Billy Gilley was working at a factory job on night shift when he bought his first farm and built four broiler houses. Four years later in 1993, he was able to say good bye to the factory and farm full time.
Gilley’s farm has grown from just 30 acres in 1989 to 350 acres today. In addition to raising broilers on contract for Tyson Foods, Gilley also raises 200 head of purebred Charolais cattle. “I sell my purebred Charolais bulls private treaty to purebred and commercial cattlemen," said Gilley. "My purebred heifers go back into the herd or I sell them for show heifers and club calf projects. All commercial cattle are sold through auction barns.”
“I feel that God has truly blessed me to be able to earn a living doing something that I truly love and enjoy — farming,’ he added.
There are also plans for growth in the future. “I plan on purchasing some more land in the near future if it becomes available,” he said.
Gilley and his wife Terri have two grown daughters Angela Gilley and Jennifer Dias. Angela is working on her masters degree at Alabama A & M University.
