SURRY, Va.—Across Virginia, agricultural producers are balancing multiple careers to sustain their farming operations.
Recent agricultural census data shows 40,327 Virginia farmers list non-farming occupations as their primary work, compared to 27,471 who identify farming as their main profession.
“Even if it’s a bad year with crops, you know you have a paycheck coming from somewhere,” explained Elizabeth Cooper, a young farmer who splits her time between her family’s operation and her role as a Virginia Cooperative Extension agriculture and natural resources agent serving Surry and Sussex counties.
Cooper grew up knowing she and her brother would continue the family tradition on their Surry County property, where they cultivate corn, soybeans and wheat while raising Black Angus cattle. However, expanding the operation to support multiple generations presents challenges including land acquisition difficulties, high startup expenses and other obstacles. An outside job provides health insurance coverage and reliable income.
Her Extension position sits just 15 minutes from home, allowing her to help her father with business operations, apply her plant science and pest management knowledge, and contribute labor when possible.
Cooper dreams of eventually dedicating herself entirely to the family farm, regardless of the timeline required.
“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 said. “Even if it means a few hours less of sleep at night, it’s worth it.”
Fellow Surry County producer Breyon Pierce also navigates demanding schedules while maintaining his commitment to rural agricultural communities.
Pierce collaborates with his father Glen at Pierce Farms LLC, cultivating peanuts, corn, soybeans and wheat across more than 900 acres, while providing mentorship opportunities for local youth interested in agriculture.
Serving as an agriculture instructor and FFA advisor at Surry County High School earned Pierce recognition as 2020-21 school and district Teacher of the Year. His former students have pursued careers in production agriculture, forestry, industry agencies and agricultural education.
Pierce won election to the Surry County Board of Supervisors in 2022, where he champions agriculture, education and thoughtful community development.
“Sometimes I feel bad I can’t be out there to assist my dad with what he needs,” Pierce acknowledged. “But knowing that everything is more expensive in farming, working an off-farm job helps build income.”
Kent Firestone manages 24-hour shifts with Roanoke County Fire & Rescue while operating a small cow-calf business, noting that farming’s entry barriers make it challenging “especially to reach the point where it’s a sole source of income.”
Between fire station duties, Firestone works with his wife Sarah managing their Hereford cattle, developing his commercial crop spraying enterprise, and raising their son.
Despite demanding schedules, Kent finds his dual careers complement each other. Firefighters with farming backgrounds often become “subject matter experts” during emergencies involving loose livestock, cattle trailers or rural incidents.
Although free time remains scarce, the family prioritizes togetherness.
“Farming is a lifestyle, and what might not look like a vacation to anyone else is a vacation to us,” he noted.
