OUR VIEW: These Reva farmers are outstanding in their field

» Bob and Julie Williamson, recently honored by the Culpeper Chamber of Commerce, have built a success story one step at a time.

Bob and Julie Williamson of Reva have turned their love of horses into a farm that contributes greatly to the local business community. The Culpeper County Chamber of Commerce last week recognized their service by giving them the 2009 Outstanding Agribusiness Award.

The Williamsons train and board horses on their 40-acre Step At A Time Farm, but they do much more than that. They act as equestrian midwives, providing prenatal and birth care for mares and foals.

The couple certainly have given of themselves for the benefit of the horses on their farm, at times even giving up the comfort of their own bed to sleep near the horses when necessary.

But they’re not alone. Cooperative Extension agent Carl Stafford said there are about 660 farms in Culpeper County. Undoubtedly, all of those farmers gives of themselves just like the Williamsons.

While there can be only one 2009 Outstanding Agribusiness, we think they’re all outstanding — whether they’re growing crops or raising and caring for livestock. Too often, we go to the store to buy milk and produce and forget where it comes from.

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TEACHERS OF THE YEAR: Culpeper County Public Schools recently named its teachers of the year for each of the division’s 10 schools. The educators will be honored at a banquet May 14 at the Daniel Technology Center.

The economy has taken its toll, though, as the Culpeper County Education Association will not give out Golden Apple awards this year. Those awards have been given to individuals who contribute to students and the public school system.

We congratulate all of the teachers of the year — as well as the school system’s classified employees and retirees — and thank them for their contributions.

» Look for stories on each teacher of the year in future editions of the Star-Exponent.