Hats and Tees That Celebrate Southern Roots and Equine Excellence
In the heart of Andalusia, Alabama, where the fields stretch golden under the relentless Southern sun, Coastal Hay Co. continues to weave its century-old legacy into the fabric of modern agriculture. Founded as Brown Farms over a hundred years ago, this family operation has seen row crops give way to a thriving hay enterprise under the visionary leadership of fourth-generation steward Cody Brown. A 2009 graduate of the University of Alabama's Culverhouse College of Business, Brown's return in 2015 marked a pivotal chapter—not just in preserving a family heritage, but in elevating it to new heights. Today, as Coastal Hay Co., the business stands as a testament to sustainable innovation, premium quality, and community heart. And now, in a fresh evolution of that story, we're thrilled to announce the launch of our inaugural merchandise line: a curated collection of hats and T-shirts designed for equestrians, farm enthusiasts, and anyone who appreciates the grit and grace of Southern farm life.
Cody Brown's path to Coastal Hay Co. is the stuff of American dream revivals. Fresh from global adventures in oil and gas—from the rigs off South Africa to supply chain wizardry at Honda in Lincoln, Alabama—the call from his father, Karl, pulled him back to the soil he knew best. "I grew up driving tractors at 12, working summers even during college in Tuscaloosa," Brown reflects. "When Dad offered me the reins, I saw the risk: so many family farms fragment and fade. But I couldn't let ours join them." Under his guidance, the farm's 2,700 acres shifted focus, with 500 dedicated to Bermudagrass hay that's become a staple for stables across the Southeast. From local sales to stocking shelves in Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, and North Florida, Coastal Hay Co.'s product has even lined the steps of the Florida Governor's Mansion. "Hay isn't beholden to commodity whims like cotton or corn," Brown explains. "It's steady, reliable—and that's what we've built our name on."
At the core of Coastal Hay Co. is an obsession with excellence, born from nutrient-rich coastal soils and meticulous harvesting. Our premium coastal hay delivers 8-12% protein in a low-sugar, digestible form, perfect for horses tackling metabolic challenges or powering through dressage arenas. Packed with calcium, phosphorus, and trace minerals, it fuels strong bones, sustained energy, and peak vitality—whether for elite competitors or beloved trail partners. "We cure it soft and dust-free, vibrant green and fragrant, so every bale feels like an investment in health," Brown says. It's forage that doesn't just feed; it elevates, appealing to those who demand consistency in their equine routines. And with eco-friendly practices like efficient irrigation and rotational grazing, it's as kind to the land as it is to your horses.
Brown's Culverhouse-honed acumen has supercharged this legacy. Cutting-edge equipment has slashed labor costs in half, while a dedicated team of 10-12—including Karl, who's 72 and still greeting the dawn at the barn—keeps operations humming. "He's the heartbeat here," Cody notes. "I want him involved as long as he's able." The vision doesn't stop: more acreage for hay, expanded staff, and soon, a trucking fleet to haul our bales nationwide. Philanthropy threads through it all, too. Post-Hurricane Helene, Coastal Hay Co. donated over 200 bales to North Carolina farmers, with winter deliveries in the works. "Farming's a tight-knit world—we lift each other up," Brown shares. He and his wife, Dawn Wiley, a UA history PhD candidate, have endowed scholarships for White House interns and eye agribusiness opportunities for Crimson Tide students. As Dawn puts it, "Cody's a chemist, engineer, businessman, and philanthropist rolled into one."
It's this blend of heritage and forward-thinking that inspired our new merch line—a way to wear the Coastal Hay Co. spirit while supporting the legacy. Launching today, the collection features high-quality, comfortable essentials crafted for the barn, the ring, or everyday adventures. Our trucker hats, in classic navy and khaki, boast an embroidered golden hay bale under the arched "Coastal Hay Co." script, with an adjustable snapback for all-day comfort. Perfect for shielding from the sun during morning feeds or adding a rugged touch to tailgates, they're made from breathable cotton twill that stands up to sweat and soil.
Complementing the hats are our soft-spun T-shirts, available in heather gray, deep green, and crisp white—sizes from XS to 3XL to fit every rider and ranch hand. The front chest print echoes the hay bale motif with "Coastal Hay Co. – Alabama Proud" in clean, vintage-inspired lettering, while the back offers a subtle nod to our roots: a stylized tractor silhouette against rolling fields, captioned "Fourth Generation Strong." Crafted from ring-spun cotton for that buttery-soft feel, these tees are pre-shrunk and ready for layering under flannels or wearing solo on hot afternoons. Proceeds from every sale fuel farm expansions and community giving, ensuring your style choice helps sustain the land that sustains us.
Why merch now? As Coastal Hay Co. eyes overseas markets and broader horizons, we want to share our story beyond the bales. These pieces aren't just apparel; they're badges of a legacy—reminders of hard-won harvests, family bonds, and the quiet pride in doing things right. Imagine gifting a hat to your farrier or slipping into a tee before a show: it's Coastal Hay Co. woven into your world.
Head to our revamped online shop at coastalhayco.com/merch to snag yours—limited first-run stock means they won't last long. Follow us on social for behind-the-scenes peeks at the farm and styling tips from the team. As the sun sets over Andalusia, Cody Brown and Coastal Hay Co. prove legacies aren't preserved in silos; they're grown, shared, and worn with pride. Join us in this next chapter—what's your first Coastal Hay Co. essential?
