Farm Jobs in Virginia
Explore agricultural careers in Virginia, the nation's most diverse agricultural state with leadership in oyster aquaculture (#1 nationally, 134 farms), tobacco (#3, 28% of U.S. flue-cured production), wine grapes (#5, 300+ wineries), apples (#6), and turkeys (#6). With a $55.1 billion total economic impact, 39,000 farms, and 490,295 agriculture and forestry jobs, Virginia offers opportunities across three distinct regions: the Shenandoah Valley, Eastern Shore, and Southside.
Major Cities with Farm Jobs:
1 Farm Job in Virginia
Farm Jobs in Virginia
Virginia agriculture generates $5.2 billion in annual farm cash receipts with a combined agriculture and forestry economic impact of $55.1 billion, contributing 4.0% to state GDP. The state operates 39,000 farms across 7.3 million acres (average 187 acres per farm) employing 490,295 people when including forestry and related industries. Virginia leads the nation as the #1 producer of hard clams and eastern oysters with 134 active oyster farms generating $60-65 million annually, representing a remarkable $40 million growth from 2013-2018 and establishing the state as the #1 oyster producer on the East Coast. The state ranks #3 nationally for tobacco production (28% of U.S. flue-cured tobacco on 22,000 acres producing 48 million pounds) and seafood landings, #5 for wine grape bearing acreage and production (4,600 acres supporting 300+ wineries producing 2-3 million gallons annually), #6 for apple production (4.1 million bushels from 100+ commercial orchards generating $42 million), and #6 for turkey production (16 million birds). Poultry dominates as the largest commodity at $2.23 billion (including 281.3 million broilers ranking #8 nationally), followed by cattle and calves (675,000-750,000 beef cows on 23,000+ farms ranking #7 nationally). Additional major sectors include soybeans ($1.4+ billion in exports as the leading agricultural export commodity), greenhouse and nursery products ($399 million), peanuts (#8 nationally with 28,000-29,000 acres), and forestry ($21+ billion in industrial output). Virginia's geographic diversity across the Shenandoah Valley (top agricultural region with $1.3+ billion in sales), Eastern Shore (oyster aquaculture center), Southside Virginia (tobacco and peanut heartland), Piedmont (wine country), and Southwest creates exceptional agricultural variety.
Why Work on Virginia Farms?
Working on Virginia farms offers competitive wages with H-2A workers earning $15.81/hour (2024 rate) and farm workers earning median annual wages of $35,980 (May 2024), with field workers averaging $18.42/hour and livestock workers $17.45/hour nationally. Virginia agriculture and forestry employ 490,295 people with agricultural employment growing by 1,100 jobs (+2%) over the last five years, demonstrating sector stability and growth. The state's exceptional agricultural diversity creates year-round employment opportunities: poultry operations ($2.23 billion sector) provide continuous employment in climate-controlled facilities and processing plants, oyster aquaculture (134 farms) offers year-round harvesting with peak seasons, dairy operations require daily care, and beef cattle ranching (23,000+ farms present in every Virginia county) provides consistent work. Seasonal opportunities peak during apple harvest (September-November in Winchester "Apple Capital" region with 100+ orchards), wine grape harvest (82% Vinifera varieties across 300+ wineries experiencing rapid growth from 1,700 acres in 2001 to 4,600 acres in 2022), tobacco operations (March-September in Southside counties), peanut harvest (fall in Suffolk "Peanut Capital of the World"), and cotton harvest (fall in Southampton County's 90,000 acres as the northernmost cotton-producing state). Virginia's mild humid subtropical climate allows extended growing seasons in the Coastal Plain (200+ frost-free days) while mountain regions offer cooler conditions. The state's agricultural research infrastructure through Virginia Tech and agricultural extension services provides extensive training opportunities. Many positions include housing benefits, particularly in seasonal H-2A operations for tobacco and peanut harvesting. Virginia's historical agricultural significance—from the original tobacco colony to Thomas Jefferson's innovations at Monticello—creates a rich farming heritage and culture.
