Covington County Farmers Win Innovative Specialty Crop Award

By Maggie Edwards

Covington County's Sidney and Sheryl McKathan claimed the Alabama Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association's (AFVGA) inaugural Grow Forward Award Feb. 5 during the association's annual conference and trade show.

They netted a $5,000 prize thanks to First South Farm Credit's generous sponsorship.

"It was amazing to hear our name called," said Sidney, a Covington County Farmers Federation board member. "We competed against strong candidates. It was a rewarding experience."

The Grow Forward Award was established to honor fruit and vegetable growers who are shaping the future of specialty crop production through bold ideas, strategic thinking and strong leadership.

Finalists submitted applications and were evaluated on how they address key challenges in the industry. A panel of judges then selected the winner based on an application and presentation during the AFVGA Annual Conference and Trade Show.

The McKathan's farm, Pleasant Pastures, began in 2019 with honeybee hives. Since, it has grown into a well-loved specialty crop and agritourism operation in Andalusia. Pleasant Pastures implemented strawberry, pumpkin and summer produce U-pick in 2025. Their most precious crop is children Elish and Ashley Nix, who serve as helping hands on the farm.

Sidney and Sheryl McKathen own a strawberry U-pick farm and are beekeepers in Covington County. Sidney servers on the Covington County Farmers Federation board and is a member of A.L.F.A. Leaders. Sidney and Sheryl McKathen own a strawberry U-pick farm and are beekeepers in Covington County. Sidney servers on the Covington County Farmers Federation board and is a member of A.L.F.A. Leaders.

"I feel blessed to have others believe in our farm as much as we do," Sheryl said. "When we saw the award advertised, it caught our eyes. We knew it would be something to challenge us. It would also benefit our farm in the long run."

With just one year of growing fruit and vegetables under their belts, the McKathans are ready for what's ahead for their family farm.

"This competition was out of our comfort zones, but it got us to sit down and look at our operation and future goals," Sidney said. "We are looking forward to the future of Pleasant Pastures. This prize will help us get started."

AFVGA is an affiliated association of the Alabama Farmers Federation.