I believe it is the latter, but during our time in southwest Virginia at the end of July I heard it both ways! What is more import is exactly how much this region of our great state holds. I was very surprised to see just how many different agricultural (and otherwise) industries fill this massive corner of our state.
What is the first thing you think of when talking about what Southwest Virginia produces? I’d bet it is coal. One of the things I found most intriguing while roaming the area was the W.H. Meador Coal Museum in Big Stone Gap. At the museum we got to hear all of the personal experiences of a retired coal miner named Freddie. It was amazing the stories he told and how devoted he was to his career in the coal industry.
While we are on devotion, while at the Virginia State Fish Hatchery in Marion, Virginia, we met a young man that was inspiringly dedicated to his job and educating people about the trout they raise at the hatchery. I have seen few people who are that passionate about their job at such a young age.
Along our travels we also saw many agricultural enterprises including both farm to table and commercial beef cattle, dairy, edible eggs, sheep, and Lincoln Memorial University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Other industries include berry and grape production, produce marketing, and even a barrel cooperage! Also, we did not stop at one, but there are A LOT of Christmas tree farms.
Throughout all of these stops, there was one common theme. The people we met with genuinely love where they live and they want to see it grow and thrive! The first County we stopped in, Grayson, actually has an Agricultural Economic Development Department to help them grow in the right direction. This was very interesting as it contrasted greatly to a lot of the things we heard on our national trip to Kentucky.
From building a snack stick empire to growing grapes on reclaimed mine land, I am sure the passion these individuals have for their industries and area that southwest Virginia has a lot of great things in store for it.
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