Their children Annagrace, John Luke and Emma Laine love to help on the sprawling hills of the farm.
The couple knew they wanted to help young people grow in the agricultural industry, and teaching was the vessel God led them to, before they purchased Cedar Roost Ranch in 2018.
On the farm, the Loveladys raise registered Charolais cattle, registered Angus cattle, and commercial cattle from start to finish. In addition, they produce 7,500 to 10,000 rolls of hay per year, shipping them across the country. Specifically, hay is sent to areas experiencing droughts to provide livestock with alternative food sources when natural grazing is limited. “We do a little bit of everything as far as farming goes”, says Whit, mentioning how their family raises pork as well to go along with their freezer beef and meat sales.
Through Facebook and Instagram advertising, the Loveladys promote their products and their seasonal freezer and pork sales. They offer individual packs, half options or whole options. Recently, they have also started selling entire meat boxes, which have become a favorite among their audience. “The meat boxes have been very successful and allowed us to reach a different variety of customers”, said Amanda.
The success on Cedar Roost Ranch would not be possible without the local Talladega County Exchange, which Whit recalls visiting since he was a young boy with his grandfather. “It’s the same faces that have been there for years and years. You go in there, you know who’s behind the counter, and they make you feel like family when you come in”.
The expertise and unwavering support of the Co-op employees have been an integral part of the Loveladys’ journey. “They know a lot about what our operation is and what our roots are. So, they help us bridge the gap on our operation as far as what feed would fit our cattle the best”. When asked how Talladega County Exchange helps Whit and his family cultivate a meaningful life on and off the farm, his response was, “They just welcome you in, and they help you in any way. I can call them up with any question, and they’re never short. No question is irrelevant, and it really means a lot to operate with a company and a store like our local Co-op”.
In addition to providing positive in-store experiences, they are also willing to help various organizations. Through Whit’s involvement as the former President of the Talladega County Cattlemen’s Association, former President of the Talladega County Young Farmers Chapter, his connections with the Co-op led to a sponsored meal and a Co-op employee sharing expertise on the products and services offered locally. Amanda currently serves as President of the Talladega County Young Farmers Chapter, where she plays a key role in coordinating the event’s sponsorship and securing a guest speaker from the Co-op.
