitchell and Rebecca Henry of Lawrence County were third. The couple raise cattle and crops at Hardin Farms in Moulton. They won a prize package from Corteva Agriscience and $500 from Alabama Ag Credit and Alabama Farm Credit. Mitchell was the State Young Farmers Committee chair in 2022 and is secretary-treasurer of the Lawrence County Farmers Federation. Rebecca is a pharmacist in Courtland.

Zack Brannon of Winston County won Excellence in Agriculture. The competition is for participants to showcase the role agriculture plays in their lives and to also present solutions on agricultural issues. Brannon received a zero-turn Grasshopper lawn mower, also sponsored by Corteva Agriscience.

Also Saturday, four young farmers were selected as finalists for the Discussion Meet which simulates a committee meeting where participants discuss solutions to agricultural issues. The four finalists are Miller Bonds and Greyson Lauderdale, both of Limestone County; Caleb Beason of Franklin County; and Gavin Rankins of Chambers County.

They will compete during the Federation’s annual meeting in December. The winner will receive a new four-wheeler, sponsored by First South Farm Credit.

Austen Shipley is a staff writer for Yellowhammer News.