Beyond the Office: Jim Barbee’s Life in Agriculture
While many know Jim R. Barbee for his years of public service and leadership roles in state and local government, few may realize that his heart has always belonged to the land. Outside the office, Jim is a lifelong agriculturalist whose passion for livestock, crops, and rural community youth development runs as deep as the Churchill County soil he calls home.
At the Rafter Bar B farm just outside Fallon, Jim and his wife are carrying on a tradition of hands-on agriculture. Their modest but meticulously managed operation includes a 25-head registered Angus cow herd. These cattle aren’t just for show—they’re part of a thoughtful breeding program focused on producing bulls that meet the needs of commercial cattlemen in Northern Nevada and Northern California. With a reputation for structural soundness, fertility, and real-world performance, the Barbee bulls have become well received in the region.
In addition to the cow herd, the Barbees maintain a small group of breeding sows, specifically for producing show pigs for youth involved in 4-H and FFA programs. This part of the operation reflects Jim’s commitment to giving young people access to high-quality animals, helping them gain confidence, responsibility, and hands-on learning through livestock projects.
Their 30 acres of production alfalfa hay not only supports their livestock operation but also contributes to the local agricultural economy. It’s a full-circle system that reflects the Barbee family’s deep understanding of sustainable, diversified farming.
But perhaps what truly sets Jim apart is his unwavering support of youth and community agriculture programs. He and his wife are active volunteers with the Churchill County Junior Livestock Show, where they invest time, expertise, and resources to ensure local kids have every opportunity to succeed in their ag projects. Whether it’s helping weigh animals, sorting pens, or offering advice to first-year exhibitors, the Barbees are a familiar and encouraging presence.
Jim was also instrumental in the founding of the Great Basin Bull Sale and Ranch Rodeo, a now well-known event that connects producers and buyers across Nevada and beyond. The sale not only highlights high-quality genetics but also celebrates ranching culture, bringing together stockmen and families in a uniquely rural tradition.
His commitment to the next generation doesn’t stop in the barn or the sale ring. Jim works actively with agriculture literacy programs in Churchill County, helping to ensure local students understand where their food comes from and how agriculture shapes their community. Whether through school visits, fairgrounds workshops, or local advocacy, he remains an ambassador for Nevada agriculture.
From sunup to sundown, whether in boots or a business suit, Jim Barbee embodies the spirit of American agriculture. He’s not just a farmer or a leader—he’s a builder of bridges between tradition and tomorrow, tirelessly cultivating both crops and community.
As Fallon and the broader Great Basin region continue to evolve, leaders like Jim Barbee remind us that agriculture isn’t just an industry—it’s a way of life. And for Jim, that life extends far beyond the office.