Agriculture in Our County

Fauquier County is an escape from the bustle of Northern Virginia, stretching westward to the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains. The scenic countryside of this county, only 45 miles southwest of Washington, D.C., has 1,344 farms, according to the latest census of agriculture.

Fauquier County is in the heart of horse and wine country. About 6,231 horses and ponies are raised here and compete every year in steeplechase races and shows. Several vineyards and wineries in the county offer tours and tastings. The county also hosts statewide wine festivals.

Fauquier was ranked among the top five counties for beef cattle in the state in 2002. There are more than 51,000 head of cattle in the county. A number of farmers also raise hogs and pigs and sheep and lambs.

Large amounts of grains are also harvested in Fauquier County, including corn, wheat and soybeans. Hay acreage in 2002 exceeded 47,000.