Mark Sutphin is an agriculture and natural resources Extension agent serving Frederick County and the surrounding region. Raised on a family beef cattle farm, he brings both personal experience and professional expertise to his work supporting producers, landowners, and local communities.

A graduate of Virginia Tech with a degree in horticulture and a minor in agricultural economics, Sutphin spent about ten years working in landscape installation in the Winchester area before joining Virginia Cooperative Extension. Today, his work focuses on helping communities respond to agricultural and environmental challenges through practical, research-based education.

This story is part of Get to Know Extension, a Q&A series highlighting the people who make Virginia Cooperative Extension’s mission possible.

How did you get into Extension, and why A&R?

“I grew up on a family farm, where my father and uncle still run a beef cattle operation, so agriculture has always been part of my life. From an early age, I was drawn to plants and natural resources.

In high school, I was deeply involved in FFA, serving as an officer all four years and as chapter president my senior year. I was also influenced by my father, who had been an agriculture teacher. That led me to Virginia Tech, where I earned a degree in horticulture with a minor in agricultural economics.

I spent about ten years working in landscape installation in the Winchester area, primarily on projects across the D.C. region. When the local Extension position opened, it felt like a natural fit—an opportunity to stay connected to agriculture while working more directly with the community.”

Headshot of a man with a hat and a button up shirt with Virginia Cooperative Extension logo.
Sutphin's Extension work focuses on helping communities respond to agricultural and environmental challenges through practical, research-based education. Photo by Camden Littleton for Virginia Cooperative Extension.

Tell me about a moment or project that made you especially proud to work for Extension.

“One of the most meaningful experiences in my Extension career has been working around the emergence of spotted lanternfly. Its discovery in Frederick County in 2018—only the second known population in North America at the time—created a unique opportunity for Extension to play a critical role.

What made that moment stand out was the level of collaboration it inspired. There was truly an all-hands-on-deck response, bringing together local communities, county and city governments, state and federal agencies, as well as universities and researchers.

It really exemplified what Extension does best: translating new and complex information into actionable knowledge for the public while working closely with partners at every level to address a shared challenge.”

Do you think you’ll have a similar experience with box tree moth?

“Box tree moth is our latest invasive, and while it shares some similarities with spotted lanternfly, I don’t expect it to draw the same level of attention. It’s much less visible and harder for the public to recognize.

That said, we’re seeing a similar response pattern. This region—Winchester, Frederick, Clarke, and western Loudoun—is among the first in Virginia to deal with it, which brings a coordinated, early effort to understand and manage it.

Its arrival likely reflects our location and connectivity. With heavy commercial traffic along the I-81 corridor and strong ties to major urban centers and ports. This region is especially vulnerable to the introduction and spread of invasive species.”

Four men stand in a field with their hands in their pockets.
Sutphin (far right) poses with Extension educators at a VCE "In-Orchard Meeting" at Glaize Orchard in Strasburg, VA. Photo by Camden Littleton for Virginia Cooperative Extension.

What do you see as the biggest challenges in agriculture today?

“Labor is certainly one of the most pressing challenges. Across many sectors, it’s increasingly difficult to find workers willing to take on the physically demanding nature of agricultural work, and when labor is available, it comes at a high cost.

Equally significant is the issue of profitability. Agriculture often involves substantial risk with relatively low returns, which has real consequences—particularly here on the East Coast, where we see farmland being converted to development.

That said, opportunities for profitability do exist, especially in regions like ours that are close to large population centers. Direct-to-consumer markets can offer stronger margins compared to wholesale models.”

What does Frederick County need from Extension?

“At its core, our role is to stay closely attuned to the community and ensure our work reflects its evolving needs.

Water quality remains a top concern, and much of our work ties back to protecting natural resources through best management practices and informed decision-making. We also play a key role in helping the community respond to issues like invasive species, ensuring people have clear, research-based guidance.

Extension is broad by design. Every resident is a potential client, supported through direct engagement, newsletters, events, social media, and programs like the ‘Ask a Master Gardener Help Desk.’”

What advice would you give a new farmer today?

“I’d say go in with your eyes wide open. Farming is hard work, and it demands a lot—physically, financially, and mentally.

From a business standpoint, diversification is critical. It’s very difficult to rely on a single enterprise given the number of variables and risks outside your control. Having multiple revenue streams helps create stability and resilience.

At the end of the day, success in agriculture requires both a strong work ethic and a clear understanding of the challenges involved.”