Glenn Chappell III of Dinwiddie County, Aaron Crowgey of Wythe County and Roger Scott of Culpeper County were recognized as this year’s Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers Outstanding Young Farm Employees.

The three were honored Feb. 28 at the VFBF Young Farmers Winter Expo in Bristol. The award program recognizes young farm employees’ dedication to the farms where they work, and is based on nominations from employers, friends, family or business acquaintances. 

Chappell is the manager of a Dinwiddie County row crop operation, growing small grains and overseeing all aspects of the farm, including a small herd of cattle. After the unexpected death of his grandfather, he made a career change to help his family through a difficult time. He has become a fantastic farm operator, family members say, and he is dedicated to building on the foundation laid by his grandfather.

“We are extremely proud of the way Glenn stepped up in a time of need and continues to make a mark on the farm,” said Kay Chappell, who nominated her son for the recognition.

Crowgey runs all aspects of a dairy and the sheep portion of a Wythe County farm that pasture feeds milk cows and runs on a 10-month milking cycle. He operates and maintains all equipment for feed crops and farm management, pasture management and herd rotations, among other duties.

“Working closely with his father and grandfather on the farm, he strives to combine their wisdom with his new ideas and energy,” said Nate Aker, immediate past chairman of the VFBF Young Farmers Committee, who nominated Crowgey.

Scott is farm manager for the Smith Family Farm Partnership in Madison County and also rents land on which he grows hay and raises cattle. He constantly considers ways to increase production and reduce expenses of the commercial Angus calves sold by the operation. He also seeks new ways to market the calves to maximize income.

“He lives on the farm and never considers a time clock,” said Bob Williamson, a Farm Bureau member, who nominated Scott. “He is always the ultimate steward of the land, and his No. 1 priority is the welfare of the cattle.”

Each winner received a certificate, a $150 prize courtesy of Southern Farm Bureau Life Insurance Co. and a travel package to the Winter Expo.

With 128,000 members in 88 county Farm Bureaus, VFBF is Virginia’s largest farmers’ advocacy group. Farm Bureau is a non-governmental, nonpartisan, voluntary organization committed to protecting Virginia’s farms and ensuring a safe, fresh and locally grown food supply.