Young Farmers of Virginia

Convention Tours 2014

DOWNLOAD THE REGISTRATION FORM

NOTICE: Due to anticipated cold weather, all tours will be indoors and lunch will be Hank’s Barbeque.

Mt. Crawford Creamery – Mount Crawford Creamery in Rockingham County is a one of a kind operation. It is the only farm in Virginia that completes every step of milk production on the farm. The owners, brothers Frank and Kenny Will, decided to improve their business model by processing and selling their milk. The milk is sent straight to the pasteurization room and then to be bottled, right from the milking parlor. It is all done in one place. It’s hard to get much more local than that! Mt. Crawford Creamery processes the milk from their 80 cow herd. They bottle about 1,000 gallons of milk in a week. Products at Mt. Crawford Creamery include skim, 2%, whole, and chocolate milk. They are also selling salted and unsalted butter by the pound. In the future, the creamery hopes to expand their product line. The Wills brothers are committed to making quality products.

Eastern BioPlastics - We are the leading manufacturer and distributor of feather fiber reinforced bioplastic resin composites in the world. We partner with companies to formulate bioplastic composite resins suitable for the desired application. We believe the future of sustainable plastics is now! Conservation and sustainability does not need to compromise functionality or affordability. Our feather fiber reinforced bioplastic resins: 1. Create an affordable, functional, and more sustainable bioplastic alternative . 2. Avoid disrupting global population food demands. 3. Reduce landfill waste by eliminating poultry feathers from the waste stream. 4. Reduce the carbon footprint of downstream processors. 5. Reduce the plastic industry’s reliance on crude oil and natural gas.

Houff’s Feed & Fertilizer - A family and employee-owned company serving the agriculture industry in the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. From its early days as a small custom fertilizer outfit, Houff’s has grown to become a dynamic business engaged in a variety of operations. Our core operations are geared toward the efficient and environmentally-conscious production of agronomic crops, serving the entire process from pre-plant to post-harvest. Our equipment and experience has also allowed us to provide satellite services as well including precision mapping, nutrient management and biosolids application. Other operations that have risen from our well-sited facility include rail transloading and regional sales and delivery of road salt and related products. Feel free to explore our site and give us a call to find out how we can bring solutions to your enterprise in an ever-changing environment!

DOWNLOAD THE REGISTRATION FORM

2014 Convention Schedule

FRIDAY,  JANUARY 31, 2014

2:00 p.m.    YFV Executive Committee Meeting    Skyline Room
4:00 p.m.    Registration    Lobby
4:00 p.m.    Ag Communication Contest    Skyline Room
7:00 p.m.    Opening banquet-Program by FFA officers    Salon A & B
8:30 p.m.    Nominating Committee-Pam Lowe    Skyline Room
9:00 p.m.    President’s Reception    Augusta Hospitality Room

SATURDAY,  FEBRUARY 1, 2014

7:00 a.m.    Hospitality Room Opens    Augusta Hospitality Room
8:00 a.m.    Registration     Lobby
8:05 a.m.    Assemble for Tour    Lobby
8:15 a.m.    Tour Bus Leaves
2:30 p.m.    Return to Hotel
3:00 p.m.    Business Session    Salon A & B
Presiding    Kevin Driver
Invocation    Stuart Melton, Jr.
Welcome/Introductions    Kevin Driver
Treasurer’s Report    Shelia Lilly, R.J. Nobblitt
Roll Call    Clay Jackson
Corn Growing Award    Jane McDonald
Silage Growing Award    Jeremy Will
Soybean Growing Award    Shelia Lilly
Membership Development Award    Ethel Showman
Door Prizes
4:00 p.m.    Farm Business Management Contest    Blue Ridge Room
4:00 p.m.    Agriculture Stewardship Contest    Blue Ridge Room
5:30 p.m.    Review Contests
6:30 p.m.    Awards Banquet    Salon A & B
9:00 p.m.    Live and Silent Auctions, Entertainment    DJ Earl Brown
Dinner Music    Sara Jane McDonald
and Brian Buchanan
10:00 p.m.    Silent Auction closes

SUNDAY,  FEBRUARY 2, 2014

8:00 a.m.    Breakfast Buffet    Shenandoah Ballroom
Presiding    Jeremy Will
Invocation    Stuart Melton, Jr.
NYFEA Presentation    2014 Louisville, KY
Farm and Home Safety Award    Kevin Driver
Agriculture Stewardship Contest Results    Adam Wampler
Farm Business Management Contest Results    Jeremy Will
Auction Results    R.J. Nobblitt
President’s Gavel & Bowl Presentation

9:00 a.m.       Inspirational Message     Ron Byrd

9:30 a.m.    2nd Business Session
Presiding    Kevin Driver
Attendance Award    Jeremy Will
Report of Nominating Committee    Pam Lowe
Election of Officers    Kevin Driver
Presentation of Newly Elected Officers
President’s Outgoing Remarks    Kevin Driver
Year in Review    Ron Byrd
Remarks    New President
Announcements
Door Prizes    Officers
Adjournment

Gratitude and appreciation to Dr. Glenn Anderson

We extend our gratitude and appreciation to Dr. Glenn Anderson for his many years of dedicated service to the Young Farmers of Virginia. We hope you enjoy your YFV Rocking Chair and want you to continue to share and rock right along with us. Happy Retirement.

