https://www.wvfoodandfarm.org/treyyateslegacyfund
Trey Yates of Meadow Bridge, West Virginia was the proud founder of Greenbrier Dairy and Creamery – the largest creamery in the state. He launched this business in his early twenties after studying Agricultural Economics at West Virginia University.
From the start, his approach to farming was grounded in purpose. He wanted to build something meaningful and to create good jobs, especially for those in recovery. Trey was an astute businessman, but he was never too busy to give back to the state’s food and agriculture community. His goal was for others with big dreams to have the determination to make them real.
In 2024, he joined the staff of the West Virginia Food and Farm Coalition with a clear and humble goal. He had learned enough about running a business and working in food manufacturing that he wanted to share that knowledge with others who were struggling. In this role, he supported dozens of farmers and food entrepreneurs across the state and was instrumental in launching Appalachian Cellar, a line of West Virginia-made value-added food products.
On Sunday, June 1, 2025, Trey’s life was tragically cut short in a car accident at just 28 years old. His loss has been immediately felt throughout the food and agriculture community.
At the request of the Yates family and members of the food and agriculture community, the West Virginia Food and Farm Coalition is honored to accept donations for the Trey Yates Legacy Fund in his memory. These contributions will support the creation of a grant fund dedicated to uplifting young agricultural entrepreneurs, continuing Trey’s legacy for building a stronger, more vibrant future for West Virginia’s farm and food community.
Trey’s commitment to growing West Virginia’s food system – one small business, one local ingredient, one person at a time – was unshakable. He believed in people. And he believed in what’s possible when you put your heart into the work. Trey thought the world of his parents and often spoke of how much he learned from them. Growing up in 4-H, he began forming meaningful connections with other farmers, and that early passion grew into a lifelong commitment to elevating and marketing local products on a national scale. Trey was deeply resourceful when it came to making things work for both himself and his neighbors.
He was eager to expand his dairy offerings beyond his signature churned butter to include rolled ice cream – Cow Licks Dessert – and yogurt, and he successfully sold his products to numerous school systems and food banks across West Virginia and through other venues, increasing both his sales and the scale of his work.
In early 2025, when priorities at the USDA began to shift, he started to feel the effects in his business and amongst his neighbors. He became a voice for farmers across West Virginia and the nation, with numerous local and national articles published about his entrepreneurial and advocacy efforts.
Trey’s passion was unmistakable, his energy was infectious and his absence will be deeply felt. He leaves behind a legacy of action, integrity and love for West Virginia agriculture. He will be greatly missed by this community and others, whose collective hearts and prayers go out to his family and loved ones.
