By Maggie Edwards 

Serving others, raising cattle and growing hay is a way of life for Tyler and KoryAnn Watt. That’s why the selfless Sumter County Young Farmers initiated a supply distribution to like-minded farmers in Texas affected by March wildfires. 

Thanks to generous farmers and farm organizations, they donated nearly $15,000 in funds and materials.

“The amount of support and help we had was incredible,” said KoryAnn, who grew up on a farm in Oklahoma. “This just shows how close the agricultural community is. My hometown was only three hours away from the fires. It was heartbreaking. At any moment, we could experience a disaster here in Alabama. We pray there are people out there who would take care of us here.” 

The Watts strive to raise their three daughters — Charlotte, 6, Kellie, 4, and Laura, 11 months — on a foundation of faith and service. Tyler, a Sumter County native, founded Watt Cattle Co. when he was just 19. 

“We started from the ground up,” KoryAnn said. “We have a level of appreciation for what we have and know the value of hard work. We try to serve others around us — whether that’s with my job at Alabama Ag Credit, farming or leadership through Young Farmers and the Sumter County Cattlemen’s Association.” 

That strong barnyard community helped the Watts serve families in Canadian, Texas. 

“We had a lot of people help us help other people,” Tyler said. “Friends we have met from rodeoing or farming called and wanted to pitch in. It’s not just us. It’s a community.”

Donations rolled in from people across the nation who found the Watts’ mission through social media posts. Other portions were given by local groups and farmers.

Cattlemen’s chapters from Choctaw, Greene, Hale, Marengo and Sumter counties helped fund trucking to transport hay the Watts donated out West. Feed and fencing materials were among the list of donated items. The Sumter County Farmers Federation contributed to fencing supplies, too.

Thanks to donations, Tyler loaded a truck and trailer with supplies, while a trucking company hauled 41 bales of hay 13 hours west of Sumter County. 

“I drove through the heart of the destruction,” Tyler said. “Fires were still happening when I was there. You don’t realize what a fire will do until you live through that. There was nothing but sand.”

The Watts were one example of how Alabama lent a helping hand. 

The Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries, Alabama Cattlemen’s Association and Alabama Trucking Association partnered to help fellow farmers, too. Their efforts resulted in over 27 loads of hay — 500-plus bales — for Texans.

“It takes a servant’s heart to do something like this,” said Alabama Farmers Federation Area 6 Director Mac Higginbotham. “Tyler and KoryAnn are doing what the good Lord above commanded us to do. That’s what makes the agricultural community and this organization so strong. Farmers serve others, and they serve Him.”

The goal was to help those who help feed the world, Tyler said. 

“I never look for a pat on the back,” said Tyler with a grateful grin. “But there is always a positive outcome from doing good for others.”