Types of Farms in Virginia
Virginia agriculture showcases exceptional diversity across geographic regions and commodity sectors. **Oyster and shellfish aquaculture** leads nationally with 134 active oyster farms (up from 60 in 2013) concentrated on the Eastern Shore (Accomack and Northampton counties, $435 million combined ag production) generating $60-65 million annually while providing both economic and environmental benefits through Chesapeake Bay ecosystem restoration. **Poultry operations** dominate the Shenandoah Valley with 3,300+ operations producing $2.23 billion total value including broiler chickens ($6.8 billion nationally, #8 ranking, 281.3 million birds), turkeys (#6 nationally, 16 million birds), and eggs, with Rockingham County leading at $1.2 billion in total agricultural production. **Apple orchards** concentrate in the Shenandoah Valley, particularly Frederick County and the Winchester region ("Apple Capital"), with 100+ commercial orchards across 8,000-16,000 acres producing 4.1 million bushels ($42 million) annually, 70% processed into value-added products. **Wine grape vineyards** span 4,600 acres (up 7% in 2022) supporting 300+ wineries across the Piedmont region producing 10,000+ tons of grapes and 2-3 million gallons of wine, with 82% Vinifera varieties (Chardonnay, Cabernet Franc, Merlot, Vidal Blanc, Viognier). **Tobacco farms** operate primarily in Southside and Southwest Virginia producing 48 million pounds of flue-cured tobacco (28% of U.S. production, #3 nationally) on 22,000 acres. **Peanut operations** center in Southside counties (Southampton, Isle of Wight, Sussex, Greensville) with 28,000-29,000 acres producing 136+ million pounds, ranking #8 nationally with the 2nd most efficient yield at 4,500 pounds per acre—Suffolk is recognized as "Peanut Capital of the World." **Cotton farms** operate in Southampton, Isle of Wight, and Sussex counties with 90,000 acres, making Virginia the northernmost cotton-producing state. **Beef cattle operations** span all 23,000+ farms across every Virginia county with 675,000-750,000 beef cows (primarily cow-calf operations) grazing 1.5 million acres of pasture and 1.3 million acres of hay (more than 2x corn acreage). **Greenhouse and nursery operations** generate $399 million across 760 acres under protection and 10,000 acres in open fields. **Row crop farms** grow soybeans (570,000 acres, $1.4+ billion in exports), corn (530,000 acres), and wheat (241,979 acres) primarily in the Coastal Plain and Piedmont.
Getting Started with Farm Work in Virginia
Entry-level farm positions in Virginia offer diverse opportunities across year-round and seasonal operations. Year-round employment exists in poultry operations (Rockingham and Augusta counties in Shenandoah Valley, $2.23 billion sector), oyster aquaculture (Eastern Shore counties with 134 farms), beef cattle ranching (present in every Virginia county, 23,000+ farms), dairy operations (Shenandoah Valley), greenhouse and nursery facilities ($399 million sector with climate-controlled work), and forestry operations ($21+ billion industry with 150+ sawmills and 120+ paper/packaging companies). Seasonal hiring peaks during apple harvest (September-November in Winchester/Frederick County region, 100+ orchards), wine grape harvest (summer/fall across 300+ wineries and 4,600 acres of vineyards), tobacco operations (March-September in Southside counties including Pittsylvania, Halifax, and Charlotte), peanut harvest (fall in Southampton, Isle of Wight, Sussex, and Greensville counties), and cotton harvest (fall in Southampton County, 90,000 acres). No previous farm experience is required for many entry-level positions—employers provide on-the-job training, particularly in oyster aquaculture processing, poultry production systems, apple harvesting and grading, tobacco curing, and peanut operations. The prime agricultural employment centers include Rockingham County ($1.2 billion ag economy, Harrisonburg hub), Augusta County ($448 million, Staunton area), Shenandoah County ($225 million), Page County ($205 million), Accomack County ($326 million, Eastern Shore), Southampton County ($124 million, peanut/cotton center), and Pittsylvania County ($100 million, tobacco region). H-2A positions guarantee $15.81/hour (2024) with housing often provided, while general farm workers earn median annual wages of $35,980. Spanish language skills are valuable in many operations but not required, as bilingual supervisors are common. The Virginia Farm Bureau, Virginia Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services, and Virginia Cooperative Extension (Virginia Tech) can connect workers with opportunities and training programs. Workers interested in specialty sectors can target the rapidly growing wine industry (82% growth in vineyard acreage since 2001), expanding oyster aquaculture (environmental restoration focus), or organic farming operations.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are farm worker wages in Virginia?
