Home Background Testimonials Student Programs Adult Programs Video Clips Recent Clients In The News On The Farm Contact Information	Matt and Andrea Lohr: Young Farmers Setting an Example Broadway Residents Have a Rich History and Future in Farming and Public Service Matt and Andrea Lohr own an impressive agricultural resume. Both have served as president of their state and local FFA chapters; Matt serving in Virginia and Andrea in Kentucky. Both have taught agriscience in Shenandoah and Rockingham County. Both have served as Young Farmer and FFA advisors. Matt has been the FFA's national vice president and was appointed by Governor Warner to the Open Space Preservation Board. He was the president of the Broadway/Timberville Ruritan Club and served on the boards of the Rockingham County Farm Bureau and the Food Processors Water Cooperative. He is also a past chairman of the Rockingham County School Board. Andrea is a trainer for state and national FFA officers and was appointed by Governor Warner to the Virginia Board of Agriculture and Consumer Services. The Lohrs are also members of the Rockingham Cooperative Farm Bureau, the Rockingham Petroleum Cooperative, the Shenandoah Valley Electric Cooperative, Southern States and Farm Credit. The list of awards they have received goes on and on. Matt and Andrea also put their agricultural knowledge to work on Valley Pike Farm, which has been in the Lohr family for five generations. The farm is owned and operated by Matt, Andrea, and Matt's parents, Gary and Ellen Lohr. The farm produces poultry, beef and grain and also hosts a handful of agritourism events annually. Located in Broadway, it is in the heart of Virginia agriculture. Given the VDACS Century Farm award in 2002, it has also been recognized nationally for environmental stewardship. “I've been farming as long as I can remember,” says Matt. “Right now I oversee the crop and field operations. We've been able to offer pick-your-own pumpkins corn mazes recently. We get around 3,000 school kids annually for field trips to the farm, and we have the advantage of being close to the interstate in a high-traffic area. I think farmers can be very successful in agritourism as long as they are creative and innovative.” As a supporter of agricultural cooperatives, Matt and his family are familiar with the services available from Farm Credit. “They've been with us every step of the way,” he says. “Farm Credit has been and continues to be a huge part of our operations.” In addition to his role on the farm, Matt now represents Virginia's 26th District in the House of Delegates, having been sworn into office in January. His new role in politics could be advantageous to farmers across the Commonwealth, as the 100-member House has very few lawmakers involved in any sort of agriculture. In fact, Lohr may be the only one in the General Assembly who can claim that farming is his primary source of income. “I feel good about the future of agriculture in Virginia,” says Lohr. “I hope my experience will be helpful as these issues arise in the House of Delegates.” Farm Credit of Virginia is an active supporter and contributor to the Young, Beginning and Small Farmer Community. We wish the Lohrs and all of our young farmers the best of luck in their agricultural endeavors. Farm Credit of the Virginia's Leader Magazine; Spring 2006