By Jeff Helms

In a quiet peninsula where the Coosa and Tallapoosa rivers converge, the Barrett family has built a pasture-to-plate beef operation impacting the industry far beyond their farm gates. 

Their stewardship and innovation earned Bar Neal Farms the title of 2025 Alabama Farm of Distinction and thrust Dr. Nealy Barrett into the spotlight to represent the family in the Sunbelt Ag Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year contest. The Elmore County cattleman credits his parents, Betty and the late Nealy Sr., for establishing the farm in 1961 with 30 acres and a few cattle.

“I think he’s looking down on us, and he’s still proud,” Barrett said. “Not many people get to work with their dad — or even see their dad — on a daily basis. I think that’s a big plus, because I’m getting to do that with my son now.”

Bar Neal is the epitome of a diversified family beef cattle business. Barrett farms alongside wife Jennie, son Justin and his wife, Jordan. Grandkids Brantley, Nealy and Hardy are their best ranch hands, while matriarch Mrs. Betty still rides herd over the whole crew. 

Today, the farm covers 2,600 acres and includes a 600-unit cow-calf operation under the Bar Neal banner; 3,500-4,000 stockers through B&B Cattle Co.; 1,500-2,000 head in retained-ownership with feedlots and grazing partners through JNB Livestock; and 100 head of custom beef sales through River Bend Beef. Jennie handles accounting for Bar Neal and B&B, while Jordan manages the books for JNB and River Bend. Justin and Jordan also operate five poultry pullet houses and a feed mill producing 1,500 tons a year.

As the Farm of Distinction, the Barretts received an engraved sign from the Alabama Farmers Federation and Alfa Insurance; a John Deere Gator from John Deere, SunSouth and TriGreen; a $1,000 gift certificate from Alabama Farmers Cooperative; and $1,000 from First South Farm Credit. The Southeastern Farmer of the Year will be announced Oct. 14 during the Sunbelt Ag Expo, where Barrett will receive $2,500 and other prizes. 

Justin said owning four businesses — from cow-calf to freezer beef — allows them to maximize the value of each animal.

“It’s all about conversion,” he said. “What does the feed cost, and how much feed does it take to put a pound of gain on the animal? We have them separated into four different businesses to be able to understand where our margins are, what our opportunity costs are and what our decisions are costing us. It’s really about managing risk. So, at every decision point, we have multiple options.”

The Barretts emphasize water quality, utilizing three Environmental Quality Incentives Program projects to install over 20 well-fed watering troughs. They’ve also implemented cross-fencing for rotational grazing and grid sampling to improve soil fertility. 

Herd health has long been a priority, thanks to Barrett’s knowledge and experience as a private large-animal veterinarian for 16 years followed by 23 years as Alabama’s associate state veterinarian. Over the years, he has helped seasoned ranchers manage and improve their operations. Now, he and Justin are mentoring the next generation of cattlemen through contract feeding and shared ownership agreements.

Federation Area 5 Organization Director David Heflin nominated the Barretts for the award. He praised the family’s selfless dedication to the agriculture community.

“Bar Neal Farms and the Barrett family have been a constant and growing influence in the local area,” he said. “They’ve made outstanding progress, even in challenging times. They are innovative and family oriented. By generously working with other herd owners, they contribute to the long-term sustainability and success of our region’s livestock industry.”