Youth in Agriculture
The Agricultural Development Department supports the next generation of farmers and agricultural leaders by connecting youth with opportunities like 4-H, FFA, and other hands-on programs. Whether through school clubs, fairs, or community initiatives, these programs provide valuable skills in farming, leadership, and sustainability. Explore how young people can get involved in agriculture and build a future in the industry.
Wondering what 4-H offers?
4-H is a youth development organization for Fauquier youth aged 9-19 that provides hands-on learning through camps, clubs, and contests. Members engage in projects of interest and participate in monthly activities. Our clubs focus on livestock, animal science, and shooting sports, while children aged 5-8 can join our Cloverbud program.
For more information, visit: fauquier.ext.vt.edu
Fauquier Livestock Show & Sale
A youth led organization open to Fauquier 4-Her’s and FFA members to raise, show, market, and sell market livestock projects. This is an in-depth program that is a great opportunity to learn important life skills like public speaking, problem solving, teamwork, business etiquette, and much more.
For more information, visit: fauquiershowsale.org
Fauquier Fair
While the fair is open to everyone, the Livestock Shows are primarily facilitated by Extension. These livestock shows are an opportunity for youth to exhibit their poultry, rabbits, dairy goats, dairy cattle, sheep, meat goats, and beef cattle. Youth are encouraged to participate in a 4-H Club or FFA Chapter to receive support for their projects.
For more information, visit: fauquierfair.org
Within 4-H there are many contest team opportunities, there are many outside of agriculture, like Food Challenge or Public Speaking, we also have judging teams, knowledge-based contest teams, and cattle working teams. These contests cover either market livestock, dairy, or horses.
For more information, visit: fauquier.ext.vt.edu
Next Generation Entrepreneurs
An incredible opportunity in conjunction with local farmers markets for youth to dive deeper into their entrepreneurship ideas. Youth will learn about business planning, marketing, and selling their products in person at the markets. We have had youth sell everything from handmade items to locally grown meat and produce, as well as baked goods and prepared foods.
