Burton Farms near Lafayette in Chambers County was named Alabama’s 2002 Farm of Distinction during the annual Farm-City Awards Program in Birmingham, April 8.Charles and Lynda Burton bought their first farmland in 1953, just before Charles returned home from the Navy. Over the years, they have acquired other farms and now have a total of 1,700 acres, including 1,100 acres of forestland and a 260-cow commercial beef herd. Burton said hard work and a passion for agriculture contributed to his success.”It’s something different everyday. I have told my wife several times that it’s a pleasure to get up and not dread going to work,” he said. “I’m sure a lot of people do that–in fact, I’ve heard them say that–but I’ve never gotten up with that feeling.”The Burtons said theirs is truly a family farm. Burton Farms includes land where Burton’s father, Jake, operated a dairy and another parcel where Lynda’s father planted pine trees in 1943. The Burton’s children worked on the farm while growing up, and today their son, Charles, has his own business, Burton Logging.”As I ride from farm to farm, I often think of just how good Burton Farms has been for our family,” Burton said. “It has provided us with a comfortable and wholesome lifestyle, and it has instilled in our children a work ethic that has enabled them to become successful, productive citizens. Perhaps one day, Jake (grandson) will drive his own John Deere over these same fields.”Burton Farms was selected from a field of five district winners. Other nominees included Martin and Jeanette Moates of Coffee County, Black & King Farms of Limestone County, Beck’s Turf Farm of Macon County and Dee River Ranch of Pickens County.As this year’s winner, the Burtons will receive $1,500 and a customized farm sign. They will compete in the Lancaster/Sunbelt Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year Competition in October.