Agriculture ’ s Promise in Loudoun County
Loudoun Farm Bureau Past President Chris Van Vlack Delivers an Assessment
An Interview with Emily Houston
Chris Van Vlack is Past President of the Loudoun Farm Bureau and also serves on Loudoun ’ s Rural Economic Development Council , the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments Ag Working Group , the Catoctin Conservation Fund , Virginia Association of Conservation District Employees state board , and Save Rural Loudoun .
Van Vlack grew up in Fairfax County and it wasn ’ t until a chance summer job after graduating from American University that his life moved towards agriculture . That job was at Frying Pan Farm Park in Herndon where he had spent many days as a child . That summer job turned into over two years learning about and teaching others about farming . In 2005 Van Vlack began work as an Ag Conservationist for the Loudoun Soil and Water Conservation District , and in 2006 , he moved to Lovettsville and started his own custom hay operation . Hanging Rock Hay and Grain now also produces small grains ( wheat , oats , and millet ) for flour , brewing , and baking .
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What is the Farm Bureau and what is its role in Loudoun County today ?
The Farm Bureau is a national federation of farmers that operates on the local ( county ) level and goes all the way up to national advocacy . In Loudoun , the Farm Bureau is very locally focused . We see ourselves as the voice for ALL of agriculture in the county . There are lots of groups that represent different components — grape growers , sheep producers , horses , cattle , etc . Our role is to be the overarching voice , to address the broad issues that affect us all .
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What are the critical issues you are addressing ?
What we ’ ve focused on over the last few years is not only advocating to preserve agriculture in the county as it is now but to make sure there is a future for farming in Loudoun County . Today ’ s producers need to be successful , but future generations also need to be set up for success .
There are three efforts we see as essential in doing this . The first is the protection of Loudoun ’ s prime soils . The US Department of Agriculture ranks soil types in terms of their production capability . The Loudoun Valley , and particularly northwestern Loudoun , is blessed with a large amount of prime soil . Sadly , when new housing