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
Matthew Deacon, one of the Angus herd managers, explains how technology improves their 3,000 acre Northern Virginia farm.
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.
Blake Farm
Jimmie & Todd Blake, who started their Almondsville, Virginia operation in 2012, shed light on what it's like as first generation farmers.
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.
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.
Ellerslie Farm
Started by two friends, Ellerslie farm is a first-generation beef and crop farm in Berryville, Virginia.
The Bagley Family
Bobby & Allison Bagley of Swoope, Virginia raise 200 head of cattle. Their daughter Madison, helps warm baby calves in the winter!
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.
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?
The Potters
Involved in the beef business from start to finish, this family juggles cattle, kids, and more.
The Maass Family
Bobby thinks the best way for his children to learn to count is by checking cattle in the pasture!
The Heizers
Two out of three Heizer children have returned after college to carry on the family legacy of raising safe and affordable beef.
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.
The Snapps
Joe defines sustainability by his farm's ability to be passed on generation after generation.