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10:00 am - 3:00 pm

Powhatan County will host a self-guided family and education event showcasing seven local farming operations.

Farm operators will make presentation on the hour and on the half-hour.

Sponsored by:
Powhatan County Farm Bureau
Powhatan Chamber of Commerce
Powhatan County Office of Economic Development
Powhatan Tomorrow

A-Plus Cattle
3277 Maidens Road
Tom & Andrea Adkins

In operation since 1996, the Adkinses run one of Powhatan County’s two remaining dairy farms as well as raise and sell feeder calves. Additionally, they grow 200 acres in row crops, 200 acres in grass hay and maintain another 300 acres as pasture. The Adkinses also raise chickens for Tyson Foods. Open to visitors from noon to 3 p.m. only on tour day.
(A on map)

Catlett’s equestrian operation features 22 miles of riding trails and a 24-stall and pasture boarding facility on a 2,000-acre historic property. The former St. Francis / St. Emma site once was home to two high schools built in the 1890s for African American youth. On tour day, the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament will receive visitors from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the Belmead mansion, which can be seen from the stables. It features a museum, and guests also can get information on the conservation easement placed on the property in 2006.
(B on map)

In operation since 1978, the farm produces corn, soybeans, wheat, barley, hay and beef cattle, employing no-till techniques to prevent erosion and protect water quality. As a result, Billy Sifers has been voted Conservation Farmer of the Year for Powhatan County. Interestingly, much of the land Sifers utilizes is leased from county residents who want their property to remain in use for agricultural purposes.
(C on map)

Since 2003, the Zilettis have used a combination of traditional methods and current technology to produce Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Petit Manseng grapes for James River Cellars on their 10-acre farm. The property is one of the sites on the Civil War Trail and is the location of Gen. Robert E. Lee’s last camp.
(D on map)

Since 1985, Manakintowne Specialty Growers has become known for the freshness and extensive variety of their salad greens, fresh-cut herbs, edible flowers and specialty vegetables, produced year-round using intensive and organic methods on their 21-acre farm and in two greenhouses. Their customers include many of the best chefs, restaurants, clubs, caterers and markets in this part of the state.
(E on map)

Locatell created a garden in memory of his late mother in 1998 and has since cultivated a commercial horticulture operation featuring reblooming bearded irises, Siberian irises, herbaceous peonies, hellebores and companion and bulbous perennials. He is a noted garden group speaker and local farmers’ market vendor. Additionally, Locatell is a regional chairman for the American Iris Society.
(F on map)

*  click here to download flyer and map * 

Powhatan Tomorrow will host the
Agri-Entrepreneurship Public Forum
Wednesday, September 10, 2008 - 7:00 pm
at the Village Building Auditorium

For more information contact
Maureen Moslow-Benway at mmoslowebenway@yahoo.com or 804.598.0959 or Pam McCune at mcb@vcu.org.