farm and land
LEAD
ERS APPEAR
in many forms STORY AND PHOTOS BY ANDREA HAINES | TRADITIONALLY, LEADERS ARE VIEWED AS A BOSS OR PEER, FOR OTHERS IT’S
REVEALED IN DECADES OF FAMILY MENTORS. FOR THE SNAPP FAMILY OF WEST OAKS FARM IN WINCHESTER, VIRGINIA, THE OPPORTUNITY TO “STEP UP TO THE PLATE” HAS BEEN WELCOMED AND FRUITFUL.
Joe Snapp and his wife, Mary, are
aspirants to “step up to the plate.”“My
RGETTABL FO N UNJoe. “It is my dream to be able E Acomments
the ninth generation to harvest the
philosophy is similar with my children,”
bounty from the family’s land, making their three children (Ben, Levi, and
is apparent, signs of a close-knit family, but are “all business” when it comes to talking agriculture.
friendly face to watch my children take the reins as I
West Oaks Farm has made some
Tesla) the tenth generation. The farm’s
‘fade away’, a smooth transition. I think
transitions over the last few years,
stewards have been raising Angus cattle,
that’s what every parent wants. It takes
growing from their original farm market
growing apples, peaches, strawberries,
a lot of work and commitment, though,”
stand to what is now a large-scale
and other fruit, along with row crops, a
he says with a smile. The commitment
market and event center. “I think serving
farm market, and are invested in their
he’s referring to is not only dedication
on the board has helped our family
children’s success for an agricultural-
to a task, but the promise that he is
think out of the box,” explains Joe. “I’ve
totally transparent with his leadership
been able to see how other members
based future if they choose to pursue a similar path. After sorting through those “day-to-day” activities, Joe also serves on various committees and boards in
F E O F G I V I N G TO I L Aroles so that his children (or younger
agriculture
choose to do business, visit other farms
board members) are privy to the same
and markets, which encouraged my
resources he’s utilized to gain the
wife and me to do our research. Farm
knowledge he’s accrued over the years.
Credit has helped with our investment
addition to his role on the farm. The
“Some parents don’t share
role he serves as a MidAtlantic Farm
everything with their kids,” says Levi.
now.” The market is open to the public
Credit director comes naturally to Joe,
“We’re lucky, we get to be involved in
for purchasing produce, pick-your-own
according to his family. “I’ve had the privilege of watching him serve in
from the planning stages to what we are
TO T H E F U T strawberries in the summer, and school N I G I Nway, whatever happens.” Joe notes U field trips. “We plan on going further this E offering farm-animal observation, F LYthat he had a similar relationship with Rand the process, and I feel more prepared
of agriculture
various leadership roles,” shares Levi.
“Both of my parents are strong advisors
his father. “I feel like I took more interest
interactive demonstrations for visitors,
to my siblings and me. I’ve watched
in the farm when I was more invested in
and farm-to-table choices for our guests
him serve our church, Farm Bureau, and
the procedures and changes,” adds Joe.
to come and picnic at our eating area,”
feed cooperative (Southern States). It’s
The same concept applies to their oldest
explains Levi.
been encouraging for us to follow in his
son, Ben. “Our father has also allowed
footsteps and reach for those leadership
us to choose our own path,” shares Ben.
All of this would possibly seem like a
U R A L L E A D E dream without the support and financial T L U roles within our FFA and 4-H groups.” planning brought forth by participation I C handles much of the marketing, R S H R“Levi G For years, Joe has been encouraging onIforward-thinking committees and A products, and public relations. I am P
shifting economic megatrends
others through his work. “I enjoy
happy working with the retail side of
boards. “I’m always for programs and
working on the Farm Credit Board of
our orchards, fields, and with the cattle.”
business ventures that will sustain the
Directors,” says Joe. He has worked on the
The couple’s daughter, Tesla is also
land and spark new growth in our young
governance committee, and is always
involved in 4-H and FFA showing beef
people,” shares Joe. “I’m glad to have the
encouraging new directors and potential
and swine. The siblings’ friendly jeering
opportunity to serve.”
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| VOLUME 24 | ISSUE 1 | mafc.com
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