Virginia farm workers earn competitive wages with H-2A agricultural workers receiving a guaranteed minimum of $15.81/hour as of 2024 (Virginia is among 7 states with H-2A rates between $15.00-$15.99). General agricultural workers earn a median annual wage of $35,980 (May 2024), with field workers averaging $18.42/hour (up 3% from 2023) and livestock workers averaging $17.45/hour nationally. Many H-2A positions include free housing (meeting OSHA standards with minimum 50-100 sq ft per worker), transportation to/from home country, and meals or kitchen facilities as required benefits. The agricultural sector has added 1,100 jobs (+2%) over the last five years, demonstrating employment growth and stability in Virginia agriculture and forestry which together employ 490,295 people statewide.
What crops and livestock are raised in Virginia?
Virginia produces exceptional agricultural diversity with leadership positions in multiple national sectors. Poultry dominates as the largest commodity ($2.23 billion total) including broiler chickens (281.3 million birds, #8 nationally), turkeys (16 million birds, #6 nationally), and eggs. The state ranks #1 nationally for oysters and hard clams (134 active farms, $60-65 million), #3 for tobacco (28% of U.S. flue-cured production, 48 million pounds on 22,000 acres) and seafood landings, #5 for wine grapes (4,600 acres, 300+ wineries, 2-3 million gallons wine), #6 for apples (4.1 million bushels, $42 million), and #8 for peanuts (136+ million pounds on 28,000-29,000 acres). Livestock includes 675,000-750,000 beef cattle (#7 nationally) on 23,000+ farms present in every county. Major crops include soybeans (570,000 acres, $1.4+ billion in exports as top export commodity), corn (530,000 acres), wheat (241,979 acres), cotton (90,000 acres, northernmost cotton state), and greenhouse/nursery products ($399 million). Virginia produces approximately 50% of all Fraser fir Christmas trees used in wreaths and garlands, has a $21+ billion forestry industry, and ranks #1 on the East Coast for oyster production.
Where are the main farming areas in Virginia?
Virginia agriculture centers in distinct geographic regions. The **Shenandoah Valley** is the top agricultural region with 4 of the state's top 5 counties by production value, generating $1.3+ billion in commodity sales: Rockingham County leads at $1.2 billion (poultry and dairy hub, Harrisonburg area), Augusta County produces $448 million (Staunton region), Shenandoah County $225 million, and Page County $205 million. The valley hosts 5 poultry feed mills producing 1.5 million tons of feed and the Winchester area is recognized as "Apple Capital" with Frederick County containing the largest apple acreage. The **Eastern Shore** (Accomack and Northampton counties, $435 million combined) leads oyster and shellfish aquaculture with 134 active farms and mixed vegetable production. **Southside Virginia** is the tobacco heartland (Pittsylvania County $100 million) and peanut capital with Southampton County ($124 million) recognized as home to "Peanut Capital of the World" (Suffolk), also leading cotton production (90,000 acres). The **Piedmont region** features expanding wine country with 300+ wineries, beef cattle operations, and Orange County ($142 million). **Southwest Virginia** (Washington County $94 million) produces tobacco, cattle, and mountain agriculture. This regional diversity creates unique opportunities for workers to specialize or move between regions for year-round employment.
