Montgomery, AL – At Selwood Farm in Alpine, the simple phrase “Only What Matters” emblazoned on T-shirts for their outdoor ministry expos speaks volumes about the purpose that drives Dell and Carolyn Hill’s life — a purpose shaped through years of hardship, providence, and service.
“Sharing the gospel is the bottom line,” said Dell, 82, who was honored with the Alabama Farmers Federation’s Service to Agriculture Award at its 103rd annual meeting in Montgomery on December 9. “I pray fervently we are good stewards of what God has entrusted us. It’s a business, so income has to exceed expenses, but our purpose is to help people.”
Selwood Farm, nestled beneath the towering trees of Talladega County, has become a hub for more than 10,000 visitors each year. The Hills offer guided hunts, sporting clays, and, above all, their renowned hospitality. The farm also serves as the venue for numerous charitable events, including the Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation Skeet Shoot.
Dell Hill’s recognition for service in agriculture is well-deserved, reflecting decades of leadership and commitment to his community. He served as the president of the Talladega County Farmers Federation for four years, on the Federation state board for six, and has held positions as a state senator and probate judge. Dell was also instrumental in establishing the Federation’s Wildlife Division and has been a strong advocate for young farmers, emphasizing the importance of engaging new talent.
“There is a wealth of young talent in this organization, but if they are stymied, you’re going to lose them,” Dell said, underscoring his belief in the power of term limits.
The Hill family’s commitment to service is deeply rooted in their journey together. Their story is one of resilience, with the farm’s history serving as a reminder of the challenges they’ve overcome. Dell’s father, O.V. Hill, purchased the farm in 1948. Over the years, the Hills grew everything from hogs to cattle and ran a successful mail-order smoked turkey business until 2006.
But in 1984, the Hills faced a major crisis. With high interest rates and difficult years in the stocker cattle business, the farm was on the verge of foreclosure. At the last minute, a friend of the Hills — an ophthalmologist — shared their story with a man he knew, who then purchased the bank note and helped them save the farm. This moment of divine intervention led to the establishment of Selwood Hunting Preserve in 1984, followed by Selwood Sporting Clays in 1990. Within a decade, the Hills had paid off their debt.
In his book, My Struggle, His Glory, Dell reflects on the unwavering faith that sustained them during those trying years, citing Ephesians 3:20: “Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us.”
For Dell, the phrase “Only What Matters” is a reminder to remain open to how God might use them each day.
“Ministry is out there if you look for it,” he said. “Sometimes you don’t have to look for it; it just falls in your lap.”
Dell Hill’s Service to Agriculture Award is a testament to his enduring impact on the agricultural community and his commitment to faith and service. It’s clear that for Dell and Carolyn Hill, their work at Selwood Farm is more than just a business — it’s a calling.
Each year, more than 10,000 visitors make the trek to Hill and wife Carolyn’s Selwood Farm in Alpine, where highlights include guided hunts, sporting clays and the Hills’ trademark hospitality. Hill has distinguished himself as a leader in agriculture through four years as Talladega County Farmers Federation president, six years on the Federation state board, seven years as an Alabama state senator and two years as probate judge.
He’s pictured with Federation President Jimmy Parnell.
