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2000 Virginia BCIA
Superior Service Award Presented to Steve Hopkins
Livestock Update, March 2000
Scott Greiner, Extension Animal Scientist, Beef, Virginia Tech
The 2000 Virginia BCIA Superior Service Award was presented to Steve Hopkins. Steve currently serves as Extension Agent in Orange, Virginia. He is a 1988 graduate of Virginia Tech, with a degree in Agricultural Education. Steve first served as extension agent in Caroline, prior to taking his position in Orange in 1990.
Steve has been integrally involved in Virginia BCIA's bull evaluation program conducted in Culpeper. He was instrumental in locating the test station at its current site, Glenmary Farm in Orange County. Steve's interests in genetic improvement and performance evaluation of beef cattle have been keys to the success of the program in the Culpeper area. He has provided valuable assistance in the data collection process of the test station, and rarely does a weigh period or event take place at the station that Steve is not present to provide a helping hand. Steve has conducted numerous educational programs emphasizing the value of quality genetics. His close working relationship with producers in the Central Virginia area has been a tremendous asset to the Culpeper test committee as they evaluate ways to better serve both commercial and seedstock breeders.
Steve's contributions to the improvement of the beef industry go far beyond his involvement with the BCIA test station. In 1998, Steve organized the Central Virginia Cattleman's Association, which has grown to a membership of over 100 producers. This regional group of cattle producers has worked together to promote, encourage, increase, and improve the production, marketing, and genetics of beef cattle. Through Steve's leadership, producers have aligned and are currently active in several cooperative ventures to improve their competitive position. The group has focused on opportunities to add and receive value for superior quality cattle. Participation in retained ownership and associated interaction with cattle feeders and packers have been valuable tools and have recently resulted in new marketing options for producers. The group has also recently established a genetic improvement program, coordinating the breeding of 1000 females to proven A.I. sires.
Steve has conducted numerous educational programs related to beef cattle, including the Northern Piedmont Beef Cattle Field Day, which attracts hundreds of producers annually. He has been an instructor for the Virginia Cow-Calf Management course, the area reproductive management school, and many other regional and state beef cattle education programs.
Steve has been a recipient of both the Achievement Award and Distinguished Service Award from the National Association of County Agricultural Agents, and last year received the State Team Award for Outstanding Service to Virginia Cooperative Extension.
Steve and his wife Crysti and son Blake are also actively involved in the operation of Riverside Farm, the family beef operation in Louisa with Steve's father and brother.