Ferrum, VA, August 13, 2025 —The Franklin County Agricultural Fair opened Tuesday, August 13, to sunshine, excitement, and a vibrant sense of community. Ferrum College proudly took part in the festivities, joining Secretary of Agriculture Matt Lohr, Delegate Will Davis, and Franklin County Board of Supervisors Chair Ronnie Thompson—each a valued friend of the College.
President Mirta M. Martin attended the event with Associate Professor of Animal Science and Agriculture Club Advisor Nancy Brubaker; Senior Director of Admissions Justin Muse; and members of the Agriculture and Collegiate Young Farmers Club. Together, they highlighted Ferrum College’s deep commitment to agricultural education, the future of farming, and community engagement.
“Our Agriculture & Collegiate Young Farmers Club offers students the opportunity to network within the agricultural community—locally and beyond—and inspires them to find solutions and pioneer agriculture into the future,” said Dr. Brubaker. “The Franklin County Agricultural Fair is the perfect place to honor our roots, connect with the community, and share the opportunities Ferrum College provides to students who want to thrive in agriculture.”
President Martin added, “The Franklin County Agricultural Fair is a celebration of who we are—honoring our heritage while building our future. I am so proud of our students, faculty, and staff who bring such heart and excellence to everything they do. At Ferrum College, we are shaping the future by ensuring our agricultural program is exceptional—preparing graduates who will lead, innovate, and strengthen this vital industry for generations to come. Together, we are cultivating not just crops, but leaders, innovators, and a brighter future for our community and our world.”
During the event, the Ferrum College Agriculture Club presented Secretary Lohr with a commemorative Ferrum College Titmus Agricultural Center pin, recognizing his support for agricultural education and his connection to the local farming community.
Building on the spirit of celebration, the College invites fairgoers to stop by its booth, where they can purchase raffle tickets for a Yeti Tundra 45 cooler filled with Ferrum gear and supplies. The booth, located in the Agricultural Exhibits area, welcomes guests to meet Ferrum College Agriculture & Collegiate Young Farmers Club members, learn about the College’s programs, and enter the raffle. After the fair, raffle tickets will be offered for sale at various events this fall—including on some Thursdays at the Ferrum Farmers Market on Route 40—until the winning ticket is drawn during Ferrum College’s Homecoming on October 11, 2025. Watch the Ferrum College Agriculture Alumni Association Facebook page for details about other ticket purchase opportunities.
Ferrum College remains dedicated to advancing agricultural education through programs that blend tradition, innovation, and community engagement. By preparing the next generation of agricultural leaders, the College proudly contributes to a stronger, more sustainable future for Franklin County, the Commonwealth, and beyond.
Pictured (L-R): Senior Director of Admissions Justin Muse, President Mirta Martin, Secretary of Agriculture Matt Lohr, Associate Professor of Animal Science and Agriculture Club Advisor Nancy Brubaker, and Ferrum College Agriculture & Collegiate Young Farmers Club officers Richard Marshall, Abbie Pollard, Toby Banus, Dylan Ratliff, and Maggie Collie. Not pictured is club officer Charlotte Alley.
