ALBEMARLE COUNTY, VA (RealVirginia) — In Virginia, spring is bringing more than warmer weather.
Two family farms are turning fields of tulips into seasonal destinations, drawing visitors from across the region and creating a new way to connect agriculture with the community.
At Chiles Peach Orchard in Albemarle County, Henry Chiles and his sister, Ally Whitmer, are carrying on a family farming legacy that spans more than 100 years.
Just over the Blue Ridge Mountains in Augusta County, thousands of tulips are also helping continue the legacy of Bill Patterson’s family operation, Endless View Farms.
Their biggest weekend is expected to draw more than 1,500 visitors, all coming out to see the tulips in full bloom.
Both families say much of the work for this year’s festival began last fall, long before the first flowers opened in the spring.
Singer-songwriter and RanchHER Clare Dunn reflects on the importance of National FFA Week, her time in FFA, and her commitment to advocating for agriculture and rural issues.
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FFA Western Region Vice President Jael Cruikshank talks about the importance of community service and how National FFA Organization members are making a difference in their communities during National FFA Week.
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National FFA Secretary Lilly Nyland talks about the significance of National FFA Week, member engagement, and the influence FFA continues to have on students nationwide.
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Mason McGuire with the San Angelo Stock Show & Rodeo Association recaps this year’s event and looks ahead to the premium sale in April.
February 19, 2026 02:20 PM
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University of Nebraska President Dr. Jeffrey Gold discusses the ongoing measles outbreak in the United States and the importance of vaccination awareness on this week’s Rural Health Matters.
February 18, 2026 01:58 PM
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Farmer Ed Bell shares how AGRAbility helped him return to his family’s strawberry farm and inspire resilience, legacy, and hope in rural life.
February 17, 2026 03:12 PM
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