Sunflower Sunday Brings Educational Agricultural Experience to Shenandoah Valley Farm

On Sunny Slope Farm partners with Virginia Tech to offer hands-on soil health demonstrations and sunflower field tours

ROCKINGHAM, VA – August 23, 2026 – On Sunny Slope Farm will host Sunflower Sunday on August 23, 2026, from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience agricultural science firsthand while enjoying the natural beauty of the Shenandoah Valley. The event will feature interactive demonstrations, guided field tours, and educational exhibits focused on soil health and sustainable farming practices.

Presented in partnership with Virginia Tech’s School of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Center for Food Systems and Community Transformation, and the Virginia Soil Health Coalition through the 4 the Soil initiative, Sunflower Sunday invites families, gardeners, educators, and the broader community to explore the connection between healthy soil, thriving plants, and vibrant ecosystems.

“We’re excited to bring this educational experience to the Valley,” said Harry Jarrett, owner of On Sunny Slope Farm. “Sunflower Sunday shows people of all ages how the science of soil directly affects what we grow and how we protect our natural resources.”

The event will feature multiple interactive stations designed to engage visitors of all ages:

• Soil Your Undies – Compare cotton underwear buried under different management systems and discover how soil biology influences decomposition and overall soil health.
• Rainfall Simulator – See how different soil management practices affect water infiltration, runoff, and erosion.
• Hands-On Soil Health – Become a soil detective by matching soil samples to different management systems using clues like color, structure, roots, and aggregation.
• Sunflower Field Tours with Soil Health Demonstrations – Take a guided walk through the sunflower field and see soil health principles in action.
• Soil Learning Hub – Explore educational resources, meet participating organizations, and learn about soil health programs across Virginia.

Visitors will have the opportunity to pick their own sunflowers, walk through the flowering fields, and engage directly with Virginia Tech educators and extension specialists. The event combines agricultural education with recreation, making it accessible and engaging for families, school groups, and anyone interested in sustainable farming practices.

“Soil health is foundational to food security, water quality, and ecosystem resilience,” said a representative of Virginia Tech’s School of Plant and Environmental Sciences. “Events like Sunflower Sunday help build community understanding of why soil science matters, and how each of us can contribute to healthier landscapes.”

Event Details:

Event: Sunflower Sunday on Sunny Slope Farm

Date: August 23, 2026

Time: 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Location: On Sunny Slope Farm, 1825 Sunny Slope Lane, Rockingham, VA 22801

Contact: 540-830-0380 or onsunnyslopefarm.com

Admission is free and open to the public.

About On Sunny Slope Farm

Established in 1828, On Sunny Slope Farm is a historic agricultural property nestled in the Shenandoah Valley near Harrisonburg, Virginia. Today, the farm serves as a wedding and events venue while maintaining its agricultural roots and commitment to sustainable land stewardship. The farm’s owners are dedicated to preserving the property’s heritage, stewarding its natural resources, and creating opportunities for community education and engagement around farming, food, and environmental conservation.

About the Virginia Tech Partnership

The 4 the Soil initiative, the Virginia Soil Health Coalition, and Virginia Center for Food Systems and Community Transformation at Virginia Tech are dedicated to advancing soil health, sustainable agriculture, and community food systems across Virginia. Virginia Cooperative Extension brings research-based education to communities throughout the Commonwealth. Through these partnerships, Virginia Tech extends university resources to support farmers, gardeners, and community members in building healthier soils and more resilient food systems.

Participating Organizations

Virginia Tech School of Plant and Environmental Sciences (SPES) – The School of Plant and Environmental Sciences at Virginia Tech advances research, teaching, and Extension programs in agriculture, soils, crops, environmental science, and sustainable land management. Visitors can learn how science supports healthy soils, productive farms, and resilient landscapes.

Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) – Virginia Cooperative Extension connects university research with communities across the Commonwealth by providing research-based education and resources in agriculture, natural resources, youth development, family and consumer sciences, and community vitality.

Virginia Soil Health Coalition (VSHC) – The Virginia Soil Health Coalition is a statewide partnership dedicated to advancing soil health through education, outreach, collaboration, and farmer-led conservation. The Coalition works to improve soil health across Virginia’s agricultural, urban, and natural landscapes.

Virginia Center for Food Systems and Community Transformation (VCFSCT) – The Virginia Center for Food Systems and Community Transformation brings together researchers, educators, community organizations, and industry partners to strengthen Virginia’s food system through research, education, and collaborative solutions that support healthy communities, resilient agriculture, and thriving local food systems.

4 the Soil Initiative – 4 the Soil is a statewide educational initiative that promotes four core principles of soil health: keep the soil covered, minimize disturbance, maximize living roots, and energize with diversity. Through podcasts, videos, publications, demonstrations, and educational events, 4 the Soil helps farmers, landowners, educators, and community members understand and adopt soil health practices.