By Lydia East

Matt Sims grew up on his family’s farm where mornings began early, nights ran late and hard work was a way of life. Decades later, not much has changed for the 2026 Catfish Farmer of the Year.

“I knew from an early age I wanted to farm,” Sims said. “I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.” 

The Hale County native’s passion for agriculture began long before he could drive a tractor. 

“When I was 5, I would stand on the door of an old feed truck watching the fish with my mom,” Sims said. “That’s my earliest memory of agriculture.” 

That childhood sparked a lifelong calling. Driven by faith, experience and a desire to continue the family legacy, Sims works daily alongside his father, Henry. Together, they manage catfish ponds, commercial cattle and pastureland. 

While the farm has burgeoned over the years, Sims said its greatest success isn’t measured in acres. 

“Having a family and getting to work with my family is the greatest reward,” Sims said. 

Sims and his wife, Lindsey, are raising the next generation of farmers — Wade, Sara Morgan and Emmy. Sims said he hopes his children grow up with the same appreciation for agriculture that guided him as a young boy. 

 “Wade helps around the farm when he can, and Sara Morgan loves to hunt,” Sims said. “I want my kids to love agriculture as much as I do.” 

In 1989, Sims’ operation pivoted from row crops to catfish, a decision that altered the family’s future. 

“If it wasn’t for catfish, I don’t know what would have happened on this farm,” Sims said.

Today, the operation includes 25 ponds that yield U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish in the heartland of American catfish production. Hale County’s heavy clay soil creates ideal pond conditions, making Alabama’s Black Belt region the anchor of the industry. 

Life on the farm rarely follows a schedule, Sims said. Each day presents new challenges and responsibilities, whether monitoring pond conditions, checking fish health or maintaining equipment. 

“I love to be outside,” Sims said. “Every day is different, but I like not knowing what tomorrow brings.”

Working on the water has granted Sims a deep appreciation for the place he calls home. Peaceful moments around the ponds remind him farming is more than a job; it’s about stewarding land the Lord has provided. 

“I think about God’s creation and this land a lot,” Sims said. “When I slow down, I really get to see the beauty.”  

Sims respect for agriculture extends beyond his farm. Through his involvement with the Hale County Farmers Federation, he continues to serve alongside farmers and families who make Alabama agriculture stronger.  

Federation meetings often center around a homegrown catfish meal, the connections made around the table lasting beyond the dinner bell. 

That sense of community is one reason Sims takes pride in raising U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish. From farm to table, Sims said every step is carefully managed.

 “We have guidelines and the U.S. Department of Agriculture watching over how everything is grown and processed,” Sims said. “U.S. Farm-Raised catfish is important because you know where it is coming from.”

Alabama Farmers Federation Catfish Division Director William Green said he was pleased when the State Catfish Committee chose Sims for this honor.

“Every day, Matt strives to be a better farmer, son, husband and father,” said Green. “He represents the hard-working American farmers who provide U.S. Farm-Raised Catfish many families enjoy — both during August Catfish Month and beyond.”

Sims said he hopes to use his position as Alabama’s Catfish Farmer of the Year to showcase that success in agriculture is built through hard work, family and faith. 

“It is a great honor to be Catfish Farmer of the Year and represent what my family and I have built over the years,” Sims said. “At the end of the day, it comes down to hard work and trusting in the Lord.”