This is a Future Farmers of America (FFA) Vocational Agriculture plaque on loan from James River High School. It is part of the “Home Grown: Botetourt’s Agricultural History” exhibit at the Botetourt Museum of History & Culture in Fincastle.
The Troutville Chapter of the FFA was chartered in 1935. Local members participate in competitions, supervised agricultural projects, fairs and leadership activities that reflect the changing nature of farming. They gain hands-on experience in mechanics, public speaking, record keeping, farming, and care of livestock.
Agriculture continues to thrive. In The Fincastle Herald on October 7, 2026, there is an article about Addison Kelly who placed first in the Virginia “State FFA Dairy Handlers Career Development Event.” As a Botetourt County FFA and 4-H high school student, she also represented Botetourt County on a national stage at the Eastern States Exposition in September.
~ Botetourt County Museum of History & Culture
