Situated on the rolling mountainside of the Rush Fork valley in southwestern Floyd County, lies a grass-fed beef and certified natural produce operation with two guiding values: to embrace environmental stewardship and to provide nourishment to Floyd County and its visitors. The farm sits on an expanse of property that has provided for four generations of the Slusher family, and as a result, land stewardship is a primary consideration in decision-making at the farm. The health and longevity of their land is key as they look to the future of their operation and reflect on its past.
“We’ve farmed this valley for generations, and it always comes back to stewardship,” says Roger Slusher. “It’s the focus of our work. The direction we are always working towards is how we can make this operation sustainable for the long run in order to hand it over to the next generation in better shape than how we received it. Practices like cover cropping, minimum tillage, and rotational grazing go a long way.”
“We try to be good stewards of the land, water, and air,” adds Leslie Slusher. “And through that commitment, better neighbors and community-members. It is important that we remain a positive community influence, on and off the farm. We are proud to provide for the community we cherish.”
Two years ago, with an eagerness to provide for that community, Roger and Leslie Slusher approached their local Farm Credit loan officer with a vision of raising better food. Today, they are doing just that, having gathered an abundance of local support along the way.
Fields Edge Farm supplies the area with fresh, local food, and offers farm-to-table events to help folks develop a better understanding of where their food comes from. Farm Manager, Kat Johnson tells us, “We bring a lot to the table in Floyd County, primarily our amazingly fresh produce. Often, we harvest and deliver our products in the same day, so people can get a variety of veggies straight from the farm that maybe they haven’t experienced elsewhere.”
In addition to delicious foods, Fields Edge Farm offers agritourism experiences for the everyone to enjoy. “We’re creating opportunities to get people out to the farm to learn about the things we grow,” says Kat. “To appreciate the scenery and connect with farmers in a new way.”
Fields Edge Farm hosted their first formal event last spring for which they created a fireside gathering. A Brazilian chef served a savory feast of produce and meats from the farm. In addition to a meal, the event included music, theater, and an opportunity for people to come together and experience the parcel of picturesque countryside that has been in the Slusher family since 1892. Since the Fireside Gathering, Fields Edge Farm has hosted dinners, tours, and various other events to engage the community, as well as visitors.
For information about upcoming events at the Farm, as well as locations where you can purchase Fields Edge Farm products, visit online at www.fieldsedgefloyd.com or follow Fields Edge Farm on social media.

Fields Edge Farm • www.fieldsedgefloyd.com
info@fieldsedgefloyd.com • 540-789-2347
Farm Credit of Virginias • www.fcvirginias.com
Steven Bowman • sbowman@fcvirginias.com • 540-745-2071