GSF in the news
Pamela Jones and Sarah Obuchowicz stand in one of their greenhouses at their Middleburg area farm. Both have young children they are raising while managing their business, which often means doing chores with the kids nearby.
Loudoun Now
Ag Census: Small Farms on the Rise While Acreage Falls Across Virginia
A drive down Rt. 15 toward Middleburg or along Snickersville Turnpike on the way to Bluemont serves as a reminder that a majority of Loudoun used to be dairy and cattle farms. The most recent agricultural census shows that while Virginia as a whole continues to see a decline in farms and farming acreage, Loudoun has seen an increase in small farms over the past five years.
From 2017, when the last census was conducted, through the 2022 when the just relreased census was conducted, the number of small farms in Loudoun, ranging from 10 to 49 acres, grew by nearly 20%— increasing from 668 farms to 806— even though the county’s overall farm acreage decreased by 10% during that same period.
Sarah & Pam hold chickens, the cuddliest feathered farm animal
Northern Virginia Magazine
Two women, a dietitian and a Paralympian, start a beyond-organic farm in Middleburg
“‘It started raining sideways. Can I call you back?’
This is life on the farm, the new reality for Pamela Jones and Sarah Waybright, who are turning a former Middleburg horse pasture into Gathering Springs Farm.
The two were out in the field, Jones on a tractor, Waybright ducking for cover as she discussed their plans for not only creating a beyond-organic farm, but one employing regenerative soil management to boost the health of the land…”
Pam seeds a row of beets while Sarah flame weeds in the background.
Loudoun Now
Duo to Sell Organic Produce, Educate Community at Gathering Springs Farm
“A dietitian and professional athlete’s love for fresh and healthy food has translated into a partnership that not only will feed the community with all kinds of organic produce, but also an education on what goes into the process.
Starting next month, friends Pam Jones and Sarah Waybright will begin selling produce at the Middleburg Farmers Market—produce they have harvested on their Gathering Springs Farm four miles north of the town using an intensive growing system with techniques like flame weeding and regenerative soil management. The duo will bring arugula, spinach, radishes, beats, scallions and assorted Asian greens…”
Visit Loudoun:
celebrating loudoun's women in agriculture
This Women's History Month, Visit Loudoun is celebrating Loudoun's female farmers. Take a listen to what these inspiring women have to say about working in agriculture!
Middleburg Life
Gathering Springs Farm has a certain dreaminess. There’s a peacefulness that won’t be found in bustling cities or busy streets. Being there makes you wonder if this is the way we were meant to live: under the sun, dirt in our nails, grounded by the earth, surrounded by nature.
