Local AG

In the 25th episode of Local AG, Melody Divers welcomes Josh Leamy, Chair of the Bedford County Young Farmers chapter, to discuss the program’s history, mission, and efforts to rebuild the local chapter. Open to individuals ages 18–35, the Young Farmers program focuses on leadership development, community involvement, and agricultural education. Josh also shares his background in cow-calf farming and encourages the next generation to get involved in agriculture.The episode also features Lee Wittekind from Bedford County Parks and Recreation, who previews the free, family-friendly Blue Ridge Bee Festival on September 12 at Falling Creek Park. The festival celebrates bees and other pollinators while bringing the community together for local food, educational activities, vendors, and more.

In this mini episode of Local AG, host Melody Divers chats with Mackenzie Mutter about the 2026 Bedford County Fair, running August 21–23 at Liberty Lake Park. Mackenzie highlights exciting features including the expanded Kids Activity Tent, Rocking Chair Conversations with local historians, live music, a Community Talent Show, and a foam dance party. The fair offers free admission and parking, with shuttle services available. Ride tickets are purchased onsite, and the Home Goods Contest accepts entries through August 19th. Visitors are encouraged to visit https://www.bedfordvafair.org/ and follow Bedford County Fair on social media for updates and details.

In Episode 24 of Local AG, host Melody Divers leads a panel discussion on safely sharing roads with farm equipment in Bedford County. Sheriff Mike Miller clarifies that farm machinery is legally permitted on public roads. Farmers W.P. Johnson and Johnny Divers explain why pulling over or waving drivers past isn't always safe or practical. Insurance agent Eric Johnson highlights the financial risks of unsafe passing and the importance of proper farm liability coverage. The episode concludes with encouraging community stories, reminding listeners that patience and mutual respect keep everyone safe on rural roads.

In Episode 23 of Back to Local AG, host Dorothy interviews Megan and Lewis of Done Roaming Ranch, a family and veteran-owned farm in Montvale, Bedford County. Lewis, a Marine veteran and former law enforcement officer, shares how decades of moving inspired the ranch's name. The couple discusses their commitment to humanely raised meats, pasture-raised poultry, maple and shagbark hickory syrups, chicken jerky, and unique offerings like turducken and dehydrated chicken feet for dogs. The episode concludes with announcements about the Bedford County Fair and local farmers markets.

In Episode 22 of Local AG, host Dorothy interviews Tim and Jenny, co-owners of New Magnolia Homestead in Thaxton, Virginia. Guided by "Faith, Family, Farm," their 12-acre homestead serves as a therapeutic foster care farm, where children heal through animal care and farm routines. Tim and Jenny raise heritage breeds, including rare Meishan hogs and Katahdin sheep, and operate a farm shop offering meats and handcrafted products. They also serve as international missionaries, supporting agricultural sustainability at deaf schools worldwide. Their mission centers on breaking cycles of trauma and poverty, both locally and globally.