Agribusiness Workshop wording with Burruss Hall

Farm Credit of the Virginias Harrisonburg Branch, 4646 South Valley Pike, Harrisonburg, VA
October 17, 2025 | 9-11:30 am
Jeremy Daubert, agent contact: 540-705-4627, jdaubert@vt.edu

We will focus on how beef and livestock producers can create new income streams through direct marketing, branded meat programs, and differentiated production practices (e.g., grass-fed, local sourcing). Participants will analyze the costs, risks, and potential returns of moving beyond the commodity model—and learn how 
to build a financial case for innovation on the farm.

Special presentations by:

Alson H. Smith Jr. Agricultural Research and Extension Center, 595 Laurel Grove Rd, Winchester, VA
October 23, 2025 | 9-11:30 am
Mark Sutphin, agent contact: 540-665-5699, mark.sutphin@vt.edu

A hands-on workshop on how fruit and orchard producers can grow profitability through product differentiation and value-added strategies. Explore direct marketing, farm-based products, agritourism, and processing to move beyond wholesale markets. Learn the economics of value creation and planning for success 
in a changing consumer landscape.

Alson H. Smith Jr. Agricultural Research and Extension Center, 595 Laurel Grove Rd, Winchester, VA
October 23, 2025  | 2-4:30 pm    
Mark Sutphin, agent contact: 540-665-5699, mark.sutphin@vt.edu

Virginia’s wine and grape industries offer exciting opportunities for value creation. This workshop will focus on how small and mid-sized vineyards and wineries can use brand identity, agritourism, and direct-to-consumer channels to build resilient business models. We’ll break down the economics behind these strategies and offer planning tools to support long-term growth in a competitive market.

Special guest: Paul Briedé of Briedé Family Vineyards — Renowned for their rare cultivars unique to Virginia — making their winery truly one-of-a-kind.

Eastern Virginia Agricultural Research and Extension Center, 2229 Menokin Rd, Warsaw, VA
December 5, 2025 | 9-11:30 am
Frank Long, agent contact: 804-758-4120, flong269@vt.edu

This interactive session will help row crop producers evaluate how alternative business models—like regenerative practices, or niche grain markets — can offer an edge in today’s volatile commodity markets. Participants will explore financial tools and marketing approaches that support diversified revenue streams, while hearing success stories about those who’ve made the leap.

Speakers:

  • Mario Ortez, Collegiate Assistant Professor of Agribusiness and Entrepreneurship
  • Kohl Centre Agri-Food Finance Fellows: Alex Brandon, Colby Crutchfield, Diego Cuadra, McKenzie Marker, Michele Mickelwait, and Miru Yim

All workshops are free. RSVP here to attend or contact the agent listed. Download flyer

Our sponsors:

Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), and local governments, and is an equal opportunity employer. For the full non-discrimination statement, please visit ext.vt.edu/accessibility.

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact Mario Ortez at 540-231-8908 during business hours of 9 am and 4 pm to discuss accommodations 5 days prior to the event.