Alabama Farmers Federation Inc.
04/17/2025 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 04/17/2025 14:56
Elmore County Family Wins Farm of Distinction
By Jeff Helms
In a quiet bend of the Coosa River in Elmore County, the Barrett family has built a pasture-to-plate cattle operation spanning four generations and impacting the industry far beyond their farm gates.
Their stewardship and innovation earned Bar Neal Farms the title of 2025 Alabama Farm of Distinction and thrust Dr. Nealy Barrett into the spotlight to represent the family business. He credits his parents, Betty and the late Nealy Sr., for establishing the farm in 1961 with 30 acres and a few cattle.
"Not many people get to work with their dad on a daily basis or even see their dad on a daily basis. I think that's a big plus because I'm getting to do that with my son now," he said.
Bar Neal is the epitome of a diversified family beef cattle business. Nealy farms alongside wife Jennie, son Justin and his wife Jordan. Grandkids Brantley, Nealy and Hardy are their best ranch hands, while Mrs. Betty still rides herd over the whole crew.
Today, the farm covers 2,600 acres and includes a 600-unit cow-calf operation under the Bar Neal banner; 3,500-4,000 stockers a year through B&B Cattle Co.; 1,500-2,000 head in retained-ownership with feedlots and grazing partners through JNB Livestock; and 100 head of custom beef sales a year through River Bend Beef. Jennie handles accounting for Bar Neal and B&B, while Jordan manages the books for JNB and River Bend.
As Alabama's Farm of Distinction, Bar Neal Farms received a John Deere Gator from SunSouth and TriGreen dealers; $1,000 from First South Farm Credit; a $1,000 gift certificate from Alabama Farmers Cooperative; and engraved sign from Alabama Farmers Federation and Alfa Insurance valued at over $3,500. Nealy will now represent Alabama in the Sunbelt Ag Expo Southeastern Farmer of the Year contest this fall, where he'll receive another $2,500 and compete for a host of other prizes.
The Barretts' award was announced April 17 in Auburn as part of the Alabama Farm-City Awards.