CHAMPLAIN—Virginia’s “largest agricultural field day” returns Aug. 1—offering agribusinesses, researchers and farmers the chance to connect with peers, build their businesses and explore the future of agriculture.

The 2024 Virginia Agricultural EXPO will be hosted at Level Green Farms in Champlain from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Held on the first Thursday in August, the agriculture-based trade show draws around 1,000 attendees each year.

“As an educational, marketing and social event, farmers and agribusinesses look forward to the VA AG EXPO each year,” remarked event manager Jeff Whitaker.

This year’s EXPO will feature over 80 exhibitors and sponsors highlighting the latest farming equipment, technology, goods and services.

Geared toward both large farmers and smaller-scale farmers, the EXPO is “designed as a forum for agribusiness professionals, researchers and farmers to share knowledge and experiences with each other,” Whitaker explained.

Highlights this year include the return of the Advanced Agronomy Educational Area hosted by Virginia Cooperative Extension Service and the Natural Resources Conservation Service. The traditional soil pit will be available for participants to interact with specialists and learn about nutrient movement in soils and soil properties.

Additionally, several Extension specialists and Virginia Farm Bureau representatives will be available to discuss corn, soybean and wheat production.

There also will be a variety of live demonstrations and hands-on learning opportunities, including drone demonstrations and North Carolina State University’s Agri-Pride Simulator. Participants can take a seat in the cab of a John Deere Model 1650 combine and embark on a video adventure simulating a farmer harvesting fields.

The Kid Zone will feature plenty of activities to keep children entertained, and regional food vendors will sell breakfast and lunch.

The EXPO is hosted by a different working farm each year to showcase the “diversity of the different areas of the state,” Whitaker noted.

Visitors can experience over 100 years of agricultural history while walking the grounds of Level Green Farms, where three full-time farming operations grow barley, corn, soybeans and wheat.

The annual event is sponsored by the Virginia Grain Producers Association and the Virginia Soybean Association in cooperation with Extension and support from Virginia’s corn and small grain checkoff boards.

The EXPO is free and open to the public, and parking also is free.

Contact Whitaker with any questions at vaagexpo@gmail.com.

Media: Contact Whitaker at 804-972-7785.