The Virginia Rural Center

This week was Virginia Agriculture Literacy Week, sponsored by Virginia Agriculture in the Classroom. This is a program of the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation. Virginia Rural Center Executive Director, Kristie Helmick Proctor, along with Virginia's Deputy Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry, Beth Green and Special Assitant for Agriculture and Forestry, Josie Rao, visited Battlefield Park Elementary School in Eastern Hanover County Public Schools and read this year's book, Indoor Farm, Outdoor Farm! The book highlighted how both outdoor and indoor farms can grow the food we eat throughout the year. The Governor's office donated the book to the school's library and it was signed by Governor Glenn Youngkin. Together we can show students all across the Commonwealth how important agriculture is to their daily lives. ???????? #AgLiteracyWeek #AgInTheClassroom #TeachAg

Have you registered for the Beginning Farm Finance & Conservation Seminar? ???? Time is running out to take advantage of this FREE event! When: April 1, 2025 Where: The Institute for Advanced Learning and Research, 150 Slayton Ave, Danville, VA 24540. ???? See below for more info ????

?? An awesome day at Agripalooza! ?? A huge shoutout to Heather Fay for bringing this incredible event to life! As a member of the 2024 Virginia Rural Leadership Institute, Heather developed Agripalooza as her required VRLI Community Impact Project, and it's amazing to see it all come together. Secretary Matthew Lohr gave an inspiring keynote speech at today's event! He shared valuable insights on the future of agriculture in Virginia, highlighting opportunities for young farmers, the importance of adopting technology solutions on farms, and how we can continue to innovate for a sustainable agricultural future. ?? #Agripalooza #CommunityImpact #VRLI #FutureOfFarming #VirginiaAgriculture

?? An awesome day at Agripalooza! ?? A huge shoutout to Heather Fay for bringing this incredible event to life! As a member of the 2024 Virginia Rural Leadership Institute, Heather developed Agripalooza as her required VRLI Community Impact Project, and it's amazing to see it all come together. Secretary Matthew Lohr gave an inspiring keynote speech at today's event! He shared valuable insights on the future of agriculture in Virginia, highlighting opportunities for young farmers, the importance of adopting technology solutions on farms, and how we can continue to innovate for a sustainable agricultural future. ?? #Agripalooza #CommunityImpact #VRLI #FutureOfFarming #VirginiaAgriculture

??Last Chance to Get Involved in the Virginia Rural Leadership Institute ?? ??Applications for the 2025 Class of the VRLI are due by Midnight TONIGHT, February 28!?? This is your opportunity to be part of something impactful and help shape the future of rural Virginia. Apply now ???????? www.cfrv.org/vrli

?????? Only 48 hours left to apply for the 2025 Virginia Rural Leadership Institute! ?????? Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to develop your skills and make a difference in rural Virginia! Apply now and learn more here ???????????????????????? www.cfrv.org/vrli

?? Applications Are Rolling In! ???? Only ONE WEEK left to apply!!! Don’t miss your chance and apply now for the 2025 Virginia Rural Leadership Institute (VRLI) and join a transformative program designed to cultivate innovative, responsible, and civic-minded leaders in rural Virginia! Learn more about VRLI here ?? www.cfrv.org/vrli

It's the final week of the 2025 Virginia General Assemby session, and the Rural Caucus finished strong!! ?? With 24 legislators in attendance, Virginia Rural Center staff had to get creative with seating, and it was wonderful to be with so many of our rural friends. Tonight's meeting was focused on Rural Healthcare and Workforce. Thank you to our special guests speakers who joined the Rural Caucus tonight to discuss these important topics ???? ??The Honorable Don Scott, Speaker, Viginia House of Delegates ??The Honorable Janet Kelly, Virginia’s Secretary of Health and Human Resources ??The Honorable Bryan Slater, Viginia’s Secretary of Labor We appreciate our special guests making time for the Rural Caucus and thankful to all of our legislators who are working long hours right up until Sine Die this weekend.

?? Lunch & Learn with the Virginia Rural Leadership Institute ?? Join us on February 20th from Noon to 1 PM for an informative Lunch & Learn session! ? Get the inside scoop on the Virginia Rural Leadership Institute (VRLI) and learn how it’s making a powerful impact on rural communities across Virginia. ? Discover how VRLI empowers leaders, strengthens rural communities, and fosters positive change. This is a great opportunity to connect, ask questions, and explore how you can be a part of this program! ??Email [email protected] to be added to the calendar invite! ??? Date: February 20th ? Time: Noon - 1 PM ?? Location: Virtual (join from anywhere!)

?? Attention rural leaders! ?? There’s just 30 days left to apply for the Virginia Rural Leadership Institute before the February 28th deadline! Don't miss your chance to grow as a leader and make an impact in your community. Apply today! ?? https://lnkd.in/eR7yhzJp #RuralLeadership #ApplyNow