The Shadow
SURRY, Va. (VR)—Many Virginia farmers wear two—or more—hats as they juggle multiple jobs.
According to the latest census of agriculture, 27,471 Virginia farmers reported that farming is their primary occupation, while 40,327 said their primary occupation was something off the farm.
“Even if it’s a bad year with crops, you know you have a paycheck coming from somewhere,” noted young farmer Elizabeth Cooper, who also assists farmers in the field as a Virginia Cooperative Extension agriculture and natural resources agent in Surry and Sussex counties.
Cooper and her brother always knew they had a future on the family’s Surry County farm, where they grow corn, soybeans and wheat, and manage a herd of Black Angus cattle. But the farm would need to expand to fully support each generation—complicated by issues with land access, steep startup costs and other challenges. Plus, an off-farm job could offer health insurance benefits and a steady paycheck.
Fortunately, her Extension office is just 15 minutes from the farm, where she assists her father with the business side of things, applies her Extension expertise in plant science and pest management, and helps out whenever she can.
She hopes to one day work full-time on the family’s farm—however long it takes.
“We do it because we have a passion for agriculture, feeding our families and the world, and conserving our land for generations to come,” she reflected. “Even if it means a few hours less of sleep at night, it’s worth it.”
Embracing complex daily challenges also is worthwhile for Surry County livestock and row crop farmer Breyon Pierce. His off-farm activities are intentional in sustaining the essence of his rural farming community.
Pierce and his dad, Glen, grow peanuts, corn, soybeans and wheat on over 900 acres at Pierce Farms LLC, where Pierce also mentors area youth seeking agricultural experiences.
As an agriculture educator and FFA advisor at Surry County High School, Pierce was named 2020-21 school and district Teacher of Year. Many of his students went on to find roles in production agriculture, forestry, industry agencies and ag education.
He was elected to the Surry County Board of Supervisors in 2022, and advocates for agriculture, education and smart community growth.
“Sometimes I feel bad I can’t be out there to assist my dad with what he needs,” Pierce reflected. “But knowing that everything is more expensive in farming, working an off-farm job helps build income.”
Kent Firestone, who divides his time between 24-hour shifts with Roanoke County Fire & Rescue and a small cow-calf operation, said that the barrier to entry for farming is difficult, “especially to reach the point where it’s a sole source of income.”
When he’s not at the station, he’s working alongside his wife, Sarah, managing their Hereford cows, building his commercial crop spraying business, and raising their son.
Despite hectic schedules, Kent’s careers complement each other. Firefighters who farm often become “subject matter experts” during incidents with loose cattle, livestock trailers or rural emergencies.
And although there’s scarce downtime, the family still makes time together.
“Farming is a lifestyle, and what might not look like a vacation to anyone else is a vacation to us,” he said.
Read more in Virginia Farm Bureau’s Cultivate magazine.
