Ag Connect: Spotlighting Local Producers, Growing Together

Join us for Ag Connect, a monthly roundtable designed to bring together agricultural producers of all sizes from across Hanover County and the region. Each session will feature a Spotlight Producer who will share insights about their operation—from the products they offer to the unique challenges and successes they’ve encountered. It’s a valuable opportunity to learn from fellow producers, ask questions, and build meaningful connections within our local ag community.

The roundtable is open to all producers, providing a welcoming space to discuss relevant issues, exchange ideas, and explore new opportunities. Virginia Cooperative Extension* is partnering with us to offer valuable resources and support, while Ashland Feed Company will be sponsoring the snacks.

Our Spotlight this month will be Kari Smith from Rhythm Ranch Homestead. Rhythm Ranch Homestead is an agritourism farm in Hanover, VA sharing a passion for a sustainable lifestyle by educating visitors in raising and growing food. They specialize in growing small crops and breeding dairy goats, whose adorable babies capture visitors' hearts!

Time & Date: November 21, 2024, 11am -12pm

Location: Dominion Energy Innovation Center, 201 Duncan St., Ashland, VA 23005

Jett Odle

Jett Odle is a dynamic entrepreneur and visionary leader, best known as the co-founder of Rivers Edge Coffee Company. With an unwavering commitment to excellence, Jett has played a pivotal role in transforming a simple idea into a thriving market leader in the highly competitive Richmond, VA coffee industry.

Jett Odle is also a passionate advocate for community development and sustainable agriculture. In recent years, he has expanded his focus to support the growth of the Richmond area’s local food system as he recognizes the importance of promoting local agriculture and ag-entrepreneurs. He has actively engaged with farmers, artisans, and food producers, offering mentorship and guidance as they endeavor to develop new products and access new markets. Jett’s dedication to fostering a resilient and thriving local food ecosystem not only demonstrates his commitment to the community but also showcases his ability to drive positive change beyond the business world.

Scot Ferguson, Virginia Cooperative Extension*

Scot Ferguson is the new Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Agent in Hanover County. While originally from Nevada where he got his Master’s degree in Natural Resources and Environmental Science, Scot spent the last decade working in production agriculture, focusing on greenhouse production, fertilization, and pest management both in ornamentals and vegetable crops.

Glen Sink

As an entrepreneur, founder and owner of for-profit enterprises and a leader in non-profit venues, Glen has helped varied businesses in the areas of startup structure, value proposition establishment, customer, personnel and stakeholder discovery, resource procurement and operations. Glen provides creative and development assistance, personnel, stakeholder and market expertise to rural and agribusiness entities, main street enterprises, educational events, government and the medical arena to profitably grow and serve their communities.

Glen’s coaching focuses on behavioral networking, education and entrepreneur development to achieve the vision of growing a sustainable enterprise. His approach guides individuals through enterprise and product creation, development and marketing in both private and non-profit roles building stakeholder value at each touchpoint.

Danny Adams, Owner - Ashland Feed Store

Danny grew up in Beaverdam, VA. He graduated from Patrick Henry High School in 1979. He continued his formal education at Carson-Newman College where he earned a BA in Biology/Education. During his teenage years he worked at the Ashland Feed Store with the previous owner, Everett Williamson. It was during this time that his love for agriculture developed into a compass of where he wanted to focus his career. After spending 17 years employed by Southern States Cooperative, he purchased the Ashland Feed Store in 2005. Danny has a great staff at the store and he enjoys very much serving the agricultural community. He also operates a cattle farm just west of Ashland, Virginia.

*Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments. Its programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, genetic information, ethnicity or national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, or military status, or any other basis protected by law.

Host or Publisher Braden Croy