Farm of Distinction title goes to Morgan County farm – The Hartselle Enquirer

Particular to the Enquirer

Faith and relatives are the foundation on which Mark and Sandy Byrd developed their farm, recognized April 7 as Alabama’s 2022 Farm of Difference. “I do not know how any one could farm without getting God on their aspect – with out trusting Him,” mentioned Mark, who recognized the award through the Alabama Farm-Metropolis Awards Application and Luncheon in Birmingham. “We’ve triumph over so much. When you go as a result of challenges, you have to continue to be targeted and have faith in the Lord to see you through these periods.”

For Byrd Spouse and children Farms in Danville, rough periods have included storms, droughts and a fire that destroyed a single of their chicken houses. Regardless of individuals difficulties, the Byrds have developed from 100 acres and 4 poultry properties in 1993 to a diversified farm with fields spanning 40 miles in two counties. “We’ve absolutely upgraded all the more mature rooster properties. We have added shops and storage barns for our devices, and we developed a new rooster house in 1996,” Mark said. “We went from about 40 acres of corn, soybeans and wheat the first 12 months to almost 2,000 acres now.

“We’ve bought a grain handling method the place we can shop suitable at 100,000 bushels of grain,” Mark extra, “which seriously can help throughout our harvest.”

As Farm of Difference winners, the Byrds gained a John Deere Gator from SunSouth and TriGreen dealers a $1,000 reward certification from the Alabama Farmers Cooperative and a farm indication from Alfa Coverage. The Byrds farm with their sons, Perry and Rodney. The two are mechanically minded and have contributed to the farm’s results by refurbishing old products, creating repairs and manufacturing alternatives for daily responsibilities. Around the a long time, the Byrds’ procedure has incorporated a wheat straw company, custom hay baling and a trucking organization. Their 5-12 months system incorporates constructing a retailer alongside occupied Highway 157 wherever they can offer farm goods and Alabama-grown merchandise. Mark explained he’s pushed by the exact resolve that led him to acquire a made use of tractor and hay baler at age 14 and plant his to start with 15-acre crop at 18. “I really do not like anyone to explain to me no,” he reported. “When I want to attain some thing, I’m heading to do my really most effective to achieve it. I have not often been productive. Life’s a battle from time to time. But I really don’t see that as a failure. The moment you give it all you have bought, then which is a good results.” Known during the Southeast as bass singer for the Residing Religion gospel quartet, Mark also serves as Morgan County Farmers Federation president and signifies District 2 on the Federation’s condition board. The Byrds show up at Temple Baptist Church. The family will symbolize Alabama in the Swisher/Sunbelt Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year contest in Moultrie, Georgia, Oct. 18-20. As the condition representative, the Byrds will acquire $2,500 from Swisher and have the chance to compete for an additional $15,000, along with other prizes.