Leaders Appear in Many Forms

STORY AND PHOTOS BY ANDREA HAINES | TRADITIONALLY, LEADERS ARE VIEWED AS A BOSS OR PEER, FOR OTHERS IT’SREVEALED 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 the ninth generation to harvest the bounty from the family’s land, making their three children (Ben, Levi, and Tesla) the tenth generation. The farm’s stewards have been raising Angus cattle, growing apples, peaches, strawberries, and other fruit, along with row crops, a farm market, and are invested in their children’s success for an agriculturalbased 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 addition to his role on the farm. The role he serves as a MidAtlantic Farm Credit director comes naturally to Joe, according to his family. “I’ve had the privilege of watching him serve in various leadership roles,” shares Levi. “Both of my parents are strong advisors to my siblings and me. I’ve watched him serve our church, Farm Bureau, and feed cooperative (Southern States). It’s been encouraging for us to follow in his footsteps and reach for those leadership roles within our FFA and 4-H groups.”

For years, Joe has been encouraging others through his work. “I enjoy working on the Farm Credit Board of Directors,” says Joe. He has worked on the governance committee, and is always encouraging new directors and potential aspirants to “step up to the plate.” “My philosophy is similar with my children,” comments Joe. “It is my dream to be able to watch my children take the reins as I ‘fade away’, a smooth transition. I think that’s what every parent wants. It takes a lot of work and commitment, though,” he says with a smile. The commitment he’s referring to is not only dedication to a task, but the promise that he is totally transparent with his leadership roles so that his children (or younger board members) are privy to the same resources he’s utilized to gain the knowledge he’s accrued over the years.

“Some parents don’t share everything with their kids,” says Levi. “We’re lucky, we get to be involved in the process, and I feel more prepared this way, whatever happens.” Joe notes that he had a similar relationship with his father. “I feel like I took more interest in the farm when I was more invested in the procedures and changes,” adds Joe. The same concept applies to their oldest son, Ben. “Our father has also allowed us to choose our own path,” shares Ben. “Levi handles much of the marketing, products, and public relations. I am happy working with the retail side of our orchards, fields, and with the cattle.” The couple’s daughter, Tesla is also involved in 4-H and FFA showing beef and swine. The siblings’ friendly jeering is apparent, signs of a close-knit family, but are “all business” when it comes to talking agriculture.

West Oaks Farm has made some transitions over the last few years, growing from their original farm market stand to what is now a large-scale market and event center. “I think serving on the board has helped our family think out of the box,” explains Joe. “I’ve been able to see how other members choose to do business, visit other farms and markets, which encouraged my wife and me to do our research. Farm Credit has helped with our investment from the planning stages to what we are now.” The market is open to the public for purchasing produce, pick-your-own strawberries in the summer, and school field trips. “We plan on going further and offering farm-animal observation, interactive demonstrations for visitors, and farm-to-table choices for our guests to come and picnic at our eating area,” explains Levi.

All of this would possibly seem like a dream without the support and financial planning brought forth by participation on forward-thinking committees and boards. “I’m always for programs and business ventures that will sustain the land and spark new growth in our young people,” shares Joe. “I’m glad to have the opportunity to serve.”

WEST OAKS FARM IS MUCH LIKE ANY OTHER FAMILY-RUN ESTABLISHMENT. EACH MEMBER OF THE SNAPP FAMILY PLAYS A LARGE ROLE IN THE SUCCESS OF THE FARM. DAILY COMMUNICATION, CHORES, AND OVERSEEING PLANTS, ANIMALS, AND EMPLOYEES ARE JUST A FEW OF THE TASKS AT HAND. JOE’S WIFE, MARY, MANAGES MOST OF THE MARKET AND PROMOTIONAL WORK WITH THEIR SON LEVI. JOE SHARES HIS KNOWLEDGE OF THE ORCHARD AND LIVESTOCK WITH HIS THREE CHILDREN, ALL PAST AND CURRENT MEMBERS OF FFA AND 4-H PROGRAMS. FOR A VISIT, FIND THEM AT WESTOAKSFARM-MARKET.COM.