(DOSWELL, Oct. 1, 2025)—The State Fair of Virginia is a celebration of agriculture and rural traditions, and this year will honor those who went abroad to defend that way of life.
The State Fair and Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co. have partnered to offer a brand-new Virginia Veteran Farmer Recognition Award. Nearly 700,000 military veterans call Virginia home—one of the states with the highest percentages of veterans relative to its population size.
The inaugural award will honor the invaluable contributions of three veterans who have transitioned into farming or paused and returned to farming after serving in the military. The recognition program was open to all Virginia veterans who are currently engaged in agriculture.
The winners will be recognized on Thursday, Oct. 2, at 12:15 p.m., at a special ceremony held during the State Fair on its main stage.
“They answered the call to serve our nation with courage,” said Virginia Farm Bureau Federation President Scott Sink. “The same values of resilience, sacrifice and stewardship that defined their military service are the very bedrock of the livelihoods they have built in agriculture.”
The ceremony will include leaders from the Virginia Department of Veterans Services. The state agency traces its history to the 1928 establishment of the Virginia War Service Bureau to assist Virginia’s World War I veterans. Today, DVS assists veterans and their families in filing claims for federal benefits; connects veterans and families to services and much more.
“Veterans and farmers share core values of discipline, resilience, hard work and a heartfelt sense of duty,” noted Chuck Zingler, DVS commissioner. “I am so proud of these veterans who continue to serve in their local communities through growing a safe and sustainable food supply and for paying forward their skills to future generations who will continue to cultivate an outstanding America.”
Virginia Veteran Farmer Recognition Award winners include:
· Troy Anthony Brown, U.S. Navy, 33 years
Accomack County, organic garden, orchard and aquaculture
Brown sought peace and nature after military service and now contributes to the local agricultural economy by educating his community, family and neighbors about sustainable farming practices. His philosophy is mission-focused—supporting the community, local businesses and the region’s growth.
· Josh Clark, U.S. Navy, 4 years
Gloucester County, hay, corn and soybeans
With multigenerational histories of military service in the family, including a son who currently serves in U.S. Army Special Operations, “About every aspect of our lives has been some form of service,” Clark said. As a first-generation farmer, he actively embraces conservation practices such as no-till and cover crop management techniques and technology that help him reduce carbon-safe fertilizer and protect the Chesapeake Bay watershed. Though land access is an obstacle for first-generation farmers, Clark has provided for his family and community with innovative management practices—doing more with less.
· Ralph Morton, U.S. Army, 21 years
Greene County, livestock and produce, farm bed & breakfast
With a traumatic brain injury and PTSD, Morton found personal serenity through veteran farmers organizations and new agricultural niches. He learned how to grow blackberries at VSU's Berry School and went from there. He now teaches children about agriculture at the farm, and volunteers with Minority and Veteran Farms of the Piedmont. Morton said working on the farm developed the ability to think independently and work with others, while growing through mentorship.
The 2025 State Fair of Virginia runs through Oct. 5 at The Meadow Event Park in Caroline County. Since 2013, the State Fair has awarded over $1 million in scholarships to support youth education.
In 2024, the fair was among 150 diverse events that drew more than 545,235 visitors to The Meadow. The venue had an overall regional economic impact of $41.5 million.
Reporters and Editors: You’ll find a photo library on our website for easy access to images to accompany your fair coverage. Visit StateFairVa.org/p/about/media.
Media: Contact Kathy Dixon, VFBF communications, at 804-370-3055; or Marlene Jolliffe, SFVA executive director, at 804-994-2802