Powder Keg Farms: Educating the next generation of sustainable farmers
By Vanta Coda III, RealWV
Cowbells ringing, bees buzzing, ducks quacking, and children laughing – that is what you will hear at Powder Keg Farms.
Located in the Town of High View, West Virginia, Powder Keg Farms is operated by Virginia “Gini,” and her husband, Brian. The farm was established in 2013 after Gini experienced a serious accident that left her unable to work outside the home or drive due to ongoing seizures. During her recovery, she sought meaningful and productive activities that she could pursue from home, which inspired her to start farming. Over the years, Powder Keg Farms has provided fresh produce to local schools and restaurants, and launched a community-supported agriculture (CSA) program that offers produce packages.
In November 2023, Powder Keg Farms shifted from a commercial farming operation — previously supplying restaurants, supporting a large CSA, and collaborating with local schools — to an educational facility focused on training and demonstrating best farming practices.
Powder Keg Farms is dedicated to teaching sustainable farming practices and effective agricultural management. This commitment has attracted attention not just in West Virginia, but around the world. The LaMasters, who are devout Christians, follow a philosophy called Farming God’s Way. This approach combines agricultural management and technological solutions with biblical principles. As a result of their efforts in supporting various forms of community agriculture, Powder Keg Farms has become the first and only model demonstration farm in the United States for the Farming God’s Way organization.
“For outreach for the farm, we offer a wide range of products and educational opportunities that serve our local community, students, and visitors from across our country and other nations,” said Virginia. “During the school year, we teach hands-on agriculture classes to school-aged children on a weekly basis, covering topics like soil health, planting, animal care, and sustainable farming practices. We also host 3- and 4-day Farming God’s Way training sessions, which provide in-depth instruction on biblically-based, conservation-minded agriculture.”
Powder Keg Farm engages in specialty crop farming and mentors new beekeepers, providing guidance and support as they establish their own apiaries. The farm offers natural bee swarms and raw honey as part of this program. For younger school-age participants, Powder Keg Farms hosts weekly farm camps during the summer, allowing them to learn and grow through hands-on farming activities and engagement.
Like many other farms in West Virginia and across the country, Powder Keg Farms was affected by the sweeping federal freezes implemented by the USDA during the first few months of the Trump administration. However, despite these challenges, Powder Keg Farms continues to persevere.
“We planned on expanding,” said Virginia LaMaster. “We have always viewed grants and outside support as gifts, not guarantees. So, when those resources were paused even before they began, we didn’t stop; we simply adjusted our approach. Our expansion plans slowed down, but they did not disappear. Instead, we rolled up our sleeves and worked hard to cover the costs ourselves. This meant producing more crops, raising more livestock, and focusing more intently on sustainability and stewardship. In many ways, these challenges have made us stronger, more resilient, and more resourceful. They remind us why we do what we do and have deepened our belief that support can come in many forms.”
The hope for the future of Powder Keg Farms is that it remains a space for growth, healing, and purpose—not only for crops and animals but also for people. The farm aims to engage more students, families, and communities to learn, connect, and find inspiration. The LaMasters envision the farm evolving into a long-term training ground for future farmers, leaders, and educators—individuals who will uphold a vision of simple and affordable agricultural stewardship, discipleship, and compassion for those in need.
Students from local schools in the West Virginia and Virginia area participate in programs at Powder Keg Farms, where they work and learn alongside the LaMasters family. Anna and Thomas Rusk, two students from Eukarya Christian Academy enrolled in the school’s agriculture program, exemplify the LaMasters’ commitment to instilling agricultural practices in students.
“My experience working at Powder Keg Farms has been great,” said Thomas. “It has taught me how much hard work and dedication go into successful farming and all the great things that come from it. Working at Powder Keg Farms has changed me as a person. It has taught me so many different skills, dedication, and the value of hard work. It has provided me with inspiration for my future.”
Many of the students who participate in the academic program at Powder Keg Farms continue to work there after school, like the Rusk siblings. They have been drawn to the positive and engaging atmosphere they experienced during the program.
“I have been working at the farm for two months,” said Anna. “Before I started working here, I was a student in my school’s agricultural program. My experience working at Powder Keg Farms has been amazing. I have learned a lot through working on the farm and I have gotten to meet a lot of great people. The practices and programs have impacted me by giving me a view of how conventional farming can be harmful.”
Other workers, like Tyler Deuterman, who has worked at Powder Keg Farms for five years and has witnessed the transformation of the farm from a commercial operation to an educational facility.
“It’s been amazing watching the farm change and grow,” said Deuterman. “Every day is different — one day I might be working in the garden, the next I’m helping with the animals, or leading a farm tour. Working here has made me more responsible and patient, teaching me how to work with purpose and appreciate the little things. Seeing those results of your work is really rewarding.”
