Front Cover of Virginia Farm Bureau News

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“Finally, I thought,… a statue in Richmond without controversy. No battle flags. No weapons. No color of skin. No connections with any causes except honesty, hard work and a God-fearing respect for the land.”

A statue honoring those who’ve contributed almost $79 billion annually to Virginia’s economy was unveiled last September at Virginia Farm Bureau’s headquarters in Goochland County. The bronze farmer stands in a field of early corn, gazing off into the distance as if contemplating the future of his crop.

“Without a doubt, now anyone walking through the door will know that we are an agricultural organization,” said President Wayne F. Pryor.

The idea to honor farmers stemmed from a Rockbridge County Farm Bureau resolution recommending some sort of tribute. The statue was sculpted by Matt Glenn, president of Big Statues Inc. in Provo, Utah. It is mounted on a base of Pennsylvania sandstone from Richmond-based Luck Stone Inc.

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