A red barn with the Tripp Bopp farm logo on the site. Today, I attended the dedication of a farm situated at a public school in Warrenton, Virginia—Fauquier High School—in memory of a young man, Trip Bopp. Trip and his family are friends of mine. Tragically, Trip was just 24 years old when he was killed on April 22, 2021, during a daytime burglary at his home in Remington, VA.

Trip was born to be a farmer, he spent his brief life learning and living the principles of agriculture. Learning often on the knee of his grandfather.

The Trip Bopp Farm stands as a powerful symbol of community love and support.

As a society, we are increasingly distanced from not just our communities but, more critically, from understanding the sources of our food. Many people today are unaware of the effort, knowledge, and intricacies involved in farming and growing the food we rely on.

Trip’s career as a farmer was nothing short of heroic—taking on the challenges of agriculture in a modern world often disconnected from the land.

His dedication to farming underscores its importance not only as a career but as a way of life that strengthens individuals and communities.

Today’s dedication brought home how vital it is to understand where our food comes from and the journey it takes to reach our tables. Lessons deeply connected to the health of our communities.

Teaching adolescents about farming connects them to the earth, their food, and their communities. It provides them with the tools to make informed decisions about their health, inspires a sense of responsibility toward the environment, and fosters stronger, healthier communities.

From my perspective, the Trip Bopp Farm exemplifies this education. It teaches kids (and likely many parents too) the value of farming, grounding them in the knowledge of how food is grown and the role agriculture plays in community health and sustainability. This is transformative.

In a world dominated by phones, social media, and increasing disconnection from in-person, real-life experiences, programs like this farm are a crucial bridge to a more connected and informed future.

I believe every high school should have a farm. The lessons learned from farming—patience, hard work, resilience, and respect for nature—are essential not just for personal growth but also for building stronger communities and a healthier world.

I am personally so grateful for Trips’ leadership as an up-and-coming young farmer and his critical role in our community prior to his death, as well as for inspiring generations to connect with farming, community and, yes, in turn, health.