Fauquier County Agricultural Development

10/23/2026

🌱 Want to join a fantastic team and help people of all ages learn more about conservation and our natural resources?

Our friends at John Marshall Soil & Water Conservation District are hiring a Conservation Education Specialist!

This is a great opportunity for someone who enjoys teaching, working with the community, agriculture, conservation, and getting out in the field. This position works with everyone from K-12 students and teachers to farmers, landowners, civic organizations, and community members — providing education and hands-on experiences related to soil and water conservation, water quality, agriculture, and protecting our natural resources.

It’s a position with lots of variety, including educational programs and workshops, water quality monitoring, conservation programs, farm and field events, community outreach, and helping connect local landowners with conservation resources and opportunities.

If you’re someone who enjoys sharing knowledge, working with people, and making a difference in our local community and environment, this may be the job for you!

👉 Interested? Check out JMSWCD’s original post below for the full job description, qualifications, and instructions on how to apply.

And please share — you may know the perfect person to join their team! 🌱💧 See the attached post for details on the job opportunity and how to apply!

JMSWCD announces the listing of a full-time (40 hrs. per week) Conservation Education Specialist position. This position focuses on educating citizens on the importance of protecting natural resources, and provides soil and water conservation services and education programs to public, private, and home-schooled students as well as civic and private organizations.

Working under the supervision of the District Manager, the primary responsibilities of this position include performing outreach education services to the public, planning and providing presentations, managing the Virginia Conservation Assistance Program, and coordinating the District’s water quality monitoring program.

Employees receive an excellent benefits package. Candidates with a wide range of experiences in natural resources education and conservation are encouraged to apply.

Candidates with a wide range of experiences in agriculture and conservation are encouraged to apply.

For the full job description, click on the link - https://fauquiercountyva.munisselfservice.com/ess/EmploymentOpportunities/JobDetail.aspx?req=20000988&sreq=1&form=CO1&desc=CONSERVATION%20EDUCATION%20SPECIALIST

Email Melissa Allen at [email protected] for more information.

Fauquier County Agricultural Development
Fauquier County Government - Human Resources

10/22/2026

🍀 4-H OPEN ENROLLMENT IS HERE! 🍀

If you’ve ever thought about getting your child involved in 4-H, now is a great time! 4-H is about so much more than livestock and agriculture. It gives kids opportunities to try new things, discover what they’re good at, build confidence, learn responsibility, develop leadership skills, make new friends, and become more comfortable speaking and working with others.

Depending on their interests, kids can explore everything from animals and agriculture to cooking, gardening, STEM, crafts, public speaking, community service and so much more.

And one of the best parts? They’re learning valuable life skills while they’re busy having fun. ❤️

🍀 Build confidence
🍀 Learn responsibility & leadership
🍀 Make friends and work as a team
🍀 Develop new skills and interests
🍀 Give back to their community
🍀 Learn by DOING!

Those experiences — and the confidence that comes with them — can stay with kids long after their 4-H years are over.

4-H enrollment is open now! If you have a child who might enjoy learning, creating, exploring and being part of something, take a look at what 4-H has to offer. There really is something for just about everyone in 4-H! 🍀

For more information see the post below and contact [email protected] with any questions!
or visit www.4honline.com
Fauquier County 4-H

PROGRAM UPDATE | Enrollment 🍀

So far, we have 157 youth enrolled in Fauquier County 4-H! Remember ALL members need to enroll or re-enroll in 4-H Online. Reach out to [email protected] or your club leader if you have questions!

Keep those enrollments coming at 4honline website!

10/22/2026

Sometimes you just need to trade the noise and busy schedules for a little fresh country air. 🌾🦆

If a peaceful farm getaway sounds like your kind of escape, take a look at 4 Lucky Ducks Farm right here in Fauquier County!

