FERRUM, VA, July 31, 2025 — Ferrum College proudly welcomed approximately 200 attendees to campus for the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers Summer Expo, held July 25–27 in Franklin County. The event marked the 50th anniversary of Young Farmers in the region and celebrated the importance of agriculture through a weekend of civic dialogue, community connection, and local farm exploration.
A significant highlight of the Expo was the 2025 Agriculture and Forestry Gubernatorial Candidates Forum, held Friday, July 25, at Ferrum College. The forum brought to campus two of Virginia’s leading candidates for governor—former U.S. Representative Abigail Spanberger (D) and Lieutenant Governor Winsome Earle-Sears (R). Each candidate addressed attendees and responded to pre-submitted questions in separate sessions.
“Ferrum College is honored to serve as the gathering place for meaningful civic dialogue as we welcomed the gubernatorial candidates to our campus during the Virginia Farm Bureau Young Farmers Summer Expo,” said President Mirta M. Martin. “As an institution rooted in faith, service, and the pursuit of truth, we believe it is our responsibility to foster informed engagement and respectful discourse. This is education in action—and democracy at its best. Hosting the Expo also highlights Ferrum College’s deep connection to our region’s agricultural heritage and our commitment to supporting the next generation of leaders in farming and community development.”
Saturday’s events included sessions in Garber Hall and a lunchtime panel featuring local leaders, including Franklin County Board of Supervisors Vice-Chairman and Ferrum College Police Officer Tim Tatum.
That afternoon, attendees toured a variety of local farms and agricultural businesses, grouped into three themed tracks. Sites included Ferrum College’s own Titmus Agricultural Center; Melvin’s Farm to Fork, Pacabella Farms, and Homestead Creamery in Wirtz; Green Sprig Agriculture and Rolling Hills Dairy in Rocky Mount; Twin Creeks Distillery in Ferrum; Beckner’s Produce in Wirtz; Seven Oaks in Glade Hill; and KC Farms and Meats in Ferrum. The tours showcased the diversity and strength of agriculture in Franklin County, from produce and livestock to dairy and distilling operations.
The day concluded with a Dinner & Awards Banquet at Double D Arena, featuring music by Kamron Smith and a celebration of the 50th anniversary of Young Farmers in Franklin County.
The success of the Expo and the seamless coordination it required can be directly attributed to the leadership of the Virginia Farm Bureau and the dedicated efforts of the VAFB Young Farmers Summer Expo Committee, including several Ferrum College alumni. Their planning and commitment made this statewide event not only possible but exceptional.
Ferrum College alumna and Alumni Board member Deanna Sumners ’13 played a key role in recommending Ferrum as the Expo location. “As a proud Ferrum College graduate and someone passionate about agriculture, I knew our campus and community would be the perfect place to celebrate this milestone,” said Sumners.
“It was a true privilege to welcome so many young leaders in agriculture to Ferrum College,” said Dr. Nancy Brubaker, D.V.M., associate professor of Animal Science and coordinator of the One Health program, who was instrumental in organizing the on-campus events. “Hosting the Expo here underscores our commitment to agricultural education and highlights the College’s unique role in preparing future generations for careers in the industry.”
As the only private college in Virginia to offer a four-year degree in Agricultural Sciences and teacher licensure in vocational agriculture, Ferrum College was a natural and fitting host for this milestone event.
About the featured photograph:
Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers Summer Expo and Gubernatorial Forum attendees display “I Farm. I Vote.” signs in the Blue Ridge Mountain Room at Ferrum College. Photograph courtesy of the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation. Click here to see additional photographs.
