Young farmers from North Alabama harvest top honors

MONTGOMERY — Farmers from Lawrence, Limestone, and Winston counties proved to be the cream of the crop Monday at the Alabama Farmers Federation’s 102nd annual meeting in Montgomery.

Brady and Anna Peek were honored as the Outstanding Young Farm Family. The Peeks raise row crops in Limestone and Lauderdale counties.

They received a prize package worth more than $80,000, including $40,000 toward a new Ford truck, compliments of Alfa Insurance; a John Deere 825i Gator sponsored by Alabama Ag Credit and Alabama Farm Credit; and a year’s lease on a John Deere tractor, thanks to John Deere, TriGreen and SunSouth.

Since beginning their farm in 2010, the Peeks have increased yields and efficiency; expanded to include custom farming and a trucking business; and diversified into raising flowers and sweet corn they sell to local customers. Brady is the State Soybean Committee chair and led the State Young Farmers Committee in 2021.

To qualify, competitors must have half their income subject to production risk and compete through an application, interview and on-farm judging.

Also honored were:

• Greyson Lauderdale of Limestone County was the Discussion Meet champion. He received a four-wheeler from First South Farm Credit. Discussion Meet simulates a committee meeting where participants discuss solutions to agricultural issues.
• Winston County’s Zack Brannon was recognized for placing as the top competitor in the Excellence in Agriculture contest. Brannon, the Winston County Extension coordinator, received a zero-turn lawnmower from Corteva Agriscience. He and wife Hannah are raising two daughters, Elliott Grace and Vivie Mae, on their hay and cattle operation. Brannon won the contest based on an application and presentation. Excellence in Agriculture competitors receive less than half their income from production agriculture.
• Mitchell and Rebecca Henry of Lawrence County were honored as Outstanding Young Farm Family second runners-up. They received $500 from perennial sponsors Alabama Ag Credit and Alabama Farm Credit. As second runner-up, the Henrys received a custom chemical package from Corteva Agriscience as second runner-up. They operate Hardin Farms in Moulton, where they raise stocker calves, have a cow-calf operation and grow many of their own feedstuffs, like corn silage. They have one son, Clint.

The Peeks, Brannon and Lauderdale will represent Alabama during American Farm Bureau Federation national competition in Salt Lake City, Utah, in January.