A Family's Dream Rooted in the Heart of Virginia - Jolli Farms

In a world increasingly dominated by technology, fast-paced routines, and crowded cities, the desire to slow down and reconnect with the land is a dream many share – but few make a reality. For the Jolliff family, that dream became tangible in the rolling fields of South Boston, Va., where a vision of peace, privacy, and purpose took root and grew into Jolli Farms.

From City Streets to Country Fields

The idea for Jolli Farms didn’t begin with tractors or livestock, but with a longing for a different way of life – one defined by simplicity, family, and freedom. David Jolliff, the eldest of the Jolliff siblings, began to feel the pull of nature and the desire to escape conventional city living. He envisioned a life off the grid, where he could raise a family in alignment with traditional values – homeschooling his children, growing his own food, and living off the land.

That vision quickly became a calling. David approached his younger brother, Dan, with the idea of starting a family farm – something real, raw, and sustainable. The brothers began tossing around ideas, sketching out possibilities, and soon brought their father, Dean Jolliff, into the discussion. Dean, a California resident with over two decades rooted in the Golden State, listened as his sons painted a vivid picture of a new life.

What began as an idea, dreamt up between brothers, soon became a family mission. Dean and his wife, Linda, were inspired enough to consider a monumental change – selling their California home of more than 20 years to help support this generational venture.

Planting New Roots in South Boston, Virginia

The Jolliffs knew they wanted to build something lasting – something that would support not just one nuclear family, but an entire family compound, where siblings, parents, and grandchildren could live together in harmony. With that goal in mind, the men started scouting for the perfect place to plant their flag.

They considered various locations, eventually zeroing in on the East Coast. Coming from both California and Florida, the family was ready for a new chapter that blended the best of both worlds: the warmth and charm of Southern hospitality with the practical value of fertile farmland and wide open space.

After months of research and soul-searching, the family found exactly what we were looking for: 89 untouched acres of raw land in South Boston. Situated directly on Bill Tuck Highway, across from The Gun Club of South Boston, the property had everything they desired – seclusion, natural beauty, and room to grow. The land spoke to the family in a way none other had. They knew this was it.

In 2022, Jolli Farms was officially born.

A Family Affair

What makes Jolli Farms truly unique isn’t just the quality of its livestock or the beauty of its surroundings – it’s the deep-rooted family values woven into every acre. From the first fence post to the daily feeding routines, everything on the farm reflects the hard work, vision, and commitment of multiple generations working side by side to bring their shared dream to life.

David and Dan took the lead in operations – clearing land, building infrastructure, and planning which animals to raise. David, with his inventive and adventurous spirit, saw the farm as a lifelong canvas for innovation and self-reliance. Dan, bringing steady strength and years of construction management experience, helped shape the farm’s day to day logistics and breed selection. Their father, Dean, contributed decades of construction and infrastructure knowledge, reinforcing the physical foundation of the farm. Confident in their combined skillsets, the trio moved forward with purpose to bring Jolli Farms to life.

Behind the steady heartbeat of Jolli Farms are the Jolliff women – Linda, Erin, and me, Jennifer – each adding our own talents and energy. Linda, wife to Dean and mom to David and Dan, keeps traditions alive, nurtures the grandkids, and brings the family together through meals and gatherings. I am married to David, and am both a dedicated mother and the creative force behind the farm’s online presence. With a background in marketing and web design, I help tell the Jolli Farms story while building meaningful connections in the local community. Erin, married to Dan, balances remote work with hands-on farming – managing livestock rotation, tracking inventory, and adding her creative, clever touches through her lifelong hobbies like crafting and coordinating.

Together, we Jolliffs are building more than a farm – we’re cultivating a way of life rooted in purpose, connection, and legacy. One where children grow up in open fields, where meals are prepared from ingredients raised with care, and where the land reflects not just labor, but love.

Livestock and Local Living

Today, Jolli Farms is a thriving example of what can be achieved with determination, unity, and a connection to nature. The farm currently raises a variety of livestock, including sheep, chickens, quail, ducks, rabbits, and Berkshire pigs.

Each animal is raised with care, respect, and attention to quality. The farm produces high-quality meat and eggs, which are sold directly within the South Boston and greater Halifax County community. Customers know they are receiving ethically-raised, locally-sourced food – free from the industrial-scale practices that dominate the modern agricultural world.

But the farm is more than a business – it’s a philosophy. It’s a belief in doing things the right way, even if it takes longer. It’s a commitment to community, to stewardship, and to honoring the land that provides for us.

The Heart of South Boston

What makes Jolli Farms so special isn’t just its products, but its presence. In an era where many communities are losing touch with their agricultural roots, Jolli Farms is bringing that connection back. My family has embraced South Boston not just as a home, but as a partner. We support local businesses, collaborate with neighbors, and invite others to experience the richness of country living.

Beyond the daily work on the farm, David shares his love of sports by giving private baseball lessons to the Halifax community, drawing from his experience as a former professional ballplayer. On Saturdays, you may also find the guys at the South Boston Farmers Market, where they occasionally set up a family stand to sell fresh meat and eggs directly to the community.

Looking to the Future

Jolli Farms may be young, but its foundations are deep. As the farm continues to grow, we have big plans on the horizon. Future goals include expanding their livestock operations, adding more sustainable infrastructure, and potentially creating educational programs or community events to share what they’ve learned.

We also hope to inspire others – especially young families – to think differently about how and where they live. In a world where independence and self-sufficiency can sometimes feel out of reach, Jolli Farms is proof that it’s still possible. With vision, faith, and a lot of hard work, dreams can be built from the ground up – one acre at a time.

Welcome to Jolli Farms. Where dreams grow, family thrives, and the land is home.