10/30/2026
Day 4 of our Ag Industry Tour started bright and early with a visit to the Trout Farm at Rock Springs in Peterstown, WV.
The property’s history dates back to 1904, when the Wilson family settled the land and operated a mill. Around 1950, it became home to the Mercer Angler’s Club, which built the hatchery and trout raceways. Today, the farm continues that tradition using a natural spring that supplies approximately 4,000 gallons of cold, clean water per minute.
The farm raises rainbow trout ranging from tiny fingerlings to trophy-sized fish, selling them to stock private ponds, lakes, creeks, and commercial fisheries as well as offering year-round fishing at the farm.
Our second stop took us to Willow Oak Ranch- a beautiful cattle and Standardbred racehorse operation in Rogersville, TN.
In 1982, owner Richard Arnold began developing a breeding program focused on Chiangus, an Angus hybrid. The goal was to produce consistent, easy-handling cattle that grow efficiently and yield high-quality beef with less excess fat. By using performance records and careful genetic selection, the ranch develops breeding stock designed to help commercial cattle producers improve their herd's profitability.
Two very different operations gave our members another look at how agriculture combines natural resources, science, and business to create profitable opportunities in the industry.
