Laurel Ridge welcoming new farmers and Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry to college on Dec. 12 for farm finance and conservation planning seminar

Home » News » Laurel Ridge welcoming new farmers and Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry to college on Dec. 12 for farm finance and conservation planning seminar

For Immediate Release:
December 6, 2024

Primary Media Contact:
Sally Voth
Public Relations Specialist
[email protected]
Phone: 540-868-7134

agriculture
Seminar flyer with image of smiling female farmer
Beginner farmers can learn more about financing options at the seminar.

Are you just starting out as a farmer? Or, maybe you’re thinking of embarking on an agricultural venture. If so, you won’t want to miss a free networking event hosted by Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Matt Lohr on Thursday, Dec. 12 from 9 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at Laurel Ridge’s Middletown Campus. 

The purpose of the seminar is to provide education on farm financing options and cost share conservation opportunities. Attendees will receive a free lunch. There will be presentations by Horizon Farm Credit, First Bank & Trust, F&M Bank, USDA-Farm Service Agency (FSA), Virginia Soil and Water Conservation districts, Virginia Cooperative Extension and USDA-Natural Resource Conservation Service (NRCS).

“The number one challenge facing those considering a career in farming is access to capital,” said Secretary Lohr. “We encourage everyone interested in production agriculture to attend this seminar and learn the many options available to them as they consider this fulfilling endeavor.”

Those wishing to attend are asked to register by emailing [email protected] by Tuesday, Dec. 10. The seminar will be in the Corron Community Development Center.

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Founded in 1970, Laurel Ridge Community College is a multi-campus public institution of higher education. With three locations — Middletown, Warrenton, and Luray-Page County — the College serves eight localities in the Shenandoah Valley and northern Piedmont regions. The localities are the counties of Clarke, Fauquier, Frederick, Page, Rappahannock, Shenandoah and Warren and the city of Winchester. Laurel Ridge offers more than 75 associate degree and certificate programs in a wide variety of disciplines, in addition to providing access to bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degree programs offered on site by a four-year institution. Laurel Ridge also serves the business community by offering workforce preparation programs for employees and employers. Laurel Ridge serves more than 9,000 unduplicated credit students and more than 11,000 individuals in professional development and business and industry courses annually.

Laurel Ridge Community College is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate degrees. Laurel Ridge Community College also may offer credentials such as certificates and diplomas at approved degree levels. Questions about the accreditation of Laurel Ridge Community College may be directed in writing to the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, GA 30033-4097, by calling (404) 679-4500, or by using information available on SACSCOC’s website (www.sacscoc.org).

Laurel Ridge Community College is an equal opportunity institution providing educational and employment opportunities, programs, services, and activities. Laurel Ridge shall promote and maintain equal employment and educational opportunities without regard to race, color, religion, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity, marital status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions including lactation, age (except when age is a bona fide occupational qualification), status as a veteran, national origin, or other non-merit factors. Laurel Ridge also prohibits sexual misconduct including sexual violence or harassment. Inquiries may be directed to the Associate Vice President, Human Resources, [email protected]173 Skirmisher Lane, Middletown, VA 22645, 540-868-7226.

Laurel Ridge Community College was known as Lord Fairfax Community College until June 2022. For consistency purposes, the college will be referenced as Laurel Ridge going forward.

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