Ava Hernandez, farmer at Rose Hill Farm, grew up working with her grandfather and mother on the farm and now performs many of the day-to-day tasks herself. Rose Hill Farm produces beef and hay. The family-run farm raises pure bred Angus and a few popular crossbred cattle.
“We chose Angus because it is a strong breed and it’s not as commonly found in the area as it used to be,” said Hernandez. When Farmer Hernandez isn’t focused on the beef at Rose Hill Farm, she’s cultivating and ensiling hay for the livestock.
“During the winter, I get to help my grandpa give silage to the cattle because the grass doesn’t grow as quickly when it’s cold,” she said. Silage is fermented grass and green crops that have been preserved in a silo. The nutrient-dense fodder preserves quickly, in a matter of weeks, and is fed to cattle and livestock during the winter when grazing isn’t as efficient. Rose Hill Farm also sells their hay and fodder to other local farmers during the winter.
Hernandez learned to work on the farm by growing up in the midst of it. She followed in the footsteps of her mom and sister and joined Loudoun County 4-H to learn more about the farming profession and meet people with similar agricultural interests. Hernandez appreciates the confidence 4-H has given her to work with others and share her valuable thoughts and opinions on farm animals and crops.
When asked what her favorite thing about farming is, Hernandez replied: “What I love most about farming is that I get to help my grandpa and be here in the fresh air all day.”
Rose Hill Farm sells its beef and hay at the Annual Loudoun County Fair and other auctions in the region.
