Culpeper, Va. — On Tuesday, August 19, Congressman Eugene Vindman (Va.-07), the only Virginian on the House Agriculture Committee, toured five farms and agricultural operations across Central Virginia to meet with producers, agribusiness owners, and farm workers.
The tour — which included stops at a grain mill, vineyard, meat processor, cattle operation, and family farm — highlighted the strength and diversity of Virginia’s agricultural sector. Vindman heard directly from farmers and producers about the challenges they face and shared updates on his work to support Virginia agriculture as Congress continues drafting the 2025 Farm Bill.
“Agriculture is the cornerstone of Virginia’s economy, and farmers and producers across the Seventh District are doing incredible work,” said Vindman. “It’s my job to make sure their priorities are heard as we shape the future of American agriculture. Hearing directly from the people who grow our food and sustain our rural communities helps me take their stories, expertise, and concerns back to Capitol Hill to drive better policy. I’m grateful to every farmer and family who welcomed me during the tour, and to Farm Credit of the Virginias and Virginia Farm Bureau for joining me throughout an incredible day.”
Vindman first visited Ardent Mills in Culpeper County. Since 1970, this flour mill has supported Virginia agriculture by producing blends used in everything from bread and pasta to pizza and snacks.
Vindman then visited Old House Vineyards, also in Culpeper County. What started as an abandoned hay farm has grown into a winery, distillery, and brewery — all thanks to the Kearney family’s vision and hard work.
Vindman’s third stop was Hidden Pines Meat Processing in Madison County. For more than 20 years, Shawn and Alice Woodfolk have built a trusted, family-run business processing wild game and serving their community.
On his fourth stop, Vindman visited Heaven’s Hollow Farm in Orange County — a veteran-operated cattle farm run by Jacob and Jennifer Gilley. They met in 4-H and now raise cattle on her family’s farm, which has been in operation nearly 70 years.
Vindman’s fifth and final stop was Lee-Lynn Farms in Montford, Virginia. This operation raises both poultry and cattle, supporting Virginia’s strong livestock sector and helping feed families across the region.
BACKGROUND
During the tour, Vindman discussed opportunities to strengthen federal support for Virginia agriculture, including improving access to credit for producers, investing in supply chain resilience, and protecting nutrition programs like SNAP that support families while sustaining demand for local products.
Following these conversations with Virginia farmers and producers, Vindman introduced the bipartisan Farm Credit Adjustment Act to reduce unnecessary regulatory burdens on Farm Credit institutions. Under current law, the Farm Credit Administration is required to conduct full audits every 18 months — even for smaller, low-risk lenders. The bill would allow the agency to extend the audit cycle to 24 months for the safest institutions, freeing up time, staff, and resources to better serve local farmers.
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