Virginia's Cattle Community

Families in Motion

According to the Welden Cooper Center's Economic Impact of Virginia Agriculture Study, beef cattle contribute $8 billion to Virginia's economy each year, meaning that the beef industry sustains the Virginia families that raise it, while sustaining the families that eat beef with a wholesome, flavor-packed protein. Virginia's farming families are a lot like you. With an average herd size of around 30 cattle, many Virginia cattlemen and women balance caring for their cattle and land with other full-time occupations. They juggle farm and house chores, meal prep, and raising a happy and healthy family. Sound familar? We thought so. Get to know more about some of the families who raise beef in Virginia:

Audley Farms

Audley Farms

Matthew Deacon, one of the Angus herd managers, explains how technology improves their 3,000 acre Northern Virginia farm.

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Basil Gooden, a producer from Buckingham County, Virginia

Dr. Basil Gooden

Virginia's Former Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry, along with his siblings, carry on their father's farming dreams in Buckingham County, Virginia.

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Todd & Jimmie Blake of Gloucester, Virginia

Blake Farm

Jimmie & Todd Blake, who started their Almondsville, Virginia operation in 2012, shed light on what it's like as first generation farmers.

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Corbin Hall Farm

Corbin Hall manager Ronnie Russel weighs in on what it's like to raise cattle in a predominately crop-farm part of the state.

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Gustin Land & Cattle

Jerry started his Angus farm after retiring from the military and has been a poster-child of enthusiasm for the beef community ever since.

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Ellerslie Farm

Started by two friends, Ellerslie farm is a first-generation beef and crop farm in Berryville, Virginia.

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The Bagley Family

Bobby & Allison Bagley of Swoope, Virginia raise 200 head of cattle. Their daughter Madison, helps warm baby calves in the winter!

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The Campbell Family

As their two sons get older, they're able to take on more roles of the family farm. Learn how this family raises beef in Lowesville, VA.

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The Gilley Family

Jacob & Jennifer's favorite part about farming is keeping family traditions and interacting directly with consumers. Want to know their least favorite part?

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The Potters

Involved in the beef business from start to finish, this family juggles cattle, kids, and more.

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The Maass Family

Bobby thinks the best way for his children to learn to count is by checking cattle in the pasture!

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The Heizers

Two out of three Heizer children have returned after college to carry on the family legacy of raising safe and affordable beef.

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The Hendersons

This Williamsburg family has 3 generations working on their Angus herd.

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The Repress Family

Robert believes the key to his success is the network of great cattlemen he's built a relationship with over the years.

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The Snapps

Joe defines sustainability by his farm's ability to be passed on generation after generation.

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