Beginning Farmers Awarded $10,000

We are proud to announce the five recipients of Alabama Ag Credit’s 2025 JumpStart Grants, an initiative designed to empower aspiring farmers and cultivate a bright agricultural future in Alabama. The year’s winners were selected from a competitive pool of 119 applicants. The five grant winners will each receive $10,000 to invest in their startup farming operations. 

“These grants represent an investment in the future of Alabama agriculture,” said Larry Gibson, Jr., Alabama Ag Credit Board of Directors Chairman. “We are committed to supporting young and beginning farmers and our JumpStart grants are just one way that we are cultivating those relationships.” 

2025 JumpStart Winners 

Read more about this year’s winners and the plans they have for the funds received.  

• Yanna Johnson, Marengo County: Yanna is expanding her family’s Angus cattle operation at Ayers Farm in Gallion, Alabama. Focused on honoring her grandparents’ legacy, she is working to grow a sustainable herd and build a strong future for the next generation. 

• Justin Lowlavar, Geneva County: Justin operates Lowlavar Acres, a diversified farm producing pecans and pasture-raised lamb. With a focus on stewardship and local food, he is expanding his value-added products and building a resilient, community-minded operation. 

• Caitlin Reeves, Monroe County: Caitlin co-owns Reeves Livestock, a growing cattle operation rooted in her family’s agricultural heritage. In addition to expanding their herd, she continues to support producers statewide through her conservation-focused work in Alabama agriculture. 

• David Turner, Montgomery County: David owns Trill Farms and is committed to clean food, community education, and sustainable production. Through his CSA and youth outreach, he is increasing access to locally grown foods while expanding his farm’s year-round capacity. 

• Aisling Walding, Dale County: Aisling co-owns Walding Cattle, where she is expanding their freezer-beef and seedstock operation. She also serves as Associate Director of Sweet Grown Alabama, helping connect farmers and consumers while supporting agriculture across the state. 

Past recipients have shared how the JumpStart Grant has transformed their operations and opened doors for growth and community impact. 

“We received this award last year, and it truly changed the direction of our operations,” said Josh Williams, a 2024 JumpStart Grant recipient. “Alabama Ag Credit genuinely supports beginning farmers and they put their money where their mouth is, and it makes a huge difference. Without their support, we wouldn’t have been able to reach the level we’re at today or implement the community outreach and education elements on our small farm.” 

More Information 

The JumpStart Grant program awards $10,000 to five startup farmers within our 40-county territory who have been farming for less than two years or plan to start farming within the next year. Applicants are evaluated based on their business plans, financial understanding, and proposed use of funds. 

Learn more about the 2025 recipients and their plans in an upcoming video highlighting the awards ceremony and grant recipients.