River Ridge Farm

River Ridge Land and Cattle Company (RRLCC) is a family-operated farm located on 1,500 acres along the New River in Grayson County, Virginia. Founded in 1986 by Philip and Charlotte Hanes, the operation was established with a dual mission of sustainable food production and land conservation, serving as a model for area farmers and landowners interested in regenerative and restorative farming practices. The majority of the property is protected under a perpetual conservation easement, preserving the land from commercial development and safeguarding the New River watershed.

The company's primary livestock operation centers on grass-fed beef cattle raised without growth-enhancing hormones or antibiotics. Cattle graze open pastures, consume natural minerals, and have access to clean water, resulting in naturally lean beef with a clean flavor profile. River Ridge supplies its beef directly to Grayson Natural Farms, establishing a regional farm-to-market supply chain for natural beef products.

In 2015, the farm diversified by converting a 10-acre river bottom hayfield into a commercial berry operation. The organic berry patch grows raspberries, blackberries, blueberries, and kiwi berries using regenerative farming methods designed to sustain soil health and support farm ecology. This expansion represents the farm's commitment to diversified agricultural production alongside its core cattle business.

In 2018, River Ridge further broadened its livestock portfolio with the introduction of St. Croix sheep. The breeding program reached a milestone in April 2020 with the successful arrival of 52 lambs from 28 ewes, establishing lamb as an additional protein offering from the operation.

River Ridge is led by Charlotte Hanes, president and CEO, who is a nationally recognized advocate for land stewardship, conservation easements, whole farm planning, and sustainable farming methods. Farm operations are managed by Brantley Ivey, who holds a Bachelor's degree in Animal Science and a Master's in Extension Education from the University of Florida, and completed the VALOR agricultural leadership program at Virginia Tech. The leadership team brings a combination of practical animal science expertise and conservation-oriented philosophy to every aspect of the operation.

As both a working farm and a demonstration model, River Ridge Land and Cattle Company represents an integrated approach to CPG-adjacent agricultural supply, offering naturally raised beef, lamb, and organically grown berries to regional buyers and processors committed to clean, traceable food sourcing.