By Tanner Hood

Alabama’s top young farm families were honored at the Alabama Farmers Federation’s State Young Farmers Conference Feb. 28 in Gulf Shores. 

Top 3 finalists were named in the Outstanding Young Farm Family (OYFF) contest organized by the Federation. Commodity division winners were also recognized in front of 450 of their peers in the statewide contest. 

OYFF competitors are farmers ages 18 to 35 years old who earn most of their income from production agriculture and are judged based on farm growth, Federation involvement and community service. The following were selected following an in-depth application and interview process:

• Cade & Shelby Easterling, Barbour County, Sheep & Goat Division, finalist
•  Garrett & Robin Dixon, Lee County, Peanut Division, finalist
• Jacob & Misty Porter, Clay County, Poultry Division, finalist
• Tommy & Lauren Murray, Franklin County, Fruit and Vegetable Division
• Mitchell and Rebecca Henry, Lawrence County, Beef Division
• Will & Camille Bullen, Clay County, Hay and Forage Division 
• Heath Clary, Hale County, Catfish Division
• Christopher & Hannah Langley, Chambers County, Forestry Division

As division winners, these families will serve an ex-officio term on the state commodity committees. They also received $500 from the Federation and a Turtlebox Original speaker courtesy of Alfa Insurance and Alfa Member Benefits.

Young Farmers from across the state gathered at the beach for the annual conference Feb. 27-March 1 to celebrate successes of the last year while encouraging one another during a tough farm season. 

Federation Young Farmers Division Director Hunter McBrayer said the OYFF contest allows the best-of-the-best Young Farm Families in Alabama to shine. 

“These families embody the very best of Alabama agriculture,” McBrayer said. “Their farming skills speak for themselves, but it’s their character that truly sets them apart. There are no finer young farm families to represent our Young Farmers across the state.”

###