The following awards were presented at the 2013 convention:

Read the rest of this entry »

Past President:
Adam Wampler
14049 Kay Drive
Timberville, VA 22853
540-896-3252
awampler@vt.edu

President:
Kevin Driver
5183 Rawley Pike
Harrisonburg, VA 22801
540-810-3422
kevin.amanda914@hotmail.com

Vice President:
Jeremy Will
9127 Kiser Road
Mt. Crawford, VA 22841
540-828-0999
oakwoodcgrits@yahoo.com

Secretary:
Clay Jackson
P.O. Box 711
Madison, VA  22727
703-772-5132
Senterfitt4x4@aol.com

Treasurer:
Shelia Lilly
5805 W. Donnagail Dr.
Penn Laird, VA  22846
540-421-2571
shelialilly@comcast.net

Reporter:
Jane McDonald
520 Walkers Creek Road
Rockbridge Baths, VA 24473
540-348-5485
mcjanemarie@hotmail.com

Directors:
Stuart Melton, Jr.
11097 Rockville Rd.
Rockville, VA 23146
804-749-3823

Ethel Showman
1221 Saint Luke Road
Woodstock, VA  22664
540-348-5485
eshowman@shentel.net

Executive Treasurer:
R.J. Nobblitt
18429 Monrovia Rd.
Orange, VA 22960
540-727-4036
rjnobblitt@madisonschools.k12.va.us

Executive Coordinator:
Ron Byrd
309 Paradise Lane
Independence, VA 24348
276-768-8590
rpbyrd@vt.edu

State Advisor:
To Be determined

Greetings fellow Young Farmers. We trust that each one of you had a great Thanksgiving!
This year’s National Institute was held in Memphis TN. Our Vice- President Kevin Driver attended as our State delegate; we look forward to his update at state convention. The National Institute for 2013 will be held in San Antonio TX, what a great opportunity to for you to enjoy summer weather in December as well as meet some outstanding farmers from across the United State and see the beauty of agriculture. Details will be posted on the NYFEA website when they become available.

Sixty-third Annual Convention
The Executive Committee is making the final preparations for the Sixty-third annual convention to be held January 25-27, 2013 in Williamsburg, VA at the Crown Plaza Hotel. Tours are still being finalized; keep checking the website for updates. They will be posted as soon as they are finalized.

(Click Here to Download the Convention Registration Form)

Don’t forget about the Award applications, the deadline to have them in is January 10th. The executive committee will be meeting on January 15th to judge the applications. (Link to Contest Forms)

We thank you for the great opportunity to serve you and this fine organization as an Executive Committee Team. We hope each of you have a Merry Christmas and that we will see you at the State Convention!

Thank you and God Bless!
2013 Executive Committee Team

December 6 – 8, 2012 — Memphis, TN

Presented by NYFEA—The Association for Educating Agricultural Leaders
We answer the question “Where will we find the next generation of young/beginning producers
and young ag professionals?”

Learning opportunities include:
♦ Ag Communication Award Program presented by John Deere ( Friday @ 2—6 pm – Opportunities
for FREE trips to Washington for three winners)
♦ A Tribute to The Mighty Mississippi River (Saturday)
♦ Ag Decision Makers College hear from local agricultural leaders (Saturday)
♦ Young Ag Leaders Event featuring educational opportunities for identifying agricultural
careers and enhancing success in the careers. (Saturday—Special deals for the first 50 participants.
Tours, salutes and entertainment include (subject to change):
♦ Recognition of outstanding 4H, FFA, Ag in the Classroom, farm safety, science instruction,
college student, and other “next generation” programs. Special rates available for individuals
or groups qualifying under these topics. *** (Saturday)
♦ Musical presentation featuring the Music That Made Memphis!!! (Friday and Saturday
Nights)

BIG NEWS – - DO NOT MISS IT!!!!

♦ Farm and industry visits (Friday)
♦ Optional Tours—Thursday Afternoon: Memphis Museums: Stax Museum, Rock and Soul
Museum, Graceland, National Civil Rights Museum (You pick one. Tour Includes transportation
and Museum Ticket . Added cost of $45 per person)

I  have been working as a curriculum specialist with Va Tech and I have been doing workshops
for the YFV for the past 4 years at your state convention. I am a retired Ag Teacher from
Grayson County in southwest Virginia with 33 years experience. I enjoy working in Salem United
Methodist  Church and in the Elk Creek Valley Vol. Fire Dept. I also enjoy antique tractor pulling and
league bowling for fun. I look forward to working with YFV.

