Vina farm family ranks as finalist

Farm tours headlined the program as Alabama’s best and brightest farm families gathered in Montgomery March 2-3 for the Alabama Farmers Federation’s 2018 Young Farmers Conference. One highlight on the agenda was naming the Outstanding Young Farm Family finalists – and one Franklin family featured among the three in the running.

2018 Outstanding Young Farm Family finalists named during the closing banquet included Gannon and Kristin Nunley, of Vina.

“We give all the credit to the good Lord above because he opened all these doors for us. He obviously has a purpose for us being here,” said Kristin, an agriscience teacher and FFA adviser at Hamilton High School.

The Nunleys, who began their farming operation in Franklin County in 2012, are joined by fellow finalists Chad and Heather Grant of Butler County and Chris and Jordyn Upchurch of Clay County.

Buses carrying nearly 400 young farmers branched across central and southeast Alabama Saturday of the conference for tours, a popular feature back for its second year, said State Young Farmers Committee Chair Ben Maples.

“There’s no better way to improve your farm than by learning from outstanding farmers who have a wealth of experience,” said Maples. “This is our largest conference in 25 years, and we’re grateful seasoned leaders took time to educate these producers.”

Tours visited operations in Dallas, Chambers, Lee, Montgomery and Pike counties.

The Nunleys – and their fellow finalists – will compete for more than $70,000 in prizes during on-farm judging this summer. The 2018 OYFF will be named at the Federation’s 46th Commodity Producers Conference in Montgomery Aug. 4.