The Recorder on April 23, 2026
Justin Rexrode, park manager of Hayfields State Park, shows students a variety of animal pelts. (Recorder photo by Becky Arcure)
MONTEREY – Last Friday April 17, the Highland County Public Schools’ FFA and 4-H chapters hosted Agriculture Day at the fairgrounds and a ribbon cutting for the new greenhouse.
Many exciting events were happening, including sheep shearing demonstrations, livestock petting zoo, how to milk a cow, hands on activities and educational exhibits. The grounds were full of both Bath and Highland County students, staff, and community members enjoying a beautiful day to learn more about agriculture.
Several businesses were set up and offering refreshments or hands-on activities, including Bath Community Hospital, Highland Medical Center, Rockingham Cooperative, Food is Medicine, Mountain Soil and Water Conservation District, Virginia Department of Forestry, Virginia Mobile Dairy, The Natural Spinner, and Hayfields State Park.
At 11 a.m., school superintendent Dr. Nick Nycum started the ribbon cutting ceremony for the new greenhouse.
“Thank you all for coming out today and this beautiful weather that we are having here today,” he said. Nycum said he looks forward to the day when healthy food grown on campus can regularly be offered in the schools.
4-H had trivia games for students to play. Pictured are Ben Hindman, 4-H agent, with Morgan Allen, and Jordan Alexander, 4-H members.
Nycum introduced special guest speaker Del. Chris Runion. “It’s a great day to see you all … I’m so happy to be here and I’m so proud of you all and your remarkable structure to learn something new and make a difference in your community,” Runion said.
Joe Guthrie, former commissioner of the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services was also on hand to offer congratulations. “I like how well Highland and Bath extension work together with 4-H and all are working well together for great youth organizations and youth leadership,” Guthrie said.
Brie Cox, CEO of Food is Medicine, said, “I’m grateful to be here with you all today. It’s incredible, you all are tremendous,” she said. She explained the Food is Medicine coalition’s mission to provide access to healthy meals and groceries free to community members regardless of their ability to pay.
Students participate in the “Part of a Plant” activity.
Nycum reminded those attending about the FFA plant sale scheduled for May 9 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
After the successful day, Nycum thanked all who contributed to its success. “The greenhouse ribbon cutting, Ag Day, and the Food is Medicine work all came together in a way that truly makes an impact on our students,” he said. “Our kids were able to experience hands-on learning, connect with real careers, and see how agriculture, health, and community all tie together in meaningful ways.
“We are incredibly grateful for the support of Bath Community Hospital, as well as the presence of Chris Runion and Joe Guthrie. A special thank you to Brie Cox for helping bring the Food is Medicine connection to life through her work supported by a Health Resources and Services Administration initiative,” he said.
Cox called the event “inspiring.”
“A small community like Highland doing all these wonderful things gives me hope for the region, and beyond,” she said.
Highland County students enjoy learning how to milk a cow. (Recorder photos by Becky Arcure)
Students enjoyed a snack while looking at the livestock petting zoo.
Children participate in the “Fleece to Wool” activity.
Students had great fun playing ball, one of several activities at Ag Day.
The group of speakers and students gathered after the ribbon was cut for the new greenhouse. (Recorder photos by Becky Arcure)
Bath Community Hospital handed out snacks at Ag Day at Highland County Public Schools. Pictured from left are: Katherine MacNab, April Hooker, Jane Russell, Lori Hicks, and Garret Crawford of BCH.
Joeseph Guthrie, who served as VDACS commissioner under former Gov. Glenn Youngkin, explained the importance of agriculture, especially now, as the movement for healthy eating has been active the last few years.
Del. Chris Runion congratulates the school and students at the ribbon cutting.