By Jeff Blakley, NRCS Virginia State Public Affairs Specialist
LOCUST GROVE — The rolling fields of Brooke Farms will once again welcome farmers, industry leaders and community members on August 7 for the 2025 Virginia Ag Expo. It will be the second time the Chambers family has hosted the state’s largest agricultural field day.
Brooke Farms, owned and operated by the Chambers family, was established in Orange County in 1997, when Bob Chambers purchased the land to raise his family and continue a long tradition of farming.
“My wife and I wanted to raise our kids in an environment where they could grow up appreciating hard work, family, and the land,” said Bob. “We found that here.”
Over the years, the farm has adapted to changes in technology, economy and agricultural practices. But it was Bob’s son, Garret, who brought a renewed vision for the future.
Garret, who grew up showing cattle in 4-H, studied agriculture business and agronomy at Virginia Tech and worked in equipment repair shops while completing his education. But he eventually realized that working indoors on someone else’s machinery wasn’t the life he wanted.
“I enjoyed the work, but I was fixing someone else’s equipment when I could have been helping our family’s operation thrive,” Garret said.
That realization led him back to Locust Grove. After saving enough to buy into the family business, Garret made it clear he wasn’t expecting a handout. Bob also made it clear the farm wouldn’t simply be divided, it had to be grown.
“This wasn’t a ceremonial passing of the torch,” Bob said. “Garret had to earn it, and he did. He brought real ideas to the table.”
One of Garret’s first moves was surprisingly low-tech. He replaced some of the farm’s equipment with simpler, more reliable machines that he could repair himself when needed.
“When a machine is down, it affects the entire operation — production, finances, everything,” he said. “I wanted equipment we could maintain in-house.”
This mix of old-school grit and forward thinking has become the foundation of Garret’s approach.
Charlie Ivins, assistant state conservationist for field operations in Area I for the USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), praised the family’s openness and strategic mindset.
“Bob and Garret are very business-oriented and open to innovation,” Ivins said. “They don’t just say ‘no.’ They talk through options and find ways to make ideas work, which is exactly what we look for in conservation partnerships.”
NRCS Virginia has assisted the Chambers in implementing a variety of conservation practices, including no-till farming, nutrient management, cover crops and field borders. Garret said addressing inefficiencies is always at the forefront of his planning.
“I’m constantly thinking about what the operation should look like in five or ten years,” he said. “Working with NRCS has allowed us to accelerate some of those projects.”
One of the most visible changes is the addition of a beef cattle operation, a new venture that Garret championed.
“As a recovering entrepreneur, cattle wasn’t something I’d have thought to do,” Bob admitted. “But it’s been the right move.”
With NRCS support, the family constructed new cattle barns and added infrastructure to support the livestock. Garret sees this as a chance to lead by example.
“This is about advancing the operation,” he said. “And showing other farmers that adapting isn’t something to be afraid of.”
The Chambers are also committed to supporting other producers, something Bob said wasn’t always the norm.
“When we were starting out, it was trial and error,” Bob said. “You didn’t always have folks sharing what worked and what didn’t.”
That collaborative mindset is part of what led to Brooke Farms being selected as host of the Virginia Ag Expo once again.
“We are truly honored to partner with Brooke Farms as they once again open their gates to host one of the most influential agricultural events in the commonwealth,” said Dr. Edwin Martinez Martinez, NRCS’ State Conservationist for Virginia. “AgExpo is more than just a showcase. It’s a cornerstone for education, innovation and community connection. It brings farmers, partners and conservationists together under a shared mission: to strengthen agriculture and safeguard our natural resources. Events like this are essential to building resilient communities and advancing the long-term success of conservation in Virginia.”
“Hosting this event is a real honor,” said Garret. “It brings together people from all over the industry, and it also gives us a chance to educate people who may not be familiar with agriculture.
“We’re in a time when people want to know where their food comes from. Events like this let us show the work that goes into farming and the commitment we have to conservation and sustainability.”
Brooke Farms has added a beef cattle operation as a successful sideline.
2025 Virginia Ag Expo Brooke Farms
August 7, 2025
7:30 am – 2 pm
We look forward to seeing you at the VBC Booth (Zone B Booth 50)!