POUTLRYSOUTH - Key Persons
While Matt's career in real estate has flourished, his roots in farming run just as deep. His family's history in poultry farming spans more than three decades, starting in the mid-80s when Matt's father built two poultry houses through Goldkist. Matt soon added two more, and together they ran four houses, also raising cattle and baling hay. "Poultry, cattle, and hay just go good together," Matt says, reflecting on the synergy that allowed their farm to thrive. After Pilgrim's Pride bought out Goldkist, the family continued raising chickens until eventually stepping away from the poultry business after 30 years.
However, Matt's innovative thinking didn't let the poultry houses sit idle. Instead, he leased the facilities to a local farmer who raises quail and pheasant, demonstrating his resourceful approach to farming and business. "We still have the poultry houses on the farm, and they still have birds in them," Matt says, showcasing how he found a way to keep the facilities productive, even without chickens.
Matt's foray into real estate began in the mid-90s when he started buying, selling, and trading land in his area. Recognizing his passion for it, he obtained his real estate license in 2002, but it wasn't until 2013, when he joined Southeastern Land Group (SELG), that he found his true niche. Initially, Matt was the first agent to represent SELG in North Alabama, back when it was still known as AlaLandCo. When the company rebranded to Southeastern Land Group in 2015, Matt continued to specialize in agricultural and rural properties. His extensive knowledge of the land and his agricultural background made him a perfect fit.
In addition to his role with SELG, Matt became one of the founding members of PoultrySouth, a division that focuses exclusively on poultry farm sales. With his background as a grower, he saw a unique opportunity to combine his firsthand farming experience with his real estate expertise. "Nobody was really focusing on poultry farm sales," Matt recalls. "My experience as a grower and Ag property sales made it a good fit. I could just see that Robert and Randall [the founders of PoultrySouth] were growing something special, and it just made you want to be a part of it."
Since then, Matt has witnessed the PoultrySouth Team grow exponentially, becoming the go-to experts for poultry farm sales in Alabama and beyond. "Sellers trust PoultrySouth," Matt says with pride. "I seldom go meet with a potential seller that they don't already know someone PoultrySouth has sold a farm for." The team's proven track record, strong referral network, and ability to navigate the complexities of poultry transactions have cemented their reputation as leaders in the industry.
For Matt, poultry farm sales are uniquely challenging, with far more moving parts than a typical land deal. "They're normally more complicated, but you usually learn something from each transaction, and it helps on the next one," he explains. However, with the backing of the PoultrySouth Team, Matt feels confident in tackling these challenges head-on. "One of the best things about the PoultrySouth Team is if you run into a problem or something you haven't seen before, there's so much experience there, and they have your back."
Matt Burnett's story is one of dedication, whether working long hours on the farm or closing a complex real estate deal. His ability to blend his agricultural background with his passion for real estate makes him a trusted advisor to farmers and landowners across Alabama. At the core of it all, his connection to the land and commitment to helping others realize their dreams remains steadfast. From his family farm in Etowah County to the sprawling properties he helps others buy and sell, Matt's legacy is rooted in his love for the land and the people who depend on it.
Job Titles:
- Land Brokers
- Team Leader PoultrySouth Co - Founder
Randall is a Land and Farm Agent that focuses on Farms and Ag Properties in Alabama and Georgia. He has been marketing farms since 2008. He and his wife Tiffany have three sons Bence, Aiden, & Cager. They live on their family's Registered Angus Cattle Farm in Lineville, AL. Randall grew up on a Beef Cattle and Poultry Operation in Lineville. This has allowed him some of the life experiences that allow him to properly market farms. Randall also worked for 9 years as a Regional Sales Manager for a livestock feed company. He covered much of the Eastern USA.
Randall is ready, able, and willing to assist you with your Land or Farm needs.
Job Titles:
- Team Leader PoultrySouth Co - Founder Tennessee Broker
Robert is a Christian, a husband, and a father. Robert has been helping people buy and sell farms for over 25 years. Robert and Randall Upchurch founded the PoultrySouth Team and focus on helping poultry farm sellers and our team members serve our buyers and sellers.
Robert's wife, Melanie King, is what keeps him moving in the right direction. Melanie serves as Robert's Executive Assistant, and Office Manager for the PoultrySouth Team. Just like poultry farms are a family affair, poultry farm sales is the family business.
Robert and Melanie live on a farm in rural Clay County, Alabama…but there is no telling where you might find Robert on any given day. Robert and Randall travel the entire Southeast helping our sellers and team members. Robert, Melanie, and Randall work every day to help our sellers and team members succeed. Together, they are dedicated to making sure the PoultrySouth Team is there for our farmers every step of the way.