Enjoy beautiful farm scenery, spend some time with the animals, slow down and relax — all while staying in accommodations that bring a little luxury to country living. It’s the kind of place where you can enjoy the peace and quiet of the farm without exactly having to “rough it.” 😉

And you don’t have to keep this getaway all to yourself! Some of their accommodations have plenty of room to bring along friends or family, making it a great option for a weekend together, a small family gathering, or just an excuse to get everyone away from the hustle and bustle for a little while.

Whether you're looking for a quiet escape for two or a country getaway with some of your favorite people, this is definitely one to add to your list.

Sometimes the best getaway isn’t very far away at all. ❤️

Check out their post below and see what a stay at 4 Lucky Ducks Farm is all about!

10/22/2026

🍎🍂 Looking for a reason to take a drive and enjoy this beautiful fall weather? Head out to Stribling Orchard and make a day of it! 🚗🍁
Enjoy the mountain views, crisp fall air, grab some fresh Virginia apples and pumpkins, and browse local favorites like honey, jams, apple butter, and locally raised beef.

Even though Mother Nature didn’t cooperate with pick-your-own apples this year, there’s still plenty to enjoy — and sometimes a drive to the farm, a picnic with a view, and a bag of fresh apples is exactly what a fall day calls for. ❤️🍎

Take the scenic route, enjoy a farm-filled fall experience, and support one of our local Fauquier County farms while orchard season is still here! 🍂🌾
🎃See Stribling Orchard’s post below for this week’s hours, available apple varieties, and all the details!

10/21/2026

🎉 Congratulations to Fauquier County’s own Ben Smith! 🐄🥛

We are excited to congratulate Ben Smith of Cool Lawn Farm on being named the 2026 Farmer Communicator of the Year by the National Milk Producers Federation!

Ben is a fifth-generation dairy farmer right here in Fauquier County, and many of you may recognize Cool Lawn Farm from our Fall Farm Tour. Milk from the farm also makes its way to another local favorite — MooThru, operated by Ben’s sister, Taylor!

Ben received this national recognition for his work sharing the story of modern dairy farming with consumers, policymakers, fellow farmers, and industry leaders. From animal care and milk quality to sustainability, farm succession, and the future of dairy farming, Ben has helped give agriculture a strong and authentic voice.

We’re especially proud to see a Fauquier County farmer recognized on the national stage for something our local agricultural community does so well — telling the story of farming and helping people better understand where their food comes from.

Congratulations, Ben! This recognition is very well deserved, and we’re proud to have you representing Fauquier County agriculture! 🚜🐄🥛👏

Virginia farmer named 2026 Farmer Communicator of the Year by the National Milk Producers Federation

KISSIMEE, Fla. — Maola Local Dairies® member-owner Ben Smith of Cool Lawn Farm in Re*****on, Virginia, has been named the 2026 Farmer Communicator of the Year by the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF). The award was presented during the National Dairy Promotion and Research Board, NMPF, and United Dairy Industry Association Joint Annual Meeting Awards Banquet on October 20 in Kissimmee, Florida.

A fifth-generation dairy farmer, Smith was recognized for his leadership in sharing the story of modern dairy farming with consumers, policymakers, fellow farmers, and industry leaders. Through media interviews, educational outreach, sustainability discussions, and industry advocacy, he has become a trusted voice for the dairy community.

“Ben is an outstanding advocate for dairy farmers and an excellent representative of our cooperative,” said Lindsay Reames, Executive Vice President of Growth & Brand for Maola.

Smith’s efforts highlight topics including animal care, milk quality, sustainability, farm succession, and modern dairy production.

Congratulations Ben!

Image credit: Maola

Ben Smith (left), a Maola member, stands with Brian Rexing (right), Chairman of the National Milk Producers Federation (NMPF) Board of Directors.

10/20/2026

2026 John Marshall Soil & Water Conservation District's Annual Report is available!

Check out this US Letter designed by Kelsi Steele.

10/20/2026

🏆 THREE YEARS. THREE 1ST PLACE WINS! 🏆

Congratulations to David Camalier of St. Leonard's Farm for earning 1st Place at the State Fair of Virginia for his hay in 2024, 2025 AND 2026!

