Agricultural Roots Run Deep in Washington County
It's no secret farming is a tough business. But in Washington County, tobacco and cattle farming have been a way of life for centuries, and agriculture continues to be the backbone of the local economy.
Washington County ranks 13th in overall agricultural production in Virginia and has more farms than any other county in the state. The county ranks third for cattle and calves, seventh in dairy, fifth in horses and often leads the state in the production and marketing of burley tobacco.
Together, agricultural commodities contribute more than $50 million annually to the local economy.
"For the people here, agriculture is woven into everything," says Phil Blevins, agriculture extension agent for Washington County. "The town of Abingdon's seal has a tobacco plant and a cow's head on it. Our county fair started as the Burley Tobacco Festival. The due date for our property taxes was even based on when the tobacco crop was sold."
Beyond the economy, agriculture contributes to Washington County's high quality of life.
"There's a lot of support here for agriculture because of its heritage," Blevins says. "It's a great place to live in every respect, from raising a family to the geography and landscape of the mountains."
Washington County tobacco farmer David Miller has been farming his grandfather's land all his life.
"I love the lifestyle – you're outside a lot, and you get to carry on a historical tradition," Miller says. "We've always been a large tobacco county, and the Abingdon tobacco market has been extremely important to the viability of our community."
In 1950, the Washington County Fair began as a celebration of agriculture's importance to the community. It was called the Burley Tobacco Festival and Farm Show, and many locals still refer to it that way.
"The fair showcases crop and livestock exhibits, and a lot is done to educate kids about agriculture," Blevins says.
That agricultural education is an increasing need in communities across the nation.
"Now generations are so removed from agriculture that folks don't always realize their food starts with a baby calf or a tomato plant," says Joey Davenport, a Washington County native and cattle farm manager. "It wasn't that way when I grew up."
Davenport spends his days tending to 325 cattle, mending fences, and keeping up with structure and equipment maintenance on 620 acres of rolling farmland.
"I like the fact that we're feeding the world. We American farmers raise the highest quality, safest food in the world," he says. "We're on top of our game."
Like Blevins, Davenport values Washington County for its family-friendly atmosphere.
"I spent 13 years away from home, and I got to see enough other places to know I'd rather raise my family here," Davenport says. "The people have good values, and we've been pleased with the school system."
Washington County farmers have faced their share of economic pressures and challenges. But they don't plan to quit any time soon.
"Agriculture will always be part of our community because people will always need to eat," Blevins says.
Not to mention local farmers love what they do.
"You should never forget where you came from. We're keeping this way of life alive as long as we can," Miller says. "Any time I can support agriculture in Washington County, I'm ready to roll."
