A Family Farm's Smart Strategy for Success

Steve Hopkins, a dedicated farmer from Virginia, has been working on his family's farm, Riverview Farms, for nearly 30 years. As the sixth generation to run the farm, located near the Blue Ridge Mountains, Steve and his wife, Cristi, have been expanding and diversifying the farm to ensure their two sons, Blake and Garrett, can work there full-time.

A Thriving Farm

• 300 Cows: The Hopkins family raises about 300 cows, taking care of the calves for 45 days after birth to help them transition to dry food before being sold.
• Value-Added Farming: Steve emphasizes adding value to everything they raise on the farm.

The Next Generation

• Blake Hopkins: After attending college in Kansas, Blake returned to the farm to feed and sell bulls.
• Garrett Hopkins: The younger son, Garrett, graduated from Virginia Tech and now manages the farm's turkey houses and crop operations. The turkey houses use specialized technology to control the environment, enhancing turkey growth.

Sustainable Farming Practices

• Crops: The family grows corn, grass, and sorghum.
• Fertilizer: They use cow manure and turkey litter as natural fertilizers, saving costs.
• Cover Crops & No-Till Farming: Every acre is planted with cover crops, and they practice no-till farming to maintain soil health.

Awards and Contributions

• Virginia's Farmer of the Year: Steve was honored with this prestigious award, expressing pride in the recognition.
• Central Virginia Cattlemen Association: Founded by Steve in 1998, this organization supports local farmers.
• Extension Agent: For 29 years, Steve has worked as an Extension agent, providing unbiased information to farmers across Virginia.