Sunny Slope Farm will host Sunflower Sunday on August 23, 2026, from 3:00 PM to 8:00 PM, offering visitors a unique opportunity to experience agricultural science firsthand while enjoying the natural beauty of the Shenandoah Valley. The event will feature interactive demonstrations, guided field tours, and educational exhibits focused on soil health and sustainable farming practices.

Presented in partnership with Virginia Tech’s School of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Center for Food Systems and Community Transformation, and the Virginia Soil Health Coalition through the 4 the Soil initiative, Sunflower Sunday invites families, gardeners, educators, and the broader community to explore the connection between healthy soil, thriving plants, and vibrant ecosystems.

The event will feature multiple interactive stations designed to engage visitors of all ages:

Soil Your Undies – Compare cotton underwear buried under different management systems and discover how soil biology influences decomposition and overall soil health.

Rainfall Simulator – See how different soil management practices affect water infiltration, runoff, and erosion.

Hands-On Soil Health – Become a soil detective by matching soil samples to different management systems using clues like color, structure, roots, and aggregation.

Sunflower Field Tours with Soil Health Demonstrations – Take a guided walk through the sunflower field and see soil health principles in action.

Soil Learning Hub – Explore educational resources, meet participating organizations, and learn about soil health programs across Virginia.

Visitors will have the opportunity to pick their own sunflowers, walk through the flowering fields, and engage directly with Virginia Tech educators and extension specialists. The event combines agricultural education with recreation, making it accessible and engaging for families, school groups, and anyone interested in sustainable farming practices.

Date: August 23, 2026

Time: 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Location: On Sunny Slope Farm, 1825 Sunny Slope Lane, Rockingham, VA 22801

Contact: 540-830-0380 or onsunnyslopefarm.com

Admission is free and open to the public.