Is housing provided on Virginia farms?
Many Virginia farms provide housing, particularly for H-2A seasonal workers in the tobacco, peanut, and apple harvest sectors. H-2A housing must meet OSHA 29 CFR 1910.142 standards or state equivalents, providing minimum 50 sq ft per worker (sleeping only) or 100 sq ft (cooking/living/sleeping combined), with inspections conducted minimum twice quarterly during occupancy. Employers must provide housing free of charge, along with transportation to/from workers' home countries and meals (or kitchen facilities if no meals provided). Housing is common on larger tobacco operations in Southside counties (Pittsylvania, Halifax, Charlotte), peanut farms in Southampton and surrounding counties, apple orchards in the Shenandoah Valley during September-November harvest, and wine grape operations during harvest season. Year-round operations like poultry facilities and larger beef cattle ranches may offer housing or housing assistance depending on operation size. The quality and amenities vary by farm, with larger commercial operations typically offering more structured dormitory-style accommodations. Workers should inquire about housing availability when applying, as it represents a significant benefit particularly for seasonal positions requiring relocation.
What is the agricultural season in Virginia?
Virginia's agricultural seasons vary dramatically by region and commodity, creating year-round employment opportunities. The state experiences USDA Hardiness Zones 5b-8b with mild humid subtropical climate in most areas. Year-round operations include poultry production ($2.23 billion sector), oyster aquaculture (134 farms with peak seasons but continuous harvest), dairy operations, beef cattle ranching (23,000+ farms), and greenhouse/nursery production ($399 million in climate-controlled facilities). Seasonal peaks include: **Spring** (April-May): planting season for tobacco, soybeans, corn, cotton; snap beans planting. **Summer** (June-August): early apple harvest begins, wine grape harvest starts (excellent 2024 harvest), tobacco harvesting and curing. **Fall** (September-November): peak apple harvest (4.1 million bushels), wine grape completion, tobacco finishing, peanut harvest (136+ million pounds), cotton harvest (90,000 acres), fall vegetable planting (spinach, kale, peas, radishes, beets, broccoli, carrots planted early July). **Winter**: processing, equipment maintenance, greenhouse production continues. The Coastal Plain offers 200+ frost-free days (last frost April 15-25 in Central Virginia Zone 7a) enabling extended growing seasons, while mountain regions provide cooler summer conditions. Workers can establish year-round employment by moving between seasonal operations: spring/summer tobacco and apple work transitioning to fall peanut and cotton harvest, then winter greenhouse or poultry employment.
How large is Virginia's agricultural industry?
Virginia agriculture and forestry generate a combined $55.1 billion in economic value-added, contributing 4.0% to state GDP (2022) and employing 490,295 people across production, processing, and related industries. Farm cash receipts total $5.2 billion annually from 39,000 farms operating across 7.3 million acres (average 187 acres per farm). Major sectors include poultry ($2.23 billion total with broilers, turkeys, and eggs), cattle and calves (675,000-750,000 beef cows on 23,000+ farms), soybeans ($1.4+ billion in exports), oyster and shellfish aquaculture ($60-65 million from 134 farms), greenhouse and nursery products ($399 million), apples ($42 million from 4.1 million bushels), and tobacco (48 million pounds). The forestry industry adds $21+ billion in industrial output, supporting 150+ sawmills employing 4,100+ people and 120+ paper/packaging companies employing 8,000 people. Virginia ranks among top 10 states nationally for multiple commodities: #1 for oysters/hard clams, #3 for tobacco and seafood landings, #5 for wine grapes, #6 for apples and turkeys, #7 for cattle cash receipts, and #8 for peanuts and broilers. The wine industry alone has grown from 1,700 acres in 2001 to 4,600 acres in 2022 (supporting 300+ wineries), while oyster aquaculture experienced $40 million growth from 2013-2018, demonstrating robust agricultural expansion and diversification.