Agriculture in Loudoun County Agricultural Census Facts and figures from the latest Census of Agriculture (2007), Loudoun County:
| Number of Farms | 1,427 | | Land in Farms | 142,452 | | Average size of Farm | 100 acres | | Market Value of Production | $33,807,000 (does not include direct farm sales or farm wineries) | | Equine Industry | 15,500 horses at a value of $208 million | Current State Rankings #1 Women farm operators
#1 Latino farm operators
#1 Number of berry growers
#2 Nursery stock production
#2 Christmas tree farms
#2 Number of alpaca
#2 Number of llama farms
#3 Berry production acres
#3 Christmas tree acreage
#4 Hay production Agricultural Development The Department of Economic Development promotes agricultural products and assists in the development of new agricultural businesses. The agricultural development staff produces informational materials and sponsors two farm tours along with other agri-tourism events. The staff also promotes agricultural industry segments through local trade associations, including the Blue Ridge Cattlemen’s Association, Loudoun Valley Sheep Producers, Loudoun Winegrowers Association and the Loudoun Wineries Association. The department also promotes local foods and farmer- to-consumer sales through directories and a number of farmers’ market opportunities in locations throughout the county.
The office also manages the Agricultural and Forestal District Program and other activities aimed at fostering a thriving rural economy. Department of Economic Development
1 Harrison Street, S.E., 5th Floor
Leesburg, VA 20175
703-777-0426
e-mail: good4biz@loudoun.gov Loudoun Soil and Water Conservation District The Loudoun Soil and Water Conservation District provides guidance for farmers, landowners and residents on protecting and utilizing their natural resources. The district has cost share funds available through the Virginia State Agricultural Best Management Practices Program and the Catoctin TMDL Program for farm water systems, winter cover crops, stream fencing and grazing management. The district also provides classroom presentations to local schools on a variety of topics related to natural resource conservation. Special programs include an annual tree seedling sale and rain barrel workshops. Loudoun Soil and Water Conservation District
30-H Catoctin Circle, S.E., Suite H
Leesburg, VA 20175
703-771-8395 Virginia Cooperative Extension The Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) offers crop production information, including varieties, seeding rates, establishment methods, and forage testing; provides livestock producers (beef, sheep, swine, dairy, horses) with information such as breeding, selection, animal health, and marketing; offers assistance to reduce soil erosion, improve water quality and stop pollution; provides information to promote Chesapeake Bay cleanup; supplies information about alternative crops to small landowners; and provides pesticide recommendations for insect, weed, disease, and nematode control. Virginia Cooperative Extension
30-B Catoctin Circle, S.E.
Leesburg, VA 20175
703-777-0373 Horticulture: Commercial and Residential The Commercial Horticulture program offers technical and educational support in production and management of horticultural crops such as Christmas trees, shade trees, turf, greenhouse plants, vegetables, grapes and other fruits. Technical and educational support is also offered in yardwaste management, professional landscape services, municipal landscape management, and arboricultural services. Through the Master Gardener program, Virginia Cooperative Extension recruits and trains volunteers to assist the public on horticultural matters. Master Gardener volunteers provide educational programming on vegetables, fruits, ornamentals, lawns, yardwaste management, insects, diseases, weeds and water quality. Virginia Cooperative Extension
30-B Catoctin Circle, S.E., Leesburg
703-771-5150 or 703-777-0373 Heritage Farm Museum of Loudoun County The Heritage Farm Museum preserves, promotes and brings to life the history of farming and the rich agricultural heritage of Loudoun County. The museum specializes in Standards of Learning-based educational programs and features a gallery with an interactive children’s play farm and exhibit presenting the story of ten generations of Loudoun farmers. A gift shop onsite sells Virginia’s Finest label products. The museum is conveniently located in Claude Moore Park, Sterling. Heritage Farm Museum of Loudoun County
21668 Heritage Farm Lane
Sterling VA 20164
Phone: 571-258-3800
e-mail: lhfm@loudoun.gov |