Rev. Elisha Barnes Receives Black Excellence Impact Award

We are proud to share news of a special honor received by Elisha Barnes.

On Saturday in Virginia Beach, Virginia, Rev. Barnes was recognized during the Black History Black Excellence Black Tie Affair, which celebrated its 100th Anniversary. The event honors individuals who have sustained excellence and made lasting contributions to their communities.

The award recognizes his continued dedication to community service and his many roles as a pastor, farmer, lecturer, public speaker, singer, supporter of local food banks, and advocate for agriculture and rural communities.

As we celebrate this recognition, we are also including Rev. Barnes’ biography so that family members and readers can learn more about his life, faith, and agricultural legacy.

Biography of Reverend Elisha Barnes

Reverend Elisha Barnes, affectionately known as “The Peanut Man,” is a fourth-generation peanut farmer and devoted minister whose life reflects deep roots in faith, family, and the rich agricultural soil of Southampton County, Virginia. Rising from humble beginnings, his work preserves traditional peanut farming methods while uplifting rural communities and strengthening food security across the region.

Education and Early Development
Reverend Barnes graduated from Southampton High School in Courtland, Virginia. He later graduated from Nashville Automotive Diesel College, gaining mechanical expertise that has served him faithfully in both industry and agriculture.

Family Heritage and Early Influence
Raised in Courtland, Virginia, among five brothers and sisters, Elisha is the son of Lewis and Roxie Barnes and the grandson of Langston Barnes and Rhea Mae Blow Barnes, all farmers. His grandmother, Rhea Mae “Mama Rhea” Barnes, was the beloved matriarch who preserved the family’s oral history and ensured every child and grandchild understood their proud Native American and African American heritage. It was working in her fields and surrounding fields that Elisha developed his lifelong love and respect for farming.

Rev. Barnes is married to Jackie Barnes and is the father of Andre Barnes and Shaunte Chappell. He is also the proud grandfather of seven grandchildren. He is the brother of Bob, Roger, Scotty (Joe), Viola, and Rhea, and a valued member of our extended Barnes-Blow family.

Pop Son Farm and Agricultural Legacy
In 1989, Reverend Barnes established Pop Son Farm. He is nationally recognized for reviving the historic method of “shocking” peanuts, a traditional sun-curing process that enhances flavor and preserves heritage farming practices. His farming motto, ‘I Get To Play In The Dirt,’ reflects both joy and gratitude for the calling he embraces daily. His passion centers not on politics but on supporting the growth, success, and survival of farmers and the rural communities where they live.

Pop Son Farm has welcomed leaders from across the political spectrum. When she visited the farm, Abigail Spanberger was serving as the U.S. Representative for Virginia’s 7th Congressional District and was the Democratic candidate for Governor of Virginia. She toured the farm and held in-depth discussions about heritage agriculture, rural sustainability, and the importance of farms. Republican Delegate Otto Wachsmann has also visited the farm and discussed the importance and history of farming in small-town America. Reverend Barnes remains non-political, focused solely on advocacy for family farms and agricultural preservation.

Sponsors and Strategic Partners
Reverend Barnes’ agricultural efforts have been strengthened through meaningful partnerships, including:
Hubbard Peanut Company (Hubs Peanuts)
Kroger
Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore
New Life Church (land partner for food bank production)
Amadas Industries (provided combine equipment for peanut harvesting)

Faith, Ministry, and Spiritual Foundations
Reverend Barnes’ spiritual foundation was formed at Bryant Baptist Church in Courtland, Virginia, and Mars Hill Baptist Church in Capron, Virginia. He was ordained into ministry by the late Reverend James Vinson of Bryant Baptist Church. He served faithfully as Pastor of Revel Hill Baptist Church for 25 years before retiring. He later celebrated his 33rd pastoral anniversary at First Baptist Church of Severn, North Carolina. His faith slogan, ‘Have Bible, Will Preach,’ reflects his unwavering readiness to serve. He is also known for his rich baritone singing voice and his love of writing poetry, often blending faith, heritage, and hope.

For Reverend Barnes, farming and ministry are intertwined; both are acts of stewardship, service, and faith.

Legacy and Community Connection
From humble beginnings to recognized leadership in agriculture and ministry, Reverend Elisha Barnes continues to honor the generations before him while preparing the soil, both literally and spiritually, for generations yet to come. His life stands as a testimony to faith, perseverance, and love for community. He remains deeply grateful to the people of Southampton County, Suffolk, Courtland, Franklin, and surrounding areas whose support, prayers, and encouragement sustain both his ministry and his farm. With gratitude and hope, he looks forward to continuing to serve the land, the Lord, and the community he loves.