AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. — Even after playing the big stages, The Castellows have not forgotten their hometown roots. These former Alabama 4-H members returned to the Wiregrass May 30 to host the “Homecoming” concert, an event benefiting local youth pursuing agricultural degrees.

The Castellows band members include Ellie, Lily and Powell Balkcom. While the sisters grew up on a cattle and timber farm in Quitman County, Georgia, they were members of Barbour County 4-H. The concert was held at The Plant in Dothan. 4-H members from Barbour and Houston counties, as well as Quitman County, were invited to attend the concert and meet the band before the show.

Inspiring the Next Generation

Powell, Ellie and Lily Balkcom credit Barbour County 4-H for giving them a place of belonging.

The concert coincides with the release of the The Castellows’ new album, “Homecoming,” which features songs about growing up on the farm and life on the road. The concert and album are parts of a bigger initiative aimed at giving back to the agricultural industry.

The trio understands the value of agriculture and those who sustain it. They believe it is vital for youth to understand agriculture’s many facets and the role it plays in everyday life. Their mission is to inspire youth to participate in organizations like 4-H and learn about the industry’s impact.

“You never know who is going to redefine agriculture,” Powell Balkcom said. “Our hope with this concert is to encourage kids to pursue a degree in ag and come back home to make their community better.”

With the Wiregrass’ strong agricultural presence, the initiative’s focus is to highlight career opportunities in agriculture. The sisters attribute their understanding of agriculture to their experiences in 4-H and growing up on a farm.

“We need the next generation to be passionate about the industry and be willing to take on the problems it faces today,” Ellie Balkcom said.

A large part of kicking off this initiative was working with agricultural partners in the area. Houston County 4-H Agent Whitney Galloway worked alongside the band to secure concert sponsors.

“I am so glad the girls wanted to give back to the community that invested in them,” Galloway said. “Our community answered the call and showed that it cares about its youth by raising funds to support them.”

Built by 4-H

Although they lived across the state line in neighboring Georgia, the Balkcoms were members of the Barbour County 4-H homeschool club. Through 4-H, they learned life lessons and built a community outside of a traditional classroom setting. Along with growing up on the farm, their participation in programs like Chick Chain and the gardening club built their self-esteem and reinforced lessons about responsibility.

“4-H gave us confidence when we might have felt a little out of place,” Lily Balkcom said. “We found our niche, and that was the land and our animals.”

4-H projects and farm chores taught them the importance of accountability for something other than themselves. The demands of 4-H animal projects and farm life helped foster the grit and determination necessary to face real-world challenges.

“4-H taught us the value of community; that it is totally okay to go against the grain and be different,” Ellie Balkcom said. “Those experiences made us secure in who we are.”

By sharing their 4-H story, the sisters hope to encourage youth to join programs that can teach them the value of the agricultural industry and its impact in their life.

“Where other programs may start later in life, 4-H gets kids involved at a younger age and it is so important to instill those passions early on,” Powell Balkcom said.

4-H Community

The Castellows with family friend and Barbour County 4-H Agent, Jill Wachs.

The Balkcoms also love 4-H for the relationships they made along the way. The sisters said 4-H provided unique experiences that shaped who they are today.

“The people you meet in 4-H are great,” Lily Balkcom said. “It’s encouraging to be around people who share the same passions as you.”

Being a part of the 4-H homeschool club gave the Balkcoms a community. Barbour County 4-H Agent Jill Wachs watched the sisters grow up. She is proud to be a part of an organization that teaches youth valuable lessons, like it did for the Balkcoms.

“I appreciate their passion to encourage kids of all ages to get involved with 4-H,” Wachs said. “I am proud of how they have stayed true to their roots and valued family, agriculture and their faith.”

Journey to the Big Stage

The Castellows with Barbour County 4-H members and Barbour County 4-H Agent, Jill Wachs.

The sisters were singing at a young age, starting with leading worship at their home church. They later performed at local venues around Athens, Georgia and parts of south Georgia. While Ellie and Powell Balkcom were at the University of Georgia, they started writing original music. They named their band The Castellows in honor of their grandmother’s maiden name.

The band is known for their unique Americana sound with elements of traditional country and bluegrass. Their music reflects their love of home, family, farm and life experiences.

“We write about what we know and what we love,” Lily Balkcom said. “We love each other, where we grew up and the land — and we love storytelling.”

Their unique approach to songwriting allows their music to stand out among other country artists.

“We write love songs in our own way,” Powell Balkcom said. “Our love songs are about how we grew up and about our family.”

Music has not been the band’s only focus. As their popularity rose, they still prioritized higher education. Both University of Georgia graduates, Powell Balkcom received a degree in agribusiness and Ellie Balkcom has a degree in business. While her sisters were in Athens, Lily Balkcom obtained her private pilot license.

Full-Circle Moments

The Castellows perform onstage at The Plant in Dothan May 30.

Since signing a record deal with Warner Music in 2023, the band has come full circle. They have opened shows for bands they grew up listening to, including Little Big Town. The trio has collaborated with big names in country music and performed at iconic venues such as Stagecoach Festival and the Grand Ole Opry.

After a short break from the road, The Castellows are heading back on tour this summer with Thomas Rhett. In September, the band will begin their “Homecoming” tour. To see a schedule or purchase tickets, visit thecastellowsmusic.com.

More Information

Alabama 4-H is the youth development organization of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. It seeks to empower young people with the skills to lead their communities and grow into future leaders. Visit alabama4h.com for more information about 4-H opportunities. To support Alabama 4-H members through monetary donations, visit alabama4hfoundation.org.