Va Young Farmer Field Day
Auburn Middle School
July 26, 2012

Young Farmer Tour Schedule
Register: 8:30 to 9:00 at Auburn Middle School(AMS) parking lot
4069 Riner Road,  Riner, VA  24149
1st stop Riverbend Nursery   9:30 to 11:00
2nd stop Lunch at FCHS 11:30 to 12:30
3rd stop Riverstone Organic Vegetable Farm 1:00 to 2:00
4th stop RG Cattle Company 2:30 to 3:30
Return to AMS
Riverbend is one of the largest Nursery operations in the state of VA and they have some state of the art greenhouses(the whole roof opens up, slides to the side).

RG Cattle Company is a family run cattle buying and commercial cow-calf operations.

Riverstone Farm is an organic vegetable operation on 80 acres that is in it’s second year. They sell produce by CSA’s and at the Floyd, Blacksburg, and Roanoke Farmers Markets.

The 62nd Annual Convention of the Young Farmers of Virginia was held at the Comfort Suites and Wytheville meeting center in Wytheville, VA January 20-22, 2012.  About 90 members and guests attended the convention. The opening banquet Friday night included a presentation by the State FFA officers on their recent trip to China. Saturday tours included visits to Cassell Family Horned Dorsets, West Wind Winery and Crowgey Dairy.  Megan Seibel, VALOR director with Virginia Tech’s Department of Ag. and Extension Education was the guest speaker at the Saturday Awards banquet.  Greetings were also given by FFA President, Brian Walsh and NYFEA President, Carol Corman from Pennsylvania.

The following awards were presented at the convention:
Corn Growing Award: Sponsored by Southern States Cooperative
RECEIVED GIFT CERTIFICATES TO SOUTHERN STATES ($100 1st and $50 2nd )
1.    Greg Buchanan, Riverheads
2.    Mark Deavers, Broadway-Timberville

Soybean Production Award:  Sponsored by Syngenta
Winner RECEIVED Prefix chemical and plaque
1.    Mark Deavers, Broadway/Timberville
2.    Greg Buchanan, Riverheads

Corn Silage Growing Award: Sponsored by Pioneer-John See
Winner received plaque and 2 units of seed corn, runner up received 1 unit of seed
1.    Robert Christian, Riverheads
2.    David Heizer, Riverheads

Virginia Outstanding Young Farmer Association: Sponsored by Virginia Farm Credit Assn
Winner RECEIVED $ 100 CHECK and runner up received $50
1.    Spotswood
2.    Riverheads

Outstanding Young Agribusiness Person: Sponsored by VA Council of Farmer Cooperatives
RECEIVED $ 200 and plaque
1.    Dianna Clemmer, Riverheads

Diversification in Agriculture Award: Sponsored by VDACS
RECEIVED $ 500 CASH AWARD and plaque
1.    no winner this year

Outstanding Young Farmer Award: Sponsored by VA Farm Credit Association
RECEIVED $500 CASH AWARD and plaque
1.    J. Richard Clemmer, Riverheads

Agriculture Stewardship Award: Sponsored by VDACS
RECEIVED $500 CASH AWARD and plaque, farm sign
1. Robert Christian, Riverheads

Farm Business Management Contest: (Test prepared by David Walker)
RECEIVED CASH PRIZES FROM Nationwide Insurance
1.    Kevin Craun, Turner Ashby $25 and plaque
2.    Mark Deavers, Broadway-Timberville $20
3.    Adam Wampler, Broadway-Timberville $15
4.    Dani Gaulden, VA FFA $10
5.    Brian Walsh, VA FFA $5

Ag Stewardship Contest: (Test prepared by Carrie Gray)
RECEIVED CASH PRIZES courtesy of VA Poultry Growers Cooperative
1.    Robert Christian, Riverheads $25 and plaque
2.    Codi Jo Smith, VA FFA $20
3.    Mark Deavers, Broadway-Timberville, $15
4.    Dani Gaulden, VA FFA $10
5.    Chase Lowe, Floyd $5

Honorary Membership:
RECEIVED PLAQUE FROM YFV
Wayne W. Cupp, past YFA advisor and Agriculture instructor, Spotswood
Attendance Award:
RECEIVED PLAQUES from YFV
Percentage of Members Attending:  Patrick Henry Association
Most Members in Attendance: Turner Ashby Association

Farm and Home Safety Award:  Sponsored by YFV
1. Spotswood Association, $100 award

Outstanding Advisor Award:    Sponsored by Southern States Cooperative
Received plaque and $200
1.    Elizabeth Lam, Spotswood

Membership Development: Sponsored by Rockingham Petroleum Coop.
RECEIVED $100 CASH AWARD, runner up $50
1. Turner Ashby
2. Spotswood

Outstanding Young Farmer Award: Sponsored by VA Farm Credit Association
RECEIVED $500 CASH AWARD and plaque
1.    J. Richard Clemmer, Riverheads