Three consecutive first-place finishes is quite an accomplishment and a great example of the quality agricultural products being produced right here in Fauquier County!!!

And here’s the good news — St. Leonard's Farm still has hay available for sale! 🌾

If you’re looking to purchase hay, contact David directly for availability and details:

📧 [email protected]

Congratulations again to David and St. Leonard's Farm on another well-deserved win! 👏🌾🏆

10/20/2026

A message from the Fauquier Education Farm: What’s been happening at the Farm:
On Monday, the rain stopped and the sun came back out, so of course we had an excellent turnout of volunteers. We picked 446 lbs of peppers, kale, collards, tomatoes and cucumbers.
On Thursday we only had a couple of volunteers but they were both steady regulars and the harvest went really easily. We harvested 420 lbs of kale, cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers and eggplant and it has already been spread out to our network of food banks. This brings our season donation total up to 70,766 lbs. We'll start harvesting cabbage next week so our donations will get much larger and will stay pretty big for weeks to come.

Next week:
We may get a frost this weekend but that's to be expected, and we've planned for it. Our cool season crops, broccoli, kale, collards and cabbage won't be hurt at all by a frost so we still have weeks more harvest to come. We are asking for volunteers on Monday and Thursday mornings at 9AM to help harvest this abundance for the area food banks. This schedule will continue up until the Monday before Thanksgiving, November 23rd.

Monday, October 19th, @ 9:00am
Thursday, October 22nd, @ 9:00am

Although our fundraiser, Feast from the Field, has passed by, you still have a chance to contribute to the health of our farm and to those in need in our community.
Click the link here to donate. Every little bit helps

As always: While at the Farm, all minors must be accompanied by an adult.
We do not work if there is a steady downpour. If we have specifically mentioned that we will be working in the high tunnel or barn (inside) then work sessions will not be cancelled due to rain. Use your best judgment.

Workshops and Announcements
Ed Farm Calendar

The Growers Academy 2027
The Growers Academy for 2027 is being scheduled. When completed, look here for the link to the full schedule of upcoming workshops. Please join us for as many as you like.
(These are free workshops, open to all, no registration required)

We are very honored to have received a grant from the UVA Community Credit Union. Without strong community support the Fauquier Education Farm cannot continue to provide meaningful educational and volunteer opportunities while we help support our local food banks. This grant means a great deal to a tiny nonprofit like the farm with a shoestring budget. Since 2014 we have now donated over 850,000 lbs of fresh produce to area food banks. You can help feed a lot of folks with 425 tons of veggies, and unfortunately, the need for this kind of support keeps growing rapidly. Thanks UVACCU for helping us better serve our community!
foundation-announces-2026-grant-recipients

The PATH Foundation is a vital source of support for a lot of local nonprofits, like the Fauquier Education Farm. We are tremendously grateful for the positive impacts PATH has in our community.
Path-foundation-awards-18-million-to-nonprofits-in-fauquier-rappahannock-and-culpeper

Interested in Volunteering? Anyone can volunteer; all minors must be accompanied by an adult. Kids are very welcome but we do ask that parents of very young ones please keep close watch over their kids to be sure they are helping our efforts.
This is outdoor work that will require walking over uneven ground that is often soft, and there is some lifting involved. We typically only work about 2 hours at a time.
Groups: If you have groups of more than 6 people, please reach out to us at [email protected] and we'll plan a time and project for your group. Businesses, churches and civic organizations often volunteer as groups and we are very happy to work with you.

Fauquier Education Farm on Facebook and see the fabulous photos and updates.
https://www.facebook.com/FauquierEducationFarm (No FB Account needed).

Farm Location: 8428 Meetze Rd, Warrenton . The Ed Farm is the second drive on the right after AmeriGas and across Meetze Rd from the Black Horse Inn. You will see our High Tunnel Greenhouse and Pole Barn. The entrance is almost past the farm on the right.
When volunteering at the Farm be sure to bring water, sunscreen, mud shoes or boots, gloves and a hat.

See you out at the Ed Farm!

Where agriculture education intersects with social responsibility.