2026 SESSION

INTRODUCED

26108171D

SENATE JOINT RESOLUTION NO. 202

Offered March 6, 2026

Commending Steve Hopkins.

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Patrons—Cifers; Delegate: Fowler

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WHEREAS, Steve Hopkins, owner of Riverview Farms Cattle, LLC, in Louisa County, was named the Virginia Farmer of the Year by the Sunbelt Agricultural Exposition in 2025; and

WHEREAS, today, Steve Hopkins owns and operates Riverview Farms Cattle alongside his wife and sons, who represent the seventh generation to manage the farm; and

WHEREAS, Steve Hopkins honed his abilities as a farmer by studying at the Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences; and

WHEREAS, under Steve Hopkins's leadership, Riverview Farms Cattle grew from 60 cows on 300 acres to a multi-faceted livestock and cropping operation that spans 1,300 acres and raises approximately 150,000 turkeys annually in addition to its 300-head commercial cow herd; and

WHEREAS, Steve Hopkins has enhanced operations at Riverview Farms Cattle by utilizing precision agriculture tools and artificial intelligence-based technologies; and

WHEREAS, Steve Hopkins has served for three decades as a Virginia Cooperative Extension agent, helping his fellow farmers adopt methods and practices to improve the productivity and profitability of their farms; and

WHEREAS, Steve Hopkins has advanced the cattle industry in the Commonwealth as the founder of the Central Virginia Cattlemen Association and as a board member for various state and national organizations, including the National Cattlemen's Beef Association; and

WHEREAS, Steve Hopkins's efforts to promote sustainability were recognized by the Thomas Jefferson Soil and Water Conservation District in 2022 with its Clean Water Farm Award; and

WHEREAS, Steve Hopkins received the Sunbelt Agricultural Exposition's prestigious honor in recognition of his leadership, innovation, and longstanding commitment to the growth and development of the Commonwealth's agricultural industry; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED by the Senate, the House of Delegates concurring, That the General Assembly hereby commend Steve Hopkins for being named the Sunbelt Agricultural Exposition's 2025 Virginia Farmer of the Year; and, be it

RESOLVED FURTHER, That the Clerk of the Senate prepare a copy of this resolution for presentation to Steve Hopkins as an expression of the General Assembly's admiration for his contributions to the agricultural industry of the Commonwealth.