Home Background Testimonials Student Programs Adult Programs Video Clips Recent Clients In The News On The Farm Contact Information	Lohr family Wins Virginia Outstanding Young Farmer Award Matt and Andrea Lohr, of Broadway, Virginia, have been awarded the state “Outstanding Young Farmer Award.” The announcement was made in Richmond October 18 and was sponsored by the Virginia Council of Farmer Cooperatives. Along with winning a plaque, the Lohr’s were presented with a $500 credit to the cooperative of their choice. Agricultural cooperatives from across the Commonwealth submitted candidates to compete for the award. Matt and Andrea were nominated by Farm Credit of the Virginia’s as their selection. The award was based on their farming operation, agricultural leadership, community service, and commitment to the industry of agriculture. Matt and Andrea have both dedicated their lives to helping others and promoting the agricultural industry. Both were very active in FFA, having served as state FFA president. Matt went on to serve as national FFA vice president in 1991, representing nearly 400,000 members nationwide. After Matt graduated from Virginia Tech and Andrea graduated from the University of Kentucky, the couple married and settled into the farming operation that has been in Matt’s family for the past 100 years. They currently farm with Matt’s parents and produce broilers, beef cattle, barley, hay, sweet corn, and pumpkins on their 250-acre operation. In addition to farming, the Lohr’s operate a motivational speaking business that they founded in 1997 called “New Directions Communications.” They specialize in training agricultural and educational audiences and together have spoken in all 50 states helping others find happiness and success. Matt and Andrea have been very active in their community over the past 10 years. Matt has chaired his county school board and county planning commission, and has presided over his county farm bureau and local Ruritan Club. Andrea serves on the Virginia State Board of Agriculture and has been active in Ruritans and farm bureau. Together they are also active members and leaders in Harrisonburg Baptist Church. In 2003, the Lohr’s won first place in the nation in the American Farm Bureau “Excellence in Agriculture” award and were honored with a brand new Dodge pickup truck. Matt and Andrea are blessed with two children; a daughter Caroline Belle who is 4 ½ and a son Carson Jacob who is 6 weeks old. Matt is also currently running for the Virginia House of Delegates 26th district.