Tag: agriculture

Agriculture impacted by new government appointees
Gov. Ralph Northam has made appointments for key positions that may impact agriculture.
Free sustainable farming resources available for high school teachers
Free lesson plans about sustainable agriculture are now available for high school teachers.
AITC marks 25 years of connecting Virginia children to agriculture
The Virginia Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year.
Candidates pledge support of agriculture, forestry during Roanoke forum
The candidates for governor vowed to support the state’s largest industries during the 2017 Virginia Agriculture and Forestry Gubernatorial Candidates’ Forum.
Farm Bureau calls agriculture education bill before Congress ‘critical’ for industry’s future
The nation’s largest agricultural organization is calling an ag education bill before Congress critical for ensuring the industry’s future.
Farm Bureau says modernized NAFTA must work for U.S. agriculture
North American Free Trade Agreement renegotiations need to protect valuable market gains for U.S. agriculture.

June 30 deadline for new farmers to sign up for 2017 Census of Agriculture
New farmers and ranchers have until the end of June to ensure they are represented in this year’s Census of Agriculture.

Politicians get on-the-farm lessons during ag tour
Lynchburg area politicians acquired some on-the-farm knowledge May 13 during a tour of three Bedford County farms.

Wheat buyers checking quality during Mid-Atlantic tour
Imagine touring a factory and inspecting the quality of the materials that will be used to build your next car.
Farmers can ensure they are counted in 2017 Census of Agriculture
New farmers and producers who did not receive a 2017 Census of Agriculture survey still have time to ensure they are counted in the next census.

Farm leaders pleased with confirmation of Perdue as agriculture secretary
Former Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue was confirmed as the 31st secretary of agriculture.
Pass it on: Without agriculture, we’d all starve
Agriculture is sort of a big word but a simple concept: at its heart, agriculture equals food.
VSU will offer urban agriculture certification program this spring
Virginia State University will offer a 10-week certification program in urban agriculture starting March 11.
Virginia’s top corn, soybean producing counties
Accomack County leads Virginia in corn and soybean production, according to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service.

Agriculture Literacy Week to feature readings of Sleep Tight Farm
Virginia’s Agriculture in the Classroom program will holds its seventh annual Agriculture Literacy Week March 6-10.

Improvements in the agricultural sector
Farmers have welcomed the appointment of former Georgia Gov. Sonny Perdue as Secretary of Agriculture.
Preliminary work on next census of agriculture begins
The 2017 Census of Agriculture is coming, and farmers are urged to promptly reply to a preliminary letter arriving soon in the mail.

Study: Fear-based messaging negatively affects consumption of fresh produce
A recent study found that fear-based messaging tactics have led to a decline in produce consumption among low-income shoppers.
Industry strives to attract next generation to agricultural careers
Even though there is a shortage of young people considering careers in agriculture, there are signs more students are pursuing ag education.

Virginia wheat and barley production down in 2016
Virginia farmers harvested 9.28 million bushels of winter wheat during the summer of 2016 according to the USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service.
Grants available for incorporating agriculture into the classroom
Virginia’s Agriculture in the Classroom program is offering Garden and Agriculture Experience Grants to teachers looking to incorporate agriculture into their classroom.

Agriculture license plate drives home support for Virginia farms
Since the Virginia agriculture license plate initiative started in 2004, Virginians who display the specialty plate have been driving home their support for the state’s farmers.
New funding to broaden state’s network for farm and forestry exports
Virginia will invest $850,000 over the biennial budget to expand its international trade initiatives promoting Virginia’s agriculture and forestry products.
National survey, Virginia program noting farms’ conservation efforts
The National Agricultural Statistics Service is conducting its second annual survey to measure the environmental benefits associated with conservation practices on agricultural land.

New funding for agriculture, forestry export promotion efforts
Virginia will invest $850,000 over the biennial budget to expand its international trade initiatives promoting Virginia’s agriculture and forestry products around the world.