Get to Know Matt Lohr
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If you’re looking for a truly dynamic speaker to entertain, motivate and inspire an audience, then you’ve come to the right place. Matt Lohr combines 25 years of platform speaking experience with a wealth of real world adventures.
Some of those experiences include meeting with U.S. Presidents, riding a bull, hiking the Grand Canyon, winning a new Dodge truck, teaching middle school, climbing Mt. Fuji and entertaining audiences in all 50 states and eight countries around the world. |
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Raised on a century farm in Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley, Matt developed a passion for farming, working hard and serving others at a very early age.
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At the age of 19, he was elected vice president of the national FFA organization, where he helped lead a student organization of over 400,000 members.
At age 33, Matt was elected to the Virginia state legislature and by 38, he was serving as Virginia’s Commissioner of Agriculture and Consumer Services. After leaving public office, he continued his passion for speaking and serving others by developing and leading the dynamic Knowledge Center at Farm Credit of the Virginias. |
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In 2018, Matt was appointed by U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue to serve as the 16th Chief of USDA's Natural Resources Conservation Service. As Chief, he led a federal agency comprised of over 10,000 employees across 3,000 offices nationwide. Highlights included implementing the 2018 Farm Bill, establishing the new CAMP employee mentoring program, testifying before Congress, overseeing an annual budget of nearly $5 billion and motivating employees and partners throughout 42 states and territories.
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In early 2022, Matt was appointed by Governor Glenn Youngkin to serve as Virginia's 5th Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry. In this role he serves in the governor's cabinet and oversees three state agencies promoting Virginia's agriculture and forestry industries.
Matt along with his two children, continue their farming roots as they own and operate Valley Pike Farm, Inc. Matt combines his experiences as a father, farmer, teacher, elected official and community leader into an inspiring and entertaining presentation that’s guaranteed to please crowds of all ages. His programs receive the highest ratings as audiences connect with his sincerity, humility, faith and contagious love of life.
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