Sims Reels in Catfish Farmer of the Year Honor

Sims reels in catfish farmer of the year honor

Alabama catfish farmer Matt Sims, named 2026 Catfish Farmer of the Year, highlights family, faith and hard work on his Hale County ponds and diversified farm.

Sims Reels in Catfish Farmer of the Year Honor - Alabama Farmers Federation

By Lydia East Matt Sims grew up on his family’s farm where mornings began early, nights ran late and hard work was a way of life. Decades later, not much has changed for the 2026 Catfish Farmer of the Year. “I knew from an early age I wanted to farm,” Sims said. “I couldn’t imagine doing anything else.”  The Hale County native’s passion for agriculture began long before he could drive a tractor.  “When I was 5, I would stand on the door of an ol…