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The Young Family Farm has been owned and operated by the same family for than 100 years. Today, the farm is owned by Billy Young, the grandson of the original owners.

The Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries and Commissioner Rick Pate recognize the Young Family Farm of Shady Grove as an Alabama Century & Heritage Farm at the 2023 Pike County Chamber Commerce Banquet on November 16 at Cattleman Park.

The Young Family Farm has been owned and operated by the same family for more than 100 years.

The Young Family Farm is located 13 miles northwest of Troy in the Shady Grove community. The farm was originally purchased by James C. Young and his wife, Katie Eula Young, on September 30, 1904.

There are several historic structures remaining on the farm including the original home built in 1890.

Other original structures include a general merchandise store built in 1928, a barn built in 1940 and another barn built in 1948.

Today, the farm is owned by Billy Young, the grandson of the original owners. Young raises cattle and grows grass, hay and timber on the farm.

On behalf of the Young family Billy Young received the certificate designating the Young Family Farm an Alabama Century and Heritage Farm.

Young said the prestigious award is the fruit of the labor of the Young family for more than 100 years.

“Our family continues to recognize the importance of the land and, hopefully, those who come after us will also recognize its importance,” Young said. “The Alabama Century & Heritage Farm recognition is a tribute to our family and the importance that has been placed on the Young Family Farm since 1904.  We are all proud of that and hope the farm will be in the family for another 100 years.

Amy Belcher, South Alabama Agriculture Commission, said, on behalf of the  Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries, it was her pleasure to make the Century & Heritage Farm presentation to the Young Family Farm at Shady Grove.