Alabama Farm Credit Welcomes the 2026 Young Farmers Advisory Committee

CULLMAN, Ala. — Alabama Farm Credit is proud to announce the new and returning members of its Young Farmers Advisory Committee (YFAC), a group of ten young, beginning, and small producers from across North Alabama who are helping shape the future of agriculture in the region.

Established in 2022, YFAC brings together emerging agricultural leaders who provide insight on the challenges and opportunities facing young farmers today. Members represent a wide range of agricultural industries and serve two year terms advising Alabama Farm Credit as it works to support the next generation of producers.

“Our Young Farmers Advisory Committee represents the next generation of agricultural leadership,” said Mel Koller, President and CEO of Alabama Farm Credit. “Their firsthand experience is invaluable as we continue supporting the evolving needs of young, beginning, and small farmers across North Alabama.”

Meet the Young Farmers Advisory Committee Returning Members

Sheena Gay – Woodland, Alabama

Sheena Gay owns and operates a commercial cattle operation and feed store with family members, raising freezer beef and pork for local customers. Sheena is actively involved in agricultural leadership across the state, serving on the Alabama Cattlemen’s Association board as well as the Alabama Young Farmers board.

Thomas Peek – Athens, Alabama

Thomas Peek is the owner and operator of Peek Equipment, Inc., a family‑owned agricultural equipment business in Athens that has been selling farm equipment and implements for nearly 80 years. In addition to his equipment background, Thomas brings valuable financial perspective to the committee, having previously worked in agricultural lending as both a credit analyst and loan officer, giving him firsthand insight into farm financing, credit decisions, and the challenges producers face when accessing capital.

Brennan Smith – Guin, Alabama

Brennan Smith is a full‑time timber buyer and co‑owner of KJS Forest Products and K&S Lumber, businesses that process pine pulpwood into fence posts, pilings, and utility poles, as well as hardwood logs into crossties and lumber. He also purchases standing timber for Atlaco LLC and manages timber on his family’s land. Brennan serves on multiple boards, including KJS Forest Products, K&S Lumber, and the NWTF Buttahatchee Beard & Spurs Chapter. With a strong family history in forestry, Brennan is passionate about education and workforce development opportunities for young people entering the logging and forestry industries.

Cassie Swann – Logan, Alabama

Cassie Swann is a part‑time farmer and at‑home parent who helps operate two poultry layer houses and a cattle operation alongside her family. She also works part‑time with Nearen Construction in Cullman. Cassie is a strong advocate for young farmers and is especially passionate about mentorship, collaboration, and navigating the complexities of farm ownership and financing.

Sam Young – Ranburne, Alabama

Sam Young is a full‑time cattle farmer working with Gibbs Farms, a seedstock operation specializing in Simmental and Sim‑Angus cattle. He assists with nationwide sales, marketing, and customer relationships while also building his own cattle operation. Sam is passionate about helping young farmers overcome challenges such as rising land costs and limited access to capital and supports programs that help turn timberland into productive pasture.

Meet the Young Farmers Advisory Committee New Members

Kyle Morris – Hanceville, Alabama

Kyle Morris owns an Alfa Insurance Agency and operates Mulberry Bend Cattle Farm, a third‑generation cow‑calf operation offering direct‑to‑consumer beef sales. He is actively involved in agricultural education and community leadership, serving on the Cullman County Farmers Federation Board, as a Hartselle City Schools CTE Advisor, and with several local nonprofit and mentorship organizations.

Coltin Rainwater – Cullman, Alabama

Coltin Rainwater works as a Staking Technician at Cullman Electric Cooperative, where he calculates project costs for new service extensions and maintenance work. He is pursuing an associate degree in Business Management at Wallace State Community College and co‑manages Rainwater Ranch with his spouse. The ranch operates a ranch‑to‑table beef program that finishes steers from their herd and develops heifers for future expansion. Coltin also serves on the Cullman County Farm City Committee, the Cullman High School Ag Advisory Council, and the Young Farmers of Cullman County.

Kristen Stebbins – Athens, Alabama

Kristen Stebbins is the owner of Stebbins Family Farm, where she focuses on dairy cattle, milk production, and small‑scale poultry and egg operations. Her farm is working toward Grade A dairy permitting in 2026, with the goal of bringing fresh, locally produced dairy products to the surrounding community.

Kaitlyn Thacker – Boaz, Alabama

Kaitlyn Thacker is a USDA Farm Service Agency Program Analyst and co‑owner of a commercial cow‑calf operation. Since 2014, she has managed herd health, grazing systems, infrastructure, and farm finances. Kaitlyn previously oversaw broiler production and plans to expand back into poultry in the future. She currently serves as Secretary of the Marshall County Young Farmers and is active on several advisory and community boards.

Grant Tidwell – Double Springs, Alabama

Grant Tidwell is a logger and timber buyer who founded his own logging business in 2021 after entering the timber industry in 2018. He operates a traditional logging crew and land‑clearing business and manages timber across multiple North Alabama counties. Grant and his family also oversee 500 acres of timber and wildlife habitat. He serves on the American Logging Council, American Logging Council Young Leaders Program, Alabama Forestry Association, Alabama Logging Council, and the Winston County School Ag Board.

About the Young Farmers Advisory Committee

The Young Farmers Advisory Committee brings together individuals who demonstrate leadership, innovation, and a commitment to advancing agriculture in Alabama. The committee helps inform Alabama Farm Credit’s outreach, products, and services to ensure long‑term success for the next generation of producers.

About Alabama Farm Credit

Alabama Farm Credit finances farmers, agribusinesses, rural homeowners, and landowners across North Alabama. Headquartered in Cullman, AFC operates branch offices in Albertville, Athens, Cullman, Talladega, Tuscumbia, Rainbow City, and Scottsboro. As part of the nationwide Farm Credit System, established in 1916, AFC remains committed to protecting and promoting agriculture for future generations.