Washington County, VA, Maintains Its Farming History
Washington County’s far-reaching agricultural legacy lives on today in its farms, markets and a community dedicated to preserving its traditions. Bolstered by a thriving cattle industry, unique agritourism experiences and the spirit of its annual fair, the area remains the beating heart of regional agriculture.
The Culture of Agriculture
Agriculture is the top industry in Washington County today, and the largest private industry in Virginia. While the area is known for its cattle markets, the county has historically formed a diverse agricultural landscape. From the 1800s, many of the area’s farmers were growing traditional row crops along with hemp, flax, wheat and oats.
Burley and flue-cured tobacco grew into a thriving industry in the area until buyouts in the 1990s impacted tobacco production across the state. With help from county extension agents, resilient farmers adapted to the changing tides by capitalizing on an existing cattle market; many of the area’s farmers raised Hereford and Shorthorn cattle at the time.
Today, the livestock industry is the largest in the state. The rolling farmlands and quality grasses make the terrain ideal for raising cattle.
“Another thing that makes livestock big here is the marketing opportunities that are here,” says Phil Blevins, agent for the Washington County office of Virginia Cooperative Extension. “This county is one of the largest livestock marketing centers east of the Mississippi.”
The extension office provides educational opportunities for producers at all levels, from backyard and urban farmers to beekeepers and large-scale cattle operations.
The office offers pesticide training, advice on row crops and a Master Gardener program for those farming in urban environments, passing down a wealth of agricultural knowledge to the next generations of farmers. “Agriculture is part of the culture,” Blevins says. “It gives Washington County an atmosphere that people like.”
From Yield to Yard
Abingdon provides plenty of opportunities for residents to get involved and learn more about their area’s agricultural legacy while supporting working agricultural producers. David McLeish is a longtime resident, farmer and proponent for agriculture. McLeish manages the Abingdon Farmers Market, which has been in operation since 2001 and supports over 70 producers across the county.
“Washington County has deep roots as a rural community where farming was, and still is, very important to the overall character and economic strength of the county,” McLeish says.
McLeish and family also run Dreamland Alpacas, where visitors can get a hands-on experience of the region’s diverse farming landscape. From hand-feeding the alpacas to purchasing clothing and yarn from the farm store, there are plenty of ways to engage with the farm firsthand.
“Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned alpaca enthusiast, we love sharing the beauty and charm of our alpacas,” McLeish says.
The Washington County Fair is another fun and engaging way that the county celebrates its rich agricultural heritage.
Alongside the rides and fair food, visitors can appreciate events rooted in its farming culture, such as the SRCA Ranch Rodeo, livestock shows by 4-H members and an annual horse show. The county fair is a great opportunity for kids and adults to enjoy and learn about the area’s rural traditions.
Farmer Appreciation
The county itself continues to show its dedication to farmers and agricultural producers in a variety of ways.
The Ag Appreciation Event, sponsored by the Washington County Chamber of Commerce Agriculture Committee and the Washington County Board of Supervisors, highlights agricultural producers every other year. The event brings together vendors, speakers and community members to celebrate producers while educating about agriculture.
“We try to incorporate different commodities that are grown and truly try to show the importance of agriculture in Washington County,” says Sarah Scyphers, who serves on the Washington County Board of Supervisors Agriculture Advisory Committee and the Chamber of Commerce Agriculture Advisory Committee.
Despite the changes and challenges throughout the years, Washington County has continued to maintain a strong agricultural heritage that has been passed down through the generations and supported by the community.
“We do a great job in our county supporting agriculture,” she says.
Get to Know Washington County
Want to learn more about living and working in Abingdon and Washington County, VA? Check out the latest edition of Livability Washington County, Virginia.