05/13/2025
Tom and Kim Nixon along with their children, Elizabeth and Robert, own Glenmary Family Farm Partnership, an example of innovation in Virginia’s grain industry. The Nixon family is a multi-generational family farm that encompasses row crop production, beef cattle, turkeys and their new venture, Virginia Seed Company. In 2020, the Nixon’s along with agronomist Tim Woodward launched Virginia Seed, a company developed in part to bring a new service to local farmers that specializes in seed blending, cleaning, and treating operations.
The Nixon family is committed to continuing and expanding their diverse farming operation. Their son Robert, who received a degree in Diesel Mechanics and Agriculture Technology from the University of Northwestern Ohio, returned home to manage the grain side of the business, while their daughter Elizabeth, after completing her education at Oklahoma State University, came back to Orange County to take the lead on the cattle operation. She manages 1,100 momma cows and the farm’s Registered Angus Herd. Glenmary Farm started as a 400-acre tract under Tom’s father and has since grown into an 1,800-acre operation, with an additional 8,200 acres leased in Orange, Madison, and Culpeper Counties. Today, the farm is highly diversified—growing grain, raising cattle, processing meat under their own label (Glenmary Reserve), and co-owning Virginia Seed.
What sets the Nixon’s apart is their break from tradition and investment in what works best for their operation, even if it’s unique. The farm focuses heavily on technology while using Conservis as a data processing system to keep track of all aspects of the grain operation. Another change the Nixon’s made back in 2019 was to buy one of the first Horsch corn planters on the east coast. The planter does an exceptional job of planting corn and beans on 20-inch rows and the service they receive is first class. When equipment inevitably has issues, their dealer flies in from Indiana to address any problems occurring, creating a culture of convenience and reliability. Additionally, Glenmary Farm relies on 8 South African workers through the H-2A program each year and 7 full-time employees, a workforce that has helped the farm’s growth and efficiency.
Virginia Seed is a venture that focuses on the efficiency of cover crops. Instead of starting with corn, the Nixon’s approach revolves around a winter cover crop blend designed to improve soil health and support summer crops. Virginia Seed serves growers across Virginia, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Delaware, and Maryland, offering custom seed blends and one-on-one consultations to help producers make informed decisions. One of the biggest challenges the team faces is navigating state cost-share programs, where producers are incentivized to plant specific cover crops. In states without these programs, the consultation process can be easier, as growers are focused solely on corn or soybean yields rather than cover crop incentives. In Virginia, the team often has to demonstrate how a less-compensated cover crop can be made up by higher corn or soybean yields.
Looking ahead, the Virginia Seed team is watching federal developments closely. The appointment of Robert Kennedy as Secretary of Health could bring changes to regulations surrounding pesticides and non-GMO crops. Regardless of policy shifts, the Nixon’s and Woodward believe Virginia Seed is well-positioned to provide solutions that align with a wide range of farm practices.
Everything about the Nixon family embodies forward-thinking and dedication to their craft. The Nixon’s will continue to excel on their diverse farm as they look to the future of agriculture.
If you have a unique farming practice or trial on your farm and would like to be featured in VGPA’s Farm Forward series, please contact [email protected].
Farm Forward is a publication from the Virginia Grain Producers Association that showcases innovative farming practices. This series serves as an editorial feature, highlighting unique approaches in agriculture without endorsing any specific method.
