Hallmark Farm has officially been sold to become an agriculture education and event center for Alabama families.

The Jefferson County Commission unanimously approved the sale of the famous property on Friday after initially signing a contract with the Alabama Farmers Federation in September 2023.

The site will become the Alabama Farm Center at Hallmark Farm and will be run by the Agriculture Exhibition Center Corporation, a group of mostly farmers appointed by Gov. Kay Ivey and other government officials and approved by the state Senate.

“Today is one we’ve been anticipating,” Ralph Williams Jr., secretary-treasurer of AECC, said in a press release.

“Many have shared the dream of a premier agricultural education and event center for Alabama’s young people and families to enjoy. The AECC is committed to bringing this dream to fruition. We are confident the Alabama Farm Center at Hallmark Farm will be a regional destination that will benefit Alabama’s economy, students and workforce.”

The development is a $158 million project that will host rodeos, livestock shows, family entertainment, concerts, restaurants and lodging. Jefferson County provided $16.5 million toward infrastructure for public road access and sewer access for the development of the farm center.

Alfa Insurance and the Alabama Farmers Agriculture Foundation invested over $15 million, according to the release.

Hallmark Farm, which is easily visible on the west side of Interstate 65 in the Kimberly and Warrior area, sits on 567 acres. Ted Hallmark, owner of Hallmark Coal Company, and his wife, Mary Ruth Hallmark, built the house in 1976-77.