In these Virginia Cooperative Extension Soil, Conservation, and Place videos, Mike Phillips of Valley View Farms reflects on systems thinking, care of the land, the history of his family farm, key mentors in his life, and his journey to bring the past forward, and the promise that farming still holds. Valley View Farms is a cow-calf rotational grazing farm owned by Mike and Susan Phillips in Rockingham County of the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Mike and Susan are great educators and advocates for land stewardship, soil health, natural resource conservation, and the present and future of agriculture.
Mike has been active in Future Farmers of America throughout his life and sees the importance of taking care of and improving the land and water resources he and Susan have on their farm. Rotational grazing, cover cropping, wildlife habitat, no-till, and soil health-building practices are foundational to the operation and care of the animals and land. Presently, Mike and Susan are working closely with Massanutten Technical Center and area schools and universities to provide a practical hands-on educational experience for students interested in farming, conservation, and agricultural careers. Mike and Susan are always looking for ways to give back and pass on the knowledge they have gained to others in the community and around the world.
Bringing the Past Forward – Mike Phillips of Valley View Farms. Accessible at Virginia Cooperative Extension’s YouTube channel at https://youtu.be/HyW858Hb12k