Loudoun County’s Hornbaker Honored by Cattlemen’s Association

Gary Hornbaker’s efforts in assisting and growing the region’s cattle industry were honored at the 10th annual Blue Ridge Cattlemen’s Association meeting held at Whitestone Farm in Aldie. Hornbaker, Loudoun County’s rural resources coordinator and the founder of the Cattlemen’s Association, was presented with an award for his decade of work.

“The Cattlemen’s Association began with a meeting of just 18 members a decade ago, sitting on hay bales talking about the industry, and has grown to over 150 registered members and 220 attendees at our annual meeting,” Hornbaker said. “This regional group is very diverse, from large purebred cattle operations selling the best genetic lines in the world, all the way to part-time farmers with just a few cows.”

Loudoun’s agricultural industries contribute an estimated $69 million per year to the county’s economy. In addition to cattle, Loudoun agricultural producers include wineries, grape growers, tree growers, bee keepers and equine-related businesses.

Prior to working for economic development, Hornbaker served for 22 years as Loudoun County’s agricultural extension agent. He is also a governor-appointed member of the Virginia Soil and Water Conservation Board. Hornbaker farms more than 900 acres and raises more than 140 head of Angus cattle and other livestock annually.

“We’re all very proud of the work that Gary has done in support of Loudoun’s rural economy,” said Loudoun Economic Development Director Buddy Rizer. “As has been evidenced by our rural business strategy, a healthy rural economy reduces county infrastructure costs and contributes to the high quality of life enjoyed by Loudoun residents.”

The Blue Ridge Cattlemen’s Association is a nonprofit organization that represents all aspects of the cattle industry in Loudoun, Clarke, Fauquier and Jefferson Counties. For more information about Loudoun’s thriving rural economy, visit biz.loudoun.gov.