Introduction:
On October 25 in Kansas City, Missouri, Randy and Kelly Owen were honored with one of the highest accolades from the American Hereford Association — the Hall of Merit Award. This annual honor is bestowed on individuals whose vision and integrity have deeply shaped the Hereford breed and significantly impacted the cattle industry as a whole.
Long before country-music fame made him a household name, Randy Owen — the voice of the legendary band Alabama — remained, first and foremost, a farmer at heart. 
Alongside his wife Kelly, he has spent decades on the Tennessee River Music Ranch in Fort Payne, Alabama, raising registered Hereford and Angus cattle.
Their ranch transcends mere agricultural enterprise; it reflects the Owens’ values of faith, family, stewardship, and respect for creation. Every acre, every animal is treated with the same care and attention to detail that Randy brings to his music.
Beyond their personal achievements, the Owens have become champions of youth in agriculture, supporting and mentoring young farmers through organizations like 4-H and FFA. Their generosity, mentorship, and example have inspired a new generation to take pride in working the land — leaving behind a legacy every bit as enduring as their hit songs.
When presenting the award, the American Hereford Association praised the couple for their “lifelong commitment to excellence, stewardship, and the advancement of American agriculture,” noting how their work “bridges tradition and innovation in ways that uplift both the industry and the people it serves.”
For Randy and Kelly, the recognition carries both humility and deep significance. “This is home for us,” Randy reflected. “The land, the cattle, the people — they’ve always been part of who we are. Music took me around the world, but this… this is where my heart’s always been.”
As applause filled the ballroom in Kansas City, it became clear this honor extended far beyond agriculture. It was a celebration of two lives lived with purpose — proof that while fame may fade, faithful dedication endures.
From the stage to the pasture, Randy and Kelly Owen have built a legacy that blends song, soil, and soul — and now, with their place in the Hall of Merit, that legacy will stand tall for generations to come.