Agriculture at Clermont Farm began with Native Americans who shaped the land through controlled burning to support hunting and food production. European settlers brought diverse farming traditions influenced by their origins, while enslaved Africans provided essential labor that fueled Clermont’s productivity. By the mid-19th century, Clarke County had established itself as a leading wheat producer in the Shenandoah Valley, with Clermont among its most productive farms.

In the 18th and 19th centuries, Clermont Farm was a leading wheat producer in Clarke County, relying on enslaved labor and practicing a mixed farming system that included a diverse range of animals and crops. After World War II, shifts in technology, labor, and markets led to the decline of mixed farming, and Clermont's land saw reduced productivity and investment, resulting in long-term impacts on soil quality and infrastructure.

When Elizabeth Williams gifted Clermont Farm to the state in 2004, she required that it remain a working agricultural landscape to preserve its historical character, support the region’s farming future, and promote education. Guided by research and community input, the Foundation and the Virginia Department of Historic Resources restored the farm’s infrastructure, reintroduced livestock diversity, and implemented sustainable practices.