DOSWELL—Surry County farmer Breyon Pierce is taking his place among the superheroes he always idolized in DC and Marvel comics.

The sixth-generation farmer is one of 11 agriculturalists named Ag Superheroes at the 2024 State Fair of Virginia. Collectible Ag Superhero Trading Cards depicting each hero are available free at the Meadow Pavilion during the State Fair of Virginia, which runs through Oct. 6 at The Meadow Event Park in Caroline County.

“I am surprised and honored to be recognized as an agricultural superhero on the trading card!” exclaimed Pierce, who also serves as an agricultural educator and county supervisor. “As a child, I was always imagining what it would be like to be a superhero. So, when I saw the trading card for the first time, I was absolutely elated. It immediately took me back to my childhood days of collecting trading cards, making this a full-circle moment for me.”

His dedication to advancing sustainable farming practices and community development is a mission shared with the other ag superheroes:

• Genevie Boarman, Richmond County—lineman for Northern Neck Electric Cooperative.
   
• Brad Copenhaver, Richmond—agricultural lobbyist.
   
• Glenn Dye, Appomattox County—crop farmer and precision agriculture equipment sales representative.
   
• Matt and Lindy Fimon, Brunswick County—cow-calf, sheep and flower farmers.
   
• Courtney Hallacher, Augusta County—wildlife education coordinator with the Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources.
   
• Ronald Howell Jr., Surry County—state executive director of the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
   
• Allen Marshall, Accomack County—Marine police first sergeant with the Virginia Marine Resources Commission.
   
• Autumn Pequignot, Rockingham County—Kindergarten teacher and author of the children’s book The Day the Farmer Quits.
   
• The Farming Saunders Brothers from Saunders Brothers Farm Market, Nelson County—multi-generational fruit and horticulture operation.
   
• Megan Seibel, Botetourt County—director of Virginia Agricultural Leaders Obtaining Results leadership program, cattle operator and vineyard manager.

“The commonwealth is known for its rich array of agriculture and natural resources—and the trading cards aim to showcase that diversity,” said Sarah Jane Thomsen, manager of agriculture education and strategic partnerships programming for the State Fair.

Visit statefairva.org/p/other/superag to see the 2024 Ag Superheroes Trading Cards.

The cards are designed to be used in classrooms or by educational partners, nonprofits and agritourism operations to assist with educating Virginia’s youth and the general public about agriculture and natural resources. Visit statefairva.org/f/69 to request trading cards.

“And we encourage fairgoers to start thinking of ag superheroes they can nominate in their own communities next year!” Thomsen added.

Nominees can include anyone in agriculture- and natural resources-related jobs.

Media: Contact Thomsen at 804-994-2743.