Loudoun County has a long and rich tradition of producing prized beef breeding stock and cattle to be fed in commercial feedlots. The rolling hills, clean water, and abundant grasses make Loudoun County a perfect setting for raising beef cattle. According to the latest Virginia Agriculture Statistics, Loudoun ranked 11th in the state for beef cow numbers.
The Loudoun Cattlemen’s Association was formed in 2004 to promote the production and tradition of raising beef cattle in and around Loudoun County. The Association was formed with 18 members representing 2,600 head of cattle.
In 2008 the Board of Directors voted to change the name of the Association to Blue Ridge Cattlemen’s Association. This change was done in response to the increased membership (80 + members in 2008), and interest from cattle producers in surrounding counties to participate in the educational and promotional activities offered through the Association.
The Association is open to all cattle producers and persons interested in the cattle business. Loudoun Department of Economic Development and Loudoun Cooperative Extension provide the basis of support to the Association, with additional support from the Economic Development and Cooperative Extension offices in Fauquier,Clarke, and Jefferson counties.
Annual dues of $35.00 are used to support educational programs and trips, promotion of the local beef industry, and Association meetings and events. The Association has a new website featuring information on cattle production, purchasing freezer beef, animals for sale, a classified directory of supplies available, and a calendar of beef related activities.
The Association website provides information about the local cattle industry, hints on buying a freezer beef, lists sources of breeding stock, and a calendar of beef related activities. The Association has quarterly educational meetings hosted by Association members. Annual trips to regional shows and cattle related businesses are sponsored during the winter months.
For more information on the Blue Ridge Cattlemens Association, go to their website or contact Gary Hornbaker.
