The Clean Water Farm Award Program
The Clean Water Farm Award program was established by the Virginia General Assembly to recognize farms in the Commonwealth that utilize practices designed to protect water quality and soil resources. Virginia farmers who are exemplary in their protection of the state’s soil and water quality deserve recognition and thanks. These individuals are role models who encourage others’ stewardship. Farmers spend time, energy, and hard-earned money carrying out conservation practices that benefit many people. They themselves benefit because the nutrients, pesticides, and chemicals they invest in stay on the land – where they’re most productive. The soil necessary to grow crops also stays put because of conservation planting techniques. When these potential pollutants are kept out of surface and ground waters, citizens benefit by having better water for drinking, recreation, industry, wildlife, and transportation.
The Clean Water Farm Award Program is overseen by the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation, with Soil and Water Conservation Districts and associated groups and agencies identifying worthy recipients. Individual winners are selected by the Districts.
Districts may select one recipient per jurisdiction within their service area per year. Award winners receive a sign and a certificate. From the pool of award recipients, 10 Grand Basin winners are selected based on nominations from the individual Soil and Water Conservation Districts. Grand Basin winners must meet the criteria of the Clean Water Farm Award and must demonstrate exceptional conservation efforts with results in nutrient management and soil and water conservation. In addition to the standard sign and certificate, Grand Basin winners receive a special recognition sign and a plaque.
Clean Water Farm Award Winners
2024
Rockingham County– Richard Eppard
Page County– Richard and Ann Sedwick Family Trust
2023
Rockingham County– Justin and Kristi Schmidt
*Note: Only one award was given this year.
Shenandoah River Grand Basin Award– Justin and Kristi Schmidt
2022
Page County– Jeffery and Diane Buckley, Operator of Cedar Hill Farm
Rockingham County– Tim and Kathleen Wolfe, Operator of Wolfepack Farm
2021
Rockingham County– Cedar Ridge Dairy Inc., Weldon & James Heatwole
*Note: Only one award was given this year.
2020
Page County– Robert Cumbia, Operator of The L. M. Lawler Farm
Rockingham County– G. Glen and Arlene Reid & Family
2019
Rockingham County– Luke & Roberta Heatwole
*Note: Only one award was given this year.
2018
Page County– Big Oak Farm, Inc.
Rockingham County– Wil-Rich Farm, LLC
2017
Page County– Lindy Hill Farm c/o Cindy and Wes Lam
Rockingham County– Valley Pike Farm c/o The Lohr Family
2016
Page County– Triple R Luray Farm LLC c/o The Burkes
Rockingham County– Cherry Grove Farm LLC c/o Linden Heatwole
Shenandoah River Grand Basin Award– Cherry Grove Farm LLC c/o Linden Heatwole
2015
Page County– Clark Family c/o Nelson Clark
Rockingham County– Holsinger Homeplace Farms c/o James (Buck) Holsinger
Shenandoah River Grand Basin Award Winner– Holsinger Homeplace Farms c/o James (Buck) Holsinger
2014
Page County– Lucas Family Farm
Rockingham County– Bethel Bend Farm c/o Willis and Krystal Heatwole
Shenandoah River Grand Basin Award– Bethel Bend Farm c/o Willis and Krystal Heatwole
2013
Page County– Roger Houser
Rockingham County– Home Place Dairy c/o Sam Goering
2012
Rockingham County– Miller Farm c/o Craig & Nancy Miller
*Note: Only one award was given this year.
2011
Page County– Jerry Turner
Rockingham County– West Branch Dairy LLC c/o Clarke Eberly
2010
Page County– Eugene & Betty Fox
Rockingham County– Green Hills Farm c/o Larry Cupp
2009
Page County– EVP, LLC, The White House Farm & Big Oak Farm c/o Scott C. Plein
Rockingham County– Fox Run Farm c/o Ray J. “Buff” Showalter
2008
Page County–Valley Star Farm c/o David Thomas
Rockingham County– Rohrer Brothers Farm c/o George Rohrer
2007
Page County– Gary (Joe) & Cathy Alger
Rockingham County– Scott Funkhouser
2006
Page County– Yancey’s Dairy c/o Billy & Becky Yancy
Rockingham County– Grazeland Dairy c/o Philip Witmer
2005
Page County– Donnie Atwood
Rockingham County– John Barlow
2004
Page County– John Good
Rockingham County– Richard Morris
2003
Page County– The Burner Family, Charles & Allen Burner
Rockingham County– Clinton & Robert Hensley
2002
Page County– Julian & Patti Price
Rockingham County– W. D. Knicely Family Diary
2001
Page County– Bennie Cubbage & Barbara Kibler
Rockingham County– Mike & Susan Phillips
2000
Page County– David & Jay Foltz
Rockingham County– Dan & Janet King
1999
Page County– Donnie Dorrough
Rockingham County– Maple Lane Holsteins-c/o Mike Davis & Steve Kegley
1998
Page County– Tom & Jeff Jennings
Rockingham County– C.H. & Tom Beam
1997
Rockingham County– Cub Run Dairy c/o Gerald Heatwole
1996
Rockingham County– Peak Breeder Farm c/o Tom Burkholder & Donnie Landes
1995
Page County– H. Price Farms c/o Julian Price
1994
Rockingham County– Cecil “Sonny” Meyerhoeffer
1993
Rockingham County– Adams Farms Inc. c/o Nelson, Robert, and Donald Adams