The proximity of navigable waterways in this region means grain can be shipped out by barge . New grain elevators for sorghum have increased the acres planted of this drought tolerant crop because a convenient market is now available. The Southern Piedmont of Virginia is more rural than the Northern Piedmont. The soils have deep profiles, but are generally sandy, and drought prone. The climate is mild and supports a long growing season.
Field sizes are smaller, with farmland is intermingled with forest.
The light soils are excellent for growing tobacco, peanuts, and in recent years, cotton. Tillage in this region varies from conventional, with some areas of no-till corn, soybeans and cotton. However, tobacco and peanuts are susceptible to disease and insects in this warm climate. Therefore, tobacco and peanuts are grown almost exclusively using conventional planting and tillage . Flue-cured tobacco is a traditional crop in this region, and labor intensive.