With approximately 1,300 attendees and more than 115 exhibitors and sponsors participating, the 2009 Virginia Ag Expo overwhelmingly demonstrated this year's Expo theme, "More Than Ever Agriculture Matters."

Children and adults, producers, researchers and agribusiness representatives traveled to Hanover County and John N. Mills and Sons Farm to experience all that is the Virginia Ag Expo. This year’s event included the latest farm equipment, seed demonstration plots and the newest in agriculture technology.

As Virginia's largest producer event, the Ag Expo provides educational opportunities and serves as an essential networking tool. Growers and consumers have the opportunity to discuss and learn more about available services and products.

Expo Manager John Smith reflected on the day's event and commented "It was another successful Expo due to the efforts of many people." Always a team effort, the Virginia Ag Expo is hosted jointly by the Virginia Grain Producers Association and the Virginia Soybean Association in cooperation with Virginia Cooperative Extension.

Several hundred attendees toured the demonstration plots at this year's on-farm host, John N. Mills and Sons Farm located just a few miles from the Expo's exhibit area. The Mills farm is considered one of the most progressive operations in the region and is a leading example of successful innovation and diversification.

A snapshot of the operation shows an array of agriculture products, including: Corn, wheat, soybeans, barley, hay, timber, and beef cattle.

Expo-goers also had the opportunity to meet and greet Virginia Secretary of Agriculture Bob Bloxom as he visited the various exhibits.

“It is important to showcase and support the power of agriculture and its crucial role in our lives. Virginia agriculture is meeting more needs than ever using the most efficient practices. The Virginia Ag Expo allows the opportunity for anyone to experience the fun and complexity of providing food, feed, and fuel. America enjoys the safest, most abundant food supply which is thanks to our producers, our technologies and our industry innovation. That is something to be celebrated,” said Molly Pugh, executive director of the Virginia Grain Producers Association.

Mark your calendars! The 2010 Virginia Ag Expo will be held on Aug. 5 at Windsor Farm, home of Ferdie and Bonnie Chandler in Westmoreland County, Va.