Louisa farmer named Virginia Farmer of the Year, competing for regional title

LOUISA COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) — A local farmer's commitment to agriculture has earned him the title of Virginia Farmer of the Year. Now, he's representing the state in the Sunbelt AG Expo's regional competition against top farmers across the southeast.

For Steve Hopkins, farming isn’t just a job, it’s a legacy. He comes from a family of farmers that have run Riverview Farms Cattle for seven generations.

“We run 300 cows, along with about 300 bulls,” Hopkins said. “We also have two turkey houses, where we raise about 50,000 turkeys at a time. We also have our cropping operation that we use to feed the cattle.”

Each year, the Sunbelt Ag Expo recognizes farmers for their diversified operations, environmental sustainability and innovation. It's an honor Hopkins holds dear, having nominated other farmers in the past.

“It’s a first-class award, and it means a lot to me,” he said.

Hopkins said he takes pride in carrying on the family legacy alongside his sons, Garrett and Blake, who now co-own the farm with him. Blake leads the cattle operation while Garrett handles the poultry operation and crops.

“It means everything, especially to look back at all the hard work the generations before us went through and how we can grow the operation in our generation to better benefit the next,” Garrett said.

“It’s a tremendous honor. We work extremely hard to improve things all the time,” Blake added

With their help, the family has embraced new technology, including an artificial intelligence system that automatically regulates the temperatures inside the turkey barn based on weather conditions.

“The growth and evolution of the farm means a lot, and to see my kids continue to grow it,” Hopkins said.

Hopkins is now one of seven state honorees vying for the Southeastern Farmer of the Year title, which will be announced Oct. 14. He said he's anxious about the competition but is mostly excited to connect with other farmers.

“You’re always learning, and I’m sure I’ll learn from them some of the things that they’re doing that we might be able to do different,” he said.