CULLMAN, Ala. – Alabama Farm Credit recently announced that Cullman’s Coltin Rainwater and Hanceville’s Kyle Morris are new members of the Young Farmers Advisory Committee (YFAC).
Rainwater and Morris are two of 10 young Alabama farmers who will advise the lending cooperative on the challenges facing young, beginning and small producers in the region.
Rainwater works as a staking technician for Cullman Electric Cooperative. He also co‑manages Rainwater Ranch, a ranch-to-table beef program that finishes steers from their herd and sources locally to meet demand while developing heifers for herd expansion.
Rainwater is also deeply involved in the agricultural community, serving on the Cullman County Farm-City Committee, the Cullman High School Ag Advisory Council and the Young Farmers of Cullman County.
“Our Young Farmers Advisory Committee represents the next generation of agricultural leadership,” said Alabama Farm Credit President and CEO Mel Koller. “Their firsthand experience is invaluable as we work to support the needs of young, beginning and small farmers across north Alabama.”
Morris is the owner of an Alfa Insurance agency and Mulberry Bend Cattle Farm, a third-generation cow-calf operation in Hanceville that offers direct-to-consumer beef sales. Through his operation, Morris continues his family’s agricultural legacy while connecting consumers directly to locally raised beef.
Morris is actively involved in agricultural, educational and community leadership. He serves as a board member of the Cullman County Farmers Federation, a Career and Technical Education (CTE) advisor for Hartselle City Schools, a member of the Hope Horses Fundraising Committee and a mentor with the Huntsville Mayfly Project. He is also a member of Crosshaven Baptist Church. Morris is married to his wife, Ashley, and they have two children, Avery and Luke.
“Our Young Farmers Advisory Committee includes producers who are deeply invested in both agriculture and their communities,” said Koller. “Kyle’s involvement helps us better understand how to serve young and beginning farmers across north Alabama.”
Rainwater and Morris will serve alongside fellow YFAC members from across north Alabama, including Brennan Smith of Guin; Cassie Swann of Cullman; Sheena Gay of Woodland; Thomas Peek of Athens; Sam Young of Ranburne; Kaitlyn Thacker of Boaz; Kristen Stebbins of Athens; and Grant Tidwell of Double Springs.
Established in 2022, Alabama Farm Credit’s YFAC is made up of young, beginning, and small farmers who demonstrate leadership and a strong interest in advancing agriculture in Alabama. The committee reflects AFC’s mission to protect and promote agriculture for future generations.
