Darrell Haynes nominated for Southeastern Farmer of the Year
CULLMAN, Ala. – Every year the Sunbelt Ag Expo selects a Farmer of the Year from each Southeastern state and recognizes them at the Sunbelt Ag Expo, where the overall winner is announced. Cullman County’s Darrell Haynes was named the 2023 Alabama Farmer of the Year, and he is now in the running for the Southeastern Famer of the Year.
According to the Sunbelt Ag Expo, “Since its inception in 1990, the Sunbelt Expo’s Southeastern Farmer of the Year award program has evolved into the most prestigious honor in the Southeast and nation with 286 outstanding agribusiness leaders being honored for excellence in agriculture. The goals and objectives for the award are to reward a commitment to excellence in the agriculture industry; to reward efficiency in farming practices; to reward participation and leadership in community, state and national services; to reward sound management and financial practices; to reward plans for future development and changes; to reward sound environmental practices; and, to reward sound marketing and promotional practices. States that participate in the program include Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia. In the previous 32 years of the award, over $1,284,000 has been awarded to state and overall winners.”
Haynes was nominated by Alabama Farmers Federation Area II Organization Director Tyler Monday, who said, “The Haynes family has great enthusiasm for being stewards of the land and take immense pride in continuing their long-term farming legacy. Darrell and Lydia are always eager to share their knowledge and experiences with the many groups of people who have visited the farm over the past 50 years.”
“My first thought was that I don’t deserve any sort of recognition for anything,” Haynes said of being nominated. “There is certainly nothing distinguished about me except my mustache,” he joked.
“I’m humbled and I’m proud of what we do, and I love what we do,” he continued. “The good Lord has chosen to let me touch a lot of his stuff. I make mistakes just like everyone in things that I do, but I try to learn from the bad. My motivation is just to do a good job, whether it’s dealing with people or working with production agriculture, because that’s what this is about.”
The Hayneses credit some of their success to being able to adapt and grow with new technology. Lydia Haynes emphasized their commitment to embracing innovation, sharing how they’ve incorporated GPS and auto-steer systems into their equipment. “We’ve always tried to be diversified, and we have embraced technology. Precision farming, GPS, drone technology – it all helps us work more efficiently and sustainably,” she said.
The couple reflected on how farming has become increasingly efficient over the years. “Fewer farmers can do more now, with technology and better practices,” Lydia Haynes noted. She said selling cattle and sourcing equipment through internet auctions has streamlined their farm’s operations and connected them to a broader network of fellow farmers.
The Hayneses said its important to them to be involved in the local community. “We try to do little things that enhance our relationship with neighbors, the community, our church, local organizations and the (Cullman County) Cattlemen’s Association,” Lydia Haynes elaborated. “Being involved is essential. You don’t want to be isolated because that’s not going to help agriculture.”
Darrell Haynes shared his advice for anyone who has an interest in becoming a farmer: “Education is something no one can take away from you,” he said.
Numerous opportunities exist within the field, Lydia Haynes said. Agriculture extends beyond traditional farming, encompassing animal husbandry, soil science and management.
Both highly recommend attending college – not just for the educational benefits, but also for the networking opportunities.
Darrell Haynes also pointed out that entering the world of production agriculture can be challenging without generational help.
His final advice? “You need a partner, a teammate. You need some form of support and encouragement. It’s not always rosy.”
The Hayneses said they would like to thank the community for all the support they have received over the years.
The Sunbelt Expo’s 2023 Southeastern Farmer of the Year will be announced during the 2023 Sunbelt Ag Expo Oct. 17-19, 2023, in Moultrie, Georgia.
Find out more at www.sunbeltexpo.com.
