The 2026 Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers Summer Expo will take place July 24-26 in Tappahannock and surrounding areas. The VFBF Young Farmers Program is a leadership development and networking group for farmers and agriculture industry professionals ages 18-35. At least 200 young farmers and others with an interest in agriculture are expected to gather at the expo to network, learn about key agricultural issues and explore agriculture in the area.
The Essex County Board of Supervisors will issue a proclamation of support for the expo during their July 7 meeting at which VFBF leaders and young farmers will be in attendance.
Speakers for the expo include “Tarheel Farmer” Will Brinkley, a North Carolina first-generation grain farmer and agriculture influencer known for fusing humor with farming. There also will be a panel discussion featuring members of the Essex County Board of Supervisors and Three Rivers Soil and Water Conservation District.
Tours will be held on Friday at Edgewood Angus and the Northern Neck Farm Museum. Saturday tours will be held at Parker Farms, Healthy Harvest Food Bank, Helena Agri-Enterprises, Cowart Seafood, Bay’s Best Feed, Harris Farms, Poplar Ridge Nursery and Garner’s Produce.
Finalists for three Young Farmers awards will give presentations before judging panels, and recipients of the Outstanding Young Agriculturalist recognition, Achievement Award and Excellence in Agriculture Award will be announced Saturday evening during dinner at Cloverfield Farms in Essex County.
Finalists for the Young Farmers Discussion Meet also will be announced, and they will compete in late November. The Discussion Meet is designed to simulate a committee meeting in which discussion and active participation are expected from each contestant. Relevant topics are presented to competitors, who are judged on their discussion skills, understanding of important agricultural issues and ability to build consensus.
Visit vafb.swoogo.com/yfsummerexpo2026 for additional information and to register. The registration deadline is July 5. Registration is free and includes meals, programs, workshops, tours, expo T-shirts and networking opportunities. Full registration or one-day registration is available.
