Supporting Virginia's Livestock Exhibitors One Feed Bucket at a Time

For many Virginia families, county fair season is about much more than rides, games and funnel cakes. It’s a chance for young people to showcase months of hard work and care for their animals.

For more than 15 years, Rockingham Insurance has been proud to support these young livestock exhibitors by donating feed buckets at fairs across Virginia, and it’s a tradition our agents look forward to every year.

In 2026 alone, we proudly handed out 1,178 feed buckets to exhibitors at 13 fairs across the commonwealth.

Supporting the next generation of exhibitors

Livestock projects take plenty of time and commitment. Young exhibitors are responsible for feeding, grooming and caring for their animals, often spending months preparing for their moment in the show ring.

Providing feed buckets is a small but practical way for Rockingham Insurance to support these exhibitors and recognize the work they put into their projects.

Longtime Rockingham Insurance agent Mark Thompson, who now serves on the Rockingham Insurance Service Agency (RISA) team, has been part of the feed bucket distribution since the initiative began more than 15 years ago.

“Everyone I give a bucket to really appreciates it, because it’s useful and practical,” Thompson said.  “It’s durable and can last for years, so the kids really look forward to getting one. Honestly, even the adults want one! I enjoy helping distribute the buckets every year, and I think it’s great that we’ve continued expanding the program to more fairs across the state.”

In 2026, Rockingham Insurance distributed buckets at:

• Orange County Fair

• Madison County Fair

• Augusta County Fair

• Warren County Fair

• Louisa County Fair

• Albemarle County Fair

• Clarke County Fair

• Rockingham County Fair

• Page County Fair

• Shenandoah County Fair

• Highland County Fair

• Bedford County Fair

• Rockbridge County Fair

A Virginia tradition worth supporting

The feed bucket program also gives Rockingham Insurance agents a reason to get out from behind their desks and into the fairgrounds.

For agents like Thompson, being part of the tradition year after year makes the experience especially rewarding.

“It’s something we all look forward to,” Thompson said. “It’s a great opportunity to get out in the community, see our customers and meet new people while supporting these kids and the work they’ve put into their animals.”

County fairs give young livestock exhibitors an opportunity to showcase their hard work and the lessons they’ve learned along the way, and Rockingham Insurance is proud to play a small part in that experience.

Protecting what matters on the farm

Rockingham Insurance’s commitment to Virginia’s agricultural community extends beyond the county fair.

For farmers and livestock owners, protecting your property, equipment, animals and livelihood is a key part of preparing for the unexpected. Farm insurance can help provide coverage tailored to the unique needs of agricultural operations.

Whether you operate a working farm, raise livestock or have other agricultural property,  make sure your insurance coverage fits your operation.

Learn more about farm insurance from Rockingham Insurance and explore coverage options for your farm and agricultural property.

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