Segura an advocate for agriculture

Dear Editor:

My name is Juan Pablo Segura and I’m running to represent Virginia Senate District 31. 
I’m running to bring political renewal to Virginia and I hope to earn your vote in the fall.
I’m writing today to talk about a young entrepreneur and farmer that lives in Senate District 31. 
I first met Katie and her family, who hail from Lucketts, at the Blue Ridge Cattlemen’s Dinner at
Whitestone Farm in Aldie. We talked about her 4H project and about the lambs and steer she was
raising to auction off at the Loudoun County Fair. 
I was impressed and I told her to keep me updated on her work. In early July, Katie sent me a
letter explaining how her 4H project had progressed. She wanted to come by my office to explain
how the animals were doing and talk about how the fair auction would work. 
Katie’s efforts paid off: she raised a great steer and lamb. When I saw them at the fair, I was
impressed not only with how well she finished them but how hard she and the other 4Hers were
working to educate the public walking through the barn about their animals. 
By the way – Katie woke up before school every day to mix a special meal for these animals. It
was impressive to see that kind of grit and determination.
On Friday night, after a delicious BBQ dinner sponsored by Smokin Willy’s in Purcellville, we
headed over to the auction barn. I was ready to buy my first animal, the grand champion pig. 
Later in the auction I was honored to buy Katie’s market lamb and support Katie’s future: she’ll
be using her profits to support future 4H projects – and she’ll also be putting away some money
for veterinary school.
We have to celebrate and support programs like 4H in our community. 4H is a great example of a
program that teaches kids how to plan for the future, work hard, and achieve their goals. It also
raises awareness of the challenges and realities of farmers here in our district.
I promise to be a fierce advocate for Loudoun County and Fauquier County agriculture in
Richmond so hard workers like Katie can continue to build their future here and we can all
benefit from their important work.
Juan Pablo Segura
Candidate for Virginia Senate District 31