Clay Jackson likes to describe his beef cattle operation as a large family farm.

“There’s a place for all agriculture, but I’m ‘Big Ag,’” Jackson explained proudly. “Big Ag in the U.S. feeds people—safely and affordably.”

Jackson manages Senterfitt Farm and Senterfitt Cattle Co. in Madison County. The operation may be large, but it’s family-owned and family-operated.

The farm consists of a traditional cow-calf operation with about 180 pairs and a backgrounding operation, in which Jackson buys young calves, weans them, vaccinates them and feeds them for two to nine months before selling them to Midwest or northern feedlots.

The cattle company accepts cows from farmers in Virginia, West Virginia, Maryland and North Carolina on Sundays and Mondays and auctions them on Tuesdays. Jackson bought the company a year ago and conducts the cattle collection and auctions in partnership with the Virginia Cattle Co. “It’s all about teamwork,” he explained.

He and his father, Scott, are partners in the third-generation farm, but family cattle farming goes back seven generations. Jackson handles the day-to-day operation of the farm and cattle company and has help from two full-time employees. “Having the right people makes a world of difference,” he proclaimed.

And so does providing good animal care. Jackson said he believes in low-stress cattle handling. “No matter the size of the operation, animal health is of the utmost importance. We try not to mess with them any more than we have to.”

He keeps 30 to 100 head of cattle in each field so they are easy to manage for sorting or vaccinating. “The sooner we can get them back out on grass, the less stress they have,” Jackson explained. He also said he and employees check the cattle every day of the week—including Saturdays and Sundays.

Beef from Jackson’s herd is sold in Wegmans grocery stores under the label “Natural Beef.” Wegmans requires antibiotic- and hormone-free meat, and that’s what Senterfitt provides. 

Jackson said he values a good relationship with his veterinarian and with residents of Madison. Senterfitt has sponsored local sports teams, a hops festival and 4-H and FFA events.

“I just believe in supporting the community where I live and work.”