Burning in Virginia Traditional Agriculture

Burning in the early spring is one of the oldest traditions in agriculture. Charles E Strother of Valley View Farm next to Sky Meadows State Park in Northern Virginia, follows the traditional agricultural practices of his father Eddie, burning his fields every year in March. Charles explains why he burns, and shows how he prepares by first carefully burning the perimeter of the field. During March Fauquier County burning laws permit fires only after 4PM. Consequently the big burns occur ...