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“Down Home Virginia” takes you back to Virginia’s rich agricultural history

Virginia Farm Bureau is well-known as the voice of the state’s farmers. Over the past three years its voice has become even better known, now that it is being carried on cable and satellite television across the Old Dominion and nationwide on RFD-TV.

“ Down Home Virginia,” a 30-minute monthly television program strives to bring viewers important agricultural perspectives, education and entertainment. The program hit the cable TV airwaves and RFD-TV in January 2002 and is hosted by Sherri McKinney and Norm Hyde. Both Hyde and McKinney write, shoot, edit and anchor the monthly show from VFBF headquarters in Richmond, Va.

Their mission is simple. “We want to remind everyone that agriculture remains a viable and important segment of the state’s economy,” Hyde said. “Agriculture affects the lives of every Virginian—not just those of farmers.”

“ The program is designed to create more awareness about agriculture, and to offer some helpful tips to viewers on subjects that are farm-related, like gardening, cooking and weather,” explained VFBF Communications Director Greg Hicks.

By providing segments closely tied to the farm VFBF hopes to resonate with urbanites in places like Fairfax, Virginia Beach, Richmond; and metropolitan areas nationwide.

The program always begins with a “news block,” in which both Hyde and McKinney report on important issues affecting the agriculture community. “We try to present those subjects in a way consumers can easily understand and appreciate,” added McKinney.

Shows have included subjects on the ramifications of too much rain on the farm and how that affects consumers; the changing face of the tobacco industry and how those changes affect the state’s economy; and numerous legislative issues and why farmers and Farm Bureau support or condemn those proposals.

The program also is packed full of consumer tips from some of the state’s most revered experts.
Gardening segments hosted by Augusta County Farm Bureau members Andre and Mark Viette, perhaps the best-known gardening experts in Virginia, bring insight to budding gardeners. The Viettes also have their own syndicated Mid-Atlantic radio program, “In the Garden.”

Chef John Maxwell, president of the Virginia Culinary Chefs Association and Virginia Grown spokesman, brings delicious recipes to the table using Virginia Grown products.

Dr. Patrick Michaels, Virginia’s state climatologist and fellow at the renowned Cato Institute, a Washington think tank, gives his perspectives on the state’s weather. Michaels is a national weather authority who has appeared on CNN and “Larry King Live.”

“ Down Home Virginia” also provides heartwarming feature stories about the legacy of farm families and includes fun family travel ideas like a visit to a historic train depot-turned-inn and nearby buffalo farm in Craig County, or a stop at a Rockingham County dairy farm that now sells homemade ice cream.

VFBF’s very own “Professor” Brad Lowery provides light-but-educational lessons on “The ABCs of Agriculture”.
In short, there’s something for everyone.

“ We want everyone in Virginia and the nation to understand that agriculture is still a very important part of their daily lives,” added VFBF President Bruce Hiatt. “Agriculture remains the state’s largest industry and we still feed the world. It’s a story worth telling and one that our viewers seem to enjoy.”

For more information on “Down Home Virginia” go to www.vafb.com.