Farmer of the Year, Volunteer of the Year, Program Assistant of the Year, Star, and Outstanding Leadership award recipients recognized.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: November 11, 2022

Contact: Michelle Burchett, Content Manager/Writer & Editor, 804-524-6966, mburchett@vsu.edu

PORTSMOUTH, Va— More than 200 people gathered at the 2022 Small Farm Outreach Program’s annual conference, “Farming in Challenging Times,” at the Renaissance Hotel in Portsmouth. They participated in farm tours, learned from panel discussions, networked and celebrated the SFOP and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service award winners as follows:  

SFOP Farmer of the Year: Luke Hallman, Riverside Produce Farm, King William County, Va.

Volunteer of the Year: Clifton Slade, Slade Farms, Surry, Va. 

Program Assistant of the Year: Grace Summers, state program assistant. 

Star Award: Alston Hilliard, Randolph Farm unit coordinator/on-farm demonstrations.

USDA NRCS 2022 Minority Farmer of the Year: Thelonius Cook, Mighty Thundercloud Edible Forest, Northampton, Va.

“All of these award-winners are outstanding individuals who set a high bar of achievement and are an excellent example for others to follow, especially our Program Assistant of the Year and Star recipients,” said William Crutchfield, SFOP director at Virginia State University. “Luke Hallman built a successful, sustainable farm in 10 short years, demonstrating that anything is possible with belief, knowledge and hard work. Clifton Slade is a former Extension vegetable specialist for Southeast Virginia and a seasoned farmer whose volunteer service is commendable. Grace Summers is recognized by the USDA and her colleagues for her expertise in high-tech high tunnels and how she shares her knowledge in a manner that farmers can appreciate and understand. Alston Hilliard is a fine young man who went from being a student intern during his undergrad years at VSU to returning to the College of Agriculture as the Randolph Farm unit coordinator for on-farm demonstrations.”

The USDA NRCS 2022 Minority Farmer of the Year award highlights the accomplishments of historically underserved producers who are outstanding stewards of the land and promote conservation in their communities. 

“NRCS shares Mr. Cook’s passion for preserving the culture and heritage of indigenous peoples and supporting resilient local food systems,” said Dr. Edwin Martinez Martinez, NRCS' state conservationist for Virginia. “We are pleased to partner with Virginia State University to recognize this outstanding producer for his stewardship accomplishments.”

As a beginning farmer, Cook learned from VSU SFOP workshops and field days. He now passes his knowledge to the next generation.

The conference took a surprise twist when Crutchfield was asked to step aside from the podium, and the SFOP Advisory Board presented him with its Outstanding Leadership Award. Noticeably moved and deeply grateful, Crutchfield was at a loss for words. “You got me good,” he said to a standing ovation. 

Virginia State University College of Agriculture, which oversees Virginia Cooperative Extension, Academics and Research applauds the 2022 SFOP and  NRCS award winners.

“I want to congratulate all the award winners for their outstanding accomplishments and continued service to or involvement with the Small Farm Outreach Program,“ said Dr. Robert N. Corley III, interim dean/1890 Extension Administrator of Virginia State University’s College of Agriculture and vice provost for Academic and Student Affairs. “GREATER HAPPENS HERE at the College of Agriculture through Extension efforts like SFOP. I’d especially like to thank William Crutchfield for his outstanding service, dedication and leadership. He transformed SFOP from a fledgling program to a thriving, impactful one that not only serves the entire Commonwealth of Virginia but also serves parts of North Carolina and Maryland—which is extraordinary for an Extension program. It is fitting that he should be recognized and honored.”