Gary Hornbaker Wins Highest Virginia Cattlemen’s Honor
Loudoun Economic Development is pleased to announce that Rural Resources Coordinator Gary Hornbaker has received the Martin F. Strate Industry Service Award from the Virginia Cattlemen’s Association. The award was conferred on Hornbaker at a surprise ceremony attended by a host of dignitaries, including Virginia Secretary of Agriculture Todd Haymore, Virginia Tech President Timothy Sands, and the Executive Director of the Virginia Cattlemen’s Association, Jason Carter.
In presenting the award to Hornbaker, Carter read an overview of Hornbaker’s achievements going back to his work as an animal science specialty extension agent with the Virginia Cooperative Extension Service in 1982. “He was one of the first extension agents to conduct multi-county beef education meetings,” Carter said.
“Perhaps Gary’s greatest service to the Virginia cattle industry – besides the producer education – is his representation of traditional agriculture to local, regional and state boards,” Carter continued. “He is currently serving his second governor appointment to the Virginia Soil and Water Conservation Board as a farmer representative.”
Hornbaker’s work on the board has helped develop stormwater regulations and agricultural best management practices for water pollution reduction.
“I’m honored and humbled to receive a service award for supporting and helping Virginia cattlemen. It’s what I enjoy doing, and to be recognized for that is very nice but unexpected,” Hornbaker said.
Loudoun Economic Development Director Buddy Rizer noted the importance of the beef and dairy industries to the economy. “Agriculture is Virginia’s largest industry, and has a $52 billion economic impact. The combined annual sales of cattle, calves and milk alone are $954,000,000.”
Rizer added that he’s pleased that Hornbaker’s work not only contributes to Loudoun’s economy, but to the entire state as well. Hornbaker has been part of the Loudoun Economic Development staff since 2003.
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