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The 18th annual Mc-Cormick Farm Mill Day will be held this Saturday, Oct. 5, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the farm’s Virginia Tech Shenandoah Valley Agricultural Research and Extension Center.
This year marks the 193rd anniversary of the invention of the McCormick Reaper. This invention started the mechanical revolution in agriculture and forever changed production agriculture around the world.
The main attraction of Mill Day will be the operation of the McCormick grist mill. Built in the late 1700s, the mill has been fully restored to working order. Glenn Wilson of Raphine will be on hand to operate the mill and answer questions about historical milling and the mechanical operation of the mill.
Music will be provided by Pat Cantrell & Band. The Raphine Volunteer Fire Company will be offering its legendary barbecue chicken. Hikers can enjoy the Marl Creek Interpretive Trail and its fall scenery, including a meadow with native plants for pollinators. There will be educational activities for school-age children. Attendees will be able to enjoy a hayride through the research farm, witnessing modern day innovation in beef cattle production practices.
The farm is located off of Interstate 81’s Exit 205, between Steeles Tavern and Raphine on Raphine Road, at 128 McCormick Farm Circle.
