By Matt de Simone
Nestled in the Bonsack area where Roanoke County meets Botetourt, C&F Farms stands as a reflection of the region’s agricultural heritage and its future. The Frye family has been farming this land for three generations, and while much has evolved, the core values remain deeply rooted in the soil.
Jared Frye explains that the farm began in the late 1940s with his grandfather, Emery Cox, who raised cattle and grew a variety of row crops including wheat, rye, corn, hay, and tomatoes. “Most of our products, both crops and livestock, were sold into the commodity market at the time,” he said. Over time, the operation shifted its focus. “Today, we have transitioned to a mainly livestock farm raising cattle, hogs, chickens, and turkeys. We do still harvest hay but have stopped all other row crop and produce production.”
Jared and his mother, Debbie, now operate C&F Farms entirely on pasture, guided by regenerative agriculture principles. Animals are rotated daily to fresh pasture, and the land is managed with soil health in mind. “We’ve added in regenerative practices like rotational grazing, reseeding with cover crops, and working with natural cycles to improve our soil health and farm productivity,” said Frye. This shift has not only improved farm sustainability but also deepened its connection with local consumers. “We’ve moved into direct-to-consumer sales, which has allowed us to better connect with our community and be able to see the impact of the food we produce.”
Photo courtesy of Jared Frye
Despite the rise of technology in modern agriculture, the farm maintains many traditional practices. “Traditional practices – like rotational grazing, farrowing outdoors, or feeding a more natural diet – keep animals healthier, improve the land, and build resilience into the farm,” Frye said. While he acknowledges that technology can help with labor and efficiency, he believes something more essential drives success: “In the end, you need patience, observation, and a respect for the process.”
C&F Farms has not yet adopted high-tech tools like drones or precision agriculture. Frye notes, “We haven’t personally jumped into drones or precision tech yet. I think some of the barriers here are cost and time.” For small-scale operations, the benefits don’t always justify the investment. Still, he believes that the next generation will embrace a mix of tradition and innovation. “They’ll absolutely lean more into transparency and technology,” he said. “But I also think we’ve seen a huge resurgence in people wanting to be back on the land and working in a more traditional sense that I hope will carry on.”
Local food has taken on greater meaning for Frye and his family. “It means everything,” he said. “Supporting your neighbor, eating food that you can be confident in and know where it came from, and who produced. Knowing your farmer is a big deal.” That connection has driven demand for local, sustainably raised products. “Folks are asking more questions – where it came from, how it was raised, what it was fed,” said Frye. “We’ve seen a big increase in demand for pasture-raised, non-GMO, grass-fed meats.”
C&F Farms sells directly to customers through its website, offers delivery and pickup options, and participates weekly at the Botetourt Farmers Market. The meats are also available at local retail outlets like Bryant Orchards, Country Corner, and Basil’s Farm Market. For Frye, the difference between small farms and large commercial producers is clear. “It’s not a factory – it’s a family. What’s grown here comes with accountability and pride. You can shake the hand that raised your dinner.”
The farm currently has a farm store for online pickup-only orders, but isn’t open for regular shopping currently. “We’re slowly renovating it, but right now we just do pickups on Fridays,” Jared noted. To see more of what C&F Farms has to offer its customers, visit the online store at cffarms.org/store.
Challenges remain, especially in terms of infrastructure and growth. “More freezer space,” Frye said when asked what the farm needs most. “Infrastructure is always one of the bottlenecks for a farm like ours.” He believes that shared community resources, like commercial kitchens or storage facilities, could greatly benefit local producers.
The work is not easy, but Frye speaks of it with clear purpose. “It’s not simple, and it’s not fun all the time,” he said. “The days are long, and the work is hard. But it is so rewarding, watching animals thrive, seeing the fruits of your labor, and seeing customers’ faces and knowing they chose to feed their family with food you raised with your own two hands.”
Farming in Botetourt is more than just a livelihood – it’s a cultural thread that runs deep. “It’s rooted in heritage, but not afraid of growth,” said Frye. “There’s a deep respect for the land and a strong sense of community among the farmers here.” He sees agriculture as central to the identity of the area. “It’s the backbone. It’s in our history, our festivals, even our back roads. When you drive through Botetourt, you’re seeing generations of stewardship.”
Local farmers markets and agritourism events help reinforce the connection between community and farm. “All of the area’s farmers markets are key to this because they bring the farmers and the community together,” he said. “There are multiple agritourism operations in the county now, which again I think brings the community back to the farm to reconnect with where their food is grown and the people who are growing it.”
When asked why someone should choose food from Botetourt, Frye’s answer is simple but meaningful. “Because it’s real food, from real people. Because it tastes better, supports a family, and strengthens your community. When you buy local, you’re not just eating – you’re making a difference.”
