In the sun-drenched fields of Andalusia, Alabama, a century-old family farm has found new life under the stewardship of Cody Brown, a 2009 Culverhouse College of Business graduate. What began as Brown Farms, a generational operation rooted in row crops, has transformed into Coastal Hay Co., a thriving enterprise specializing in premium coastal hay. Brown’s return to the family business in 2015 wasn’t just a homecoming—it was a bold reimagining of a legacy, blending tradition with modern business savvy to elevate a humble farm into a regional powerhouse. His story is one of vision, grit, and an unwavering commitment to quality, appealing to discerning equestrians who value excellence in equine nutrition.
The call came in 2015 from Cody’s father, offering him a chance to return to Andalusia and manage the family farm. At the time, Cody was navigating a dynamic career path. After graduating during the Great Recession, he’d ventured into the oil and gas industry, working offshore in South Africa, Brazil, Singapore, and Mauritius. Later, he managed supply chains for Honda in Lincoln, Alabama, and sourced raw materials for a Birmingham metal fabricating plant. Yet, as the fourth generation in line to helm Brown Farms, the weight of legacy loomed large. Could he let a century of family toil be parceled off, like so many American farms? The answer was no. "I grew up on this land, learning to drive a tractor at 12," Cody recalls. "The value of hard work was instilled early, and I couldn’t let that legacy end."
Brown Farms had evolved significantly since its founding. Under Brown’s great-grandfather and grandfather, it thrived on row crops—soybeans, peanuts, cotton, corn. By the late 1970s, the farm shifted focus to hay, a move young Cody, even as a boy, recognized as prescient. "Hay isn’t at the mercy of volatile commodity markets like cotton or corn," he explains. When Cody returned, he seized this foundation and rebranded the hay operation as Coastal Hay Co., channeling his Culverhouse education into a strategic overhaul. He scaled back row crops, dedicating 500 of the farm’s 2,700-2,800 acres to premium Bermudagrass hay, prized for its nutritional density and digestibility. What started with local stable sales has grown into supplying feed stores across Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Texas, and North Florida. "Our hay has even graced the Florida Governor’s Mansion," Brown says proudly, with ambitions to reach overseas markets.
Coastal Hay Co.’s success hinges on Cody’s relentless pursuit of quality. "We strive to produce a superior product with high nutritional value," he says, a promise that resonates with equestrians seeking the best for their horses. Harvested at peak maturity, Coastal Hay Co.’s Bermudagrass boasts 8-12% protein and low sugar-starch content, ideal for horses prone to metabolic issues like laminitis. Rich in calcium, phosphorus, and trace minerals from coastal soils, it supports strong bones and vitality, whether for competitive show horses or cherished retirees. Meticulous curing ensures a soft, dust-free texture, enhancing palatability and reducing respiratory risks—a must for owners who spare no expense for equine health. The vibrant green bales, fragrant and clean, elevate the stable experience, reflecting the craftsmanship behind every harvest.
Cody’s business acumen has been transformative. Leveraging his supply chain expertise, he invested in cutting-edge equipment, halving labor costs while boosting efficiency. The farm now employs 10-12 staff. Looking ahead, Cody envisions expanding hay fields, adding staff, and launching a trucking fleet to ship Coastal Hay Co.’s product nationwide. "We’re in manufacturing and production," he notes. "My five-year plan is to grow thoughtfully, not recklessly."
Beyond profit, Cody’s leadership shines in purpose. When Hurricane Helene devastated North Carolina farmers, Coastal Hay Co. donated over 200 bales to feed stranded horses and livestock, with more planned for winter. "The farming community is tight-knit," Cody says. "We do what it takes to help." His philanthropy extends to academia, with he and his wife, Dawn Wiley—a UA history PhD candidate—endowing a fund for graduate students interning at the White House Historical Association. Cody plans a gift to Culverhouse, potentially creating agribusiness internships for UA students. "You don’t need an Auburn degree to farm," he laughs, challenging stereotypes.
Dawn describes her husband as more than a farmer: "He’s a chemist, engineer, mechanic, businessman, and philanthropist." This versatility defines Coastal Hay Co.’s ethos—blending tradition with innovation. For equestrians, the company’s hay isn’t just feed; it’s a guarantee of consistency, sustainability, and excellence. Grown on family-tended fields using eco-conscious methods like water-efficient irrigation, it appeals to those who value both equine welfare and environmental stewardship. Its versatility suits performance horses, broodmares, and retirees alike, simplifying feeding programs for elite stables.
Coastal Hay Co. is a testament to Cody’s vision: a legacy not just preserved but revitalized. As Cody rises at daybreak and charts new horizons, the farm stands as a beacon of what’s possible when roots meet ambition. For horse owners, choosing Coastal Hay Co. means investing in forage that mirrors their standards—premium, reliable, and crafted with care. This holiday season, as Cody’s story inspires, consider supporting legacies like his, perhaps through a gift to Culverhouse College of Business, fueling the next generation of visionaries. In Andalusia’s fields, Coastal Hay Co. proves that when passion meets purpose, a family farm can flourish anew.
