Botetourt County Fair Association President Kate Lawrence, Allie King from Farm Credit Roanoke, and Stefanie Manbeck, Botetourt County Fair Association Livestock Chair, with one of the poultry cages
Photo courtesy of Brittany Turman
The Botetourt County Fair Association (BCFA) is one of the recipients of funding from the Farm Credit Charitable Contributions Fund (CCF) grant program. The CCF grant program provides funding for non-profits and other charitable organizations that support agriculture or the rural communities where Farm Credit of the Virginias (FCV) conducts business.
In May 2024, Stefanie Manbeck, a board member of the Botetourt County Fair Association and Livestock Chair of the Botetourt County Fair, took the initiative to apply for the grant to fund much-needed poultry cages for the “Feather to Fork” program. The Fair Association had identified a pressing need to secure funding for dedicated poultry cages to support the program. This proactive step ensures that the program can continue to thrive and expand without dependence on the cooperation of external entities and the availability of external resources. By investing in the BCFA, they are able to maintain the program’s integrity and provide a seamless, community-driven experience for participants and attendees alike.
The BCFA was awarded $2,000 in support from the FCV CCF grant program. This funding has allowed the BCFA to purchase 28 poultry cages.
The “Feather to Fork” program is a dynamic educational initiative, established in 2024, that empowers participants to engage in hands-on poultry raising, offering a comprehensive farm-to-table experience.
Participants can choose between two options – raising either 10 or 25 laying hens from varying breeds and nurturing them from chicks to pullets before showcasing and auctioning them at the Botetourt County Fair. For those interested in meat production, the program also includes a broiler project, where participants can raise broilers for harvest, participating in the harvest themselves. “Feather to Fork” not only fosters agricultural skills and responsibility but also strengthens the connection between the community and local food production.
Farm Credit’s Roanoke branch has a proud history of supporting the Botetourt County Fair. As a long time sponsor, Farm Credit Roanoke has providing both financial backing and active participation. Each year, the organization sets up a booth at the fair, offering valuable educational materials to fairgoers and fostering a deeper understanding of agricultural practices. Beyond their presence at the fair, Farm Credit Roanoke continues to stand behind the BCFA board, providing guidance and resources that help ensure the fair’s sustainability and growth.
The BCFA board looks forward to the expansion and development of the “Feather to Fork” program, as well as the 2025 Botetourt County Fair. The fair will take place August 1-2 at the Buchanan Town Park in Buchanan.
To learn more about fair sponsorship, volunteer opportunities, and fair events, visit botetourtcountyfair.com. The BCFA board can be reached at botetourtcountyfair@gmail.com.
~ Brittany Turman, Turman Digital
