In 2003, when Gary Hornbaker started working at Loudoun Economic Development, one of his first projects was creating the Loudoun Cattlemen's Association. In the 12 years since, the group has grown more than tenfold, drawing a cross-section of cattlemen, veterinarians and landowners from six counties and rebranding itself as the Blue Ridge Cattlemen's Association.

Even though the name and numbers have changed dramatically, the founding principles are more important than ever: providing an opportunity to network and share information.

"One of the missions is that there be some sort of educational program with each meeting," Hornbaker explained. "A lot of times we'll have a short program, 15-20 minutes. We always eat a really, really nice prime rib dinner. Then we let them talk and network, exchange information. That's what has made the thing grow."

"There are two types of people we're targeting: those with land, and those who want land. This land-linking service is kind of like Match.com for farmers," said Kellie Boles, Loudoun's agricultural development officer. Boles is referring to the Virginia Farm Bureau's Certified Farm Seekers Program.

 

Loudoun Economic Development Director Buddy Rizer explained, "This program is for people who'd love to run a farm, but who just can't afford the start-up costs yet. They'll be matched with landowners who want to lease land that's not being used for agricultural production, or hand off the day-to-day operation of their farms to energetic young visionaries."

 

Landowners can increase the value of their land by leasing it to beginning farmers to grow crops or livestock. For the new farmers, leasing land helps lower their risk, while increasing their chances of earning a profit much sooner than if they had to buy land and equipment. In cases where the entrepreneur leases from an experienced farmer, the leaser also benefits from the owner's knowledge and expertise.

 

"New farmers need land to start their business." Boles said. Knowing that the high cost of land is the biggest barrier to starting a farming operation, it's essential to connect beginning farmers with land that is out of production, or to a farmer who is looking to transition out of full-time farming."

 

Here are details about how to participate in the program.

Did you find Warren?  In our fall issue Warren was at the Leesburg Farmers Market. Be sure to visit the Leesburg Saturday Winter Market which runs through December 26, 2015 from
9 a.m. until noon. Congratulations to our fall winner, Vicky, maker of Anna's Daughter jams, who frequently purchases blueberries from the Leesburg Farmers Market.