By Sarah Richardson
The West Virginia agricultural community is mourning the loss of one of its brightest young leaders, Trey Yates, who tragically passed away in a car accident on Sunday, June 1 at the age of 28. Known for his entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to local food systems, he leaves behind a legacy that has already transformed the state’s farming landscape.
Yates was the founder of Greenbrier Dairy and Creamery, a business he launched in his early twenties after studying Agricultural Economics at West Virginia University. Inspired by his upbringing in 4-H, Trey built his business not only to provide high-quality dairy products, but to offer jobs and to strengthen the region’s food economy.
He quickly became known for his churned butter, yogurt, and rolled ice cream, and he sold his products to schools, food banks, and markets across the state. In 2024, while still running his creamery, Trey joined the West Virginia Food & Farm Coalition to help others navigate the complexities of food production, manufacturing, and distribution. He supported his fellow farmers and played a pivotal role in launching Appalachian Cellar, a line of value-added West Virginia-made food products.
Trey’s influence extended far beyond the state’s borders. In early 2025, as USDA policy changes threatened small farms, he became an outspoken advocate, bringing national media attention to the challenges rural producers faced. His efforts were featured in outlets such as Reuters and the Washington Post.
In his honor, the West Virginia Food & Farm Coalition has launched the Trey Yates Legacy Fund, a grant program aimed at supporting young agricultural entrepreneurs.
“Trey’s dad, John, shared how frustrated Trey would get when he was turned down for loans just because of his age. The family wants to change that – for other young people with big dreams and the determination to make them real,” states the Coalition in a social media post. “In partnership with the Yates family, the West Virginia Food and Farm Coalition is honored to accept donations for the Trey Yates Legacy Fund. This fund will support grant opportunities for young farmers and food entrepreneurs across the state—helping to build the future Trey so strongly believed in.”
A representative from the Coalition said that Trey’s entrepreneurial spirit was always at the forefront of everything he did, and he was passionate about the industry. “The Trey Yates Legacy Fund is intended to continue to encourage and inspire, like Trey did,” she said. “Helping young people in agriculture get a leg-up financially that isn’t a loan will support them getting started. Whether that’s helping them purchase a high tunnel, or a greenhouse, just helping them get off the ground and get started.”
Donations to the Trey Yates Legacy Fund can be made online at www.wvfoodandfarm.org/treyyateslegacyfund.
A release from the Coalition shares one of Trey’s favorite stories: His favorite story was about how he, his father, and three senators spent weeks in a room working on the farm-to-school bill, which requires schools to spend at least five percent of their food budgets on local products. That moment made it clear, Trey wasn’t just dreaming, he was already doing the work. After telling the story, he grinned and said something that stuck with everyone who heard it:
“There’s a farmer on the state flag, even if nobody talks about him. He’s there.”
Trey’s heart for the agriculture community and his determination to make it better were undeniable. Looking through the many memorials shared in his honor, it’s clear that even he may not have realized how much he was already leading.
He didn’t just dream big, he followed through. He made things happen. He was, as he said, the farmer on the flag.
