Forgotten Fields Project

 In this return visit with Carmen Hambrick of Fincastle Farm, we talk about what the land has taught her over the past few years. From early challenges to unexpected joys, Carmen shares the hard-won lessons of running an agribusiness—how she’s adapted, overcome, and carved out a meaningful space in the local food system. Her story is one of grit, grace, and the quiet power of persistence. 

In this episode, we sit down with Dr. Megan Seibel—Director of Virginia Agriculture Leaders Obtaining Results (VALOR), Co-Founder of the Center for Cooperative Problem Solving, and Senior Extension Specialist at Virginia Tech—to shed some light on the increasingly buzzy concept of agrivoltaics.

What exactly is solar farming? Can agriculture and energy production truly share the same soil—or is one bound to crowd the other out? Dr. Seibel helps us navigate the brilliance and the blind spots: the economic incentives, the ecological impacts, and the broader implications for farmers and our future.

In this episode, we’re joined by Dr. Parkhurst, Associate Professor of Wildlife Science at Virginia Tech, to explore the elusive and often misunderstood world of coyotes. From their incredible adaptability and complex social behavior to their growing presence in both rural and urban landscapes, Dr. Parkhurst sheds light on how these canids have successfully spread across the Commonwealth, and what that means for farmers and ecosystems. We discuss their impact on agriculture, common misconceptions, and how humans can best coexist with one of nature’s most resourceful survivors. In the end, understanding the coyote may reveal less about the animal and more about ourselves. 

Double the meteorologists, double the fun? 

This week on Forgotten Fields, we’re talking about the recent freezing temperatures and what they mean for the farm—because nothing says "spring is coming" quite like ice-covered everything. Robin Reed is joined by fellow weather expert, Chief Meteorologist Brent Watts of WDBJ7, to break down the cold snap, compare methods, and discuss weather patterns. Tune in for farm talk, weather wisdom, and a fun conversation about the forces that shape our fields.

In this festive holiday special, Robin and Tara bring you a heartwarming farm-themed story that reminds us to find peace and beauty amidst the hustle and bustle of life. Enjoy the lively sounds of a spirited fiddle session performed by the talented Geoff White of Roanoke Fiddle Lessons, and join us in celebrating the close of another incredible year. It's an episode filled with joy, reflection, and the timeless magic of the season. 

In this episode, two prominent and respected members of Botetourt County— Anita Firebaugh and John Alderson— take us on a journey through our rich past, sharing historical and personal stories from the early days that shaped the region we know today. As they recount the challenges, triumphs, and milestones that laid the foundation for the county’s future, we pose the question: "Have you forgotten?" Join us for a reflection on how the past continues to influence the present—and why remembering it matters. 

Does the early nerd get the worm? We dabble in the old myths of winter weather prediction tied to the curious and fuzzy wooly worm caterpillar. 

What in the world is a hail cannon and can it save crops from destruction? Tara asks Robin his opinion on this supersonic superstition.

Plus, learn about a weather program in which you can easily participate from home and share your own data to improve our weather calculations!

Good gourd! Hear about Robin’s walk of shame and lessons learned from his first pumpkin harvest, weird weather and its recent effects, and a new upcoming series in which we’ll feature the area's legacy farming families. 

Join us as we discuss how Botetourt County farmers have stepped up to meet the needs of Southwest Virginia and North Carolina residents following the devastating impacts of Hurricane Helene. Courtney Henderson of Cave Hill Dairy shares how she and the community have organized a donation drive to support the relief efforts, supplying food and comfort to affected farmers and families. 

Meet Carmen Hambrick—the owner and operator of Fincastle Farm, LLC—as she takes us on her journey from the board room to the brood room. How does she raise and process chickens on her family farm, and is it all what it's cracked up to be?