Reclaiming the Land: How Chaney & Silver Companies Are Growing More Than Materials in Woodford, VA

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At Chaney Enterprises, we believe our responsibility goes beyond supplying the region with high-quality, locally sourced construction materials. Our work must also leave a lasting, positive impact on the communities and landscapes where we operate. The story of our Woodford, Virginia Sand & Gravel Mine Site is a testament to this commitment – a story of partnership, persistence, and proving that land can be left better than we found it.

A Partnership Built on Shared Values

In 2016, Chaney Enterprises partnered with Silver Companies to mine their 1,200-acre farmland in Woodford, VA. Together, we committed to a responsible, section-by-section approach: extracting valuable sand and gravel needed for local infrastructure projects, while simultaneously reclaiming the land back into fertile farmland.

To date, Chaney has mined 250 acres and returned each section to productive use. Instead of depleted fields, the reclaimed land now flourishes with high-end horse hay, supporting the local equestrian industry and even shipped to Wellington, Florida – the heart of the U.S. equestrian world.

Overcoming Early Challenges

Reclaiming mined land is never simple. Early efforts revealed challenges with soil quality and crop yields. At first, the reclaimed fields were not producing as expected. Refusing to accept this outcome, Chaney partnered with Virginia Tech, commissioning a three-year soil study with graduate students. Their findings guided us to redesign the soil’s composition, improve drainage, and use innovative methods like soil ripping and biosolids to restore fertility.

Our initial goal was to restore the farmland to 85–90% of its original production capacity. To our pride, and the farmers’ delight, we far exceeded that benchmark. Today, the reclaimed fields are producing at higher volumes than before mining ever began.

Setting a Higher Standard

Reclamation laws require land to be returned to usable condition, but Chaney Enterprises has gone far beyond the minimum. Our approach to land stewardship is rooted in doing what’s right – not just what’s required. Each time a section is mined, it is carefully revitalized and returned to the end-user who can once again put it to productive use.

“We are proud to partner with Chaney Enterprises on this project,” said Larry D. Silver, Chief Executive Officer of Silver Companies. “Their commitment to going above and beyond in the reclamation process reflects not only their respect for the land, but also their respect for our community and its future.”

A Thriving, Multi-Use Property

The Woodford site is more than just a mine. It is also home to The Lodge at Moss Neck, a premier luxury destination for weddings, corporate retreats, and social gatherings. Nestled within 1,200 acres of stunning countryside, the Lodge showcases the beauty and productivity of the land, featuring farm-to-table cuisine, on-site hydroponic operations, apiaries for honeybees, and acres of pastures for farm animals. Local woods, artisanship, and sustainability practices give the Lodge its distinctive charm – proof that land can be both beautiful and bountiful when responsibly managed.

Looking Ahead

Chaney Enterprises will continue mining operations at Woodford for another five to six years. As each section is completed, it will be reclaimed, restored, and renewed. Beyond sand and gravel, the site will yield fertile farmland, ponds, and open spaces that benefit both the environment and the community.

Most importantly, this story demonstrates the value of locally sourced materials paired with responsible land management. Every ton of sand and gravel produced at Woodford helps build our region’s infrastructure while supporting a legacy of environmental stewardship.

At Chaney Enterprises, our highest-producing aggregate facility isn’t just measured by the tons of sand and gravel it supplies annually, but by the fertile farmland it leaves behind for future generations.