Join us for our WINTER CONFERENCE!
February 18, 2026 at the Rockingham County Fairgrounds
Bigger reach. Deeper connections. Same farmer-to-farmer trust.
Join Virginia's statewide, farmer led, soil health gathering where growers learn what actually works.
Engage with leading speakers, learn from farmer panels, and connect with growers who get it.
Wednesday, February 18th, 2026
Rockingham County Fairgrounds
4808 S. Valley Pike, Harrisonburg, VA 22801
8 AM to 4:30 PM
The VANTAGE Winter Conference brings Virginia farmers together to share real solutions for building healthier soil and more profitable operations. Every farm is different, and every farmer is on their own path—that's why this event is all about farmer-to-farmer learning.
Connect with growers who are testing ideas, solving problems, and finding what works on their land. Hear from farmers, researchers, and agronomists about practical strategies for improving productivity through no-till, cover crops, and soil health practices. Whether you're deep into conservation agriculture or just getting started, you'll find honest conversations, proven approaches, and a network ready to help you take the next step.
Join us for a day of learning, connection, and discovering solutions that make sense for your farm.
CONFERENCE AGENDA
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CONFERENCE AGENDA ~
2026 VANTAGE Winter Conference
Soil Health, Economic Wealth: Advancing Agriculture for the Future
Emcee: Jeff “Ish” Ishee from On the Farm Radio
8:00 AM — Registration & Trade Show
Cinnamon rolls and coffee provided.
9:00 AM — Keynote: Dr. Ray Weil, University of Maryland
Managing cover crops for nutrient cycling and soil health
9:45 AM — Morning Break sponsored by Virginia Seed Company
10:15 AM — Keynote: Jim Hoorman, Hoorman Soil Health Services
Overcoming obstacles to soil health
11:00 AM — Short Break
11:15 AM — Keynote: Eric Finkenbinder, Chief Meteorologist ABC27
Weather and climate insights for Mid-Atlantic agriculture
12:00 PM — Lunch sponsored by James River Equipment
1:00 PM — No-Till Champion Presentation
1:15 PM — Keynote: Andy Flinchbaugh, Flinchbaugh Farms, York, PA
Farm diversification, resilience, and regenerative market opportunities
2:00 PM — Afternoon Break sponsored by Helena
2:30 PM — Breakout Sessions (Choose One)
Breakout 1: Overcoming challenges of cover cropping
Breakout 2: Grain marketing insights for 2026
3:05 PM — Transition Break
3:20 PM — Breakout Sessions (Choose One)
Breakout 3: Advanced cover-crop strategies & nutrient cycling
Breakout 4: Diversification & regenerative certification
4:00 PM — Smiley’s Ice Cream Wrap-Up sponsored by American Farmland Trust and Sustainable Chesapeake
4:30 PM — Adjourn
