The State Fair of West Virginia and the West Virginia Farm Bureau are pleased to present the 11th annual Farming Heritage Award to the Johnston family from Lewisburg. Eight generations of the Johnston family have continued farming operations through hard work, dedication, strength, endurance and love of the land.
Anthony Rader first settled in the Greenbrier Valley in 1794, with the original deed being of record in the Greenbrier County Courthouse in Deed Book No. 1. The farm was the original site of Fort Donnally and is a part of Greenbrier County’s history.
The last four generations are currently showing, or have previously shown, livestock all over the United States. This has enabled them to meet and make new friends and acquaintances, and travel to new places. For the present generation, it has opened doors for agricultural related occupations, educational choices and numerous scholarships.
The Farming Heritage Award is sponsored by the State Fair of West Virginia and West Virginia Farm Bureau and is presented to a worthy family demonstrating a commitment to a rural lifestyle, involvement in their community and serving as role models to others in the state of West Virginia.
A ceremony will be held honoring the Johnston family Thursday, Aug. 18, during Governor’s Day at the 2016 State Fair. The family will also be treated to a day at the fair, including overnight accommodations, free admission, and preferred parking, as well as a Natural Stone Sign award for indoor or outdoor display.
For more information on the Farming Heritage Awards, contact Kimberly Dillon at 304-645-1090 or Joan Harman at 304-472-2080 ext. 306.
For more information about the State Fair, visit www.statefairofwv.com, and for more information on West Virginia Farm Bureau visit www.wvfarm.org.