DOSWELL, Va. — Virginia’s biggest agricultural field day is heading back to Caroline County this summer, with cutting-edge farm technology, crop research, and live demonstrations all on the agenda.
The 2026 VA AG EXPO is scheduled for July 30 at The Meadow Event Park in Doswell, running from 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. The event is being organized in partnership with Engle Family Farms.
Billed as Virginia’s largest agricultural field day, the traveling trade show typically draws around 1,000 attendees, including farmers, researchers, agribusiness professionals, and students. This year’s lineup includes approximately 100 exhibitors showcasing agricultural technology, machinery, crops, products, and services.
Virginia Farm Bureau President Scott Sink described the event’s broader purpose: “The EXPO showcases what we do in agriculture. It’s a way for people to see how crops are doing, learn about nutrients, and a way for everyone to network and share their knowledge with each other.”
Each year, the EXPO partners with a different working farm to highlight the state’s agricultural diversity. This year, the Engle family — who farm land surrounding The Meadow — will share their multi-generational agricultural story with visitors. Attendees can learn about their production of corn, soybeans, wheat, barley, sorghum, and rapeseed.
Event organizer Jeff Whitaker noted that both large and small-scale farmers “will have the opportunity to explore precision agriculture tools, variable-rate fertility management, drone technology, weed identification displays and current crop research” throughout the day.
A key feature of the event is the Advanced Agronomy Education Area, co-hosted by the Virginia Cooperative Extension Service and the Natural Resources Conservation Service, where Virginia agronomy and natural resource experts will lead hands-on learning sessions.
Among the educational exhibits, the Virginia Soil Health Coalition will conduct demonstrations including rainfall simulations, soil slake tests, and root box displays. Interactive exhibits will also cover soybean processing, cover crops, plant diagnostics, insect management, and farmer-led conservation practices.
Crop test plots and variety trials involving corn, soybeans, cotton, small grains, and biochar have also been planted. Whitaker said guests will be able to speak directly with specialists about research methods, findings, and ongoing studies aimed at improving agricultural productivity, profitability, and environmental stewardship.
One notable change from past years: most exhibits and programming will be held indoors at The Meadow’s Farm Bureau Center, which Sink said will create more networking opportunities for both exhibitors and attendees. Visitors can also learn about Farm Bureau programs, services, and upcoming events.
Food vendors will be on-site serving breakfast and lunch, and the Children’s Museum of Richmond will host a dedicated kids’ area to keep younger visitors engaged.
“They always provide a fun environment for our future farmers,” Whitaker said.
The annual event is sponsored by the Virginia Grain Producers Association and the Virginia Soybean Association, with cooperation from Extension and support from Virginia’s corn, soybean, and small grain checkoff boards.
Admission and parking are both free. For more information, exhibitor details, and event updates, visit vaagexpo.com.
