September 28, 2020– Waterpenny Proves Farming Works in Rappahannock This article tells the story of our getting started in farming and highlights of over 20 years farming in Sperryville, based on a presentation Rachel did for our local Seniors group, RappAtHome. by Daphne Hutchinson, Rappahannock News
March 14, 2018– Waterpenny Farm co-owner/manager Rachel Bynum was featured on WAMU’s Kojo Nnamde Show, in a program called “How Climate Change Is Impacting Local Farmers And The Crops They Grow” Listen here.
July 2017–When it comes to counting butterflies, Rappahannock holds U.S. record This article has beautiful photos from the very lively second annual kids’ butterfly count, hosted at the farm, and sponsored by the Old Rag Master naturalists.
December 2016– “Starting with the Soil at Waterpenny Farm” This short film features Rachel talking about our approach to farming and caring for the soil. It also tells some of our farm’s history and our business philosophy. It was made made at Waterpenny Farm in June 2016 by Elinor Goodrich and Aaron Port, through the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and the Virginia Cooperative Extension.
August 2014–“Farming On One Foot: Preparing for Adversity” by Eric Plaksin, Growing for Market
September 2012–“Green farm also grows energy” Visitors to Waterpenny Farm may notice a new addition has cropped up among the fruits and vegetables already for sale: brand new solar panels now adorn the roof of the equipment barn. By Matt Wingfield, Rappahannock News
August, 2011–“Host a Farm Tour Without the Work” By Rachel Bynum, Growing for Market
June 2008 — “Saturday Morning Stars: Washington Area Farmers Markets” by Brooke Lea Foster. Published in Washingtonian Magazine.
July 13, 2007 — “NEW FARM UPDATE: Contaminated hay mulch knocks out crops at Waterpenny Farm.” Published on the NewFarm.org website.
July 11, 2007 — “Bitter Harvest In Sperryville” by Walter Nicholls. Published in the Washington Post.
January 12, 2007 — “Young farmer couple and established landowner explore innovative land access with trust, hard work and patience in Old Virginia” by Rachel Bynum and Eric Plaksin. Published on the NewFarm.org website, part of the Rodale Institute.
The article features Waterpenny Farm. If you’re interested in learning more about the history of our farm, in particular the long term lease agreement that we operate under, check out this article.
We hope that it will help others to enter into non-traditional land use arrangements for sustainable agriculture.
