In Virginia, 10,862 Virginia farmers earned less than $1,000 from their farm operation (USDA, 2017). Conversely, USDA (2018) reported that Virginia producers sold nearly $1.3 million in value added products, which were sold directly to customers through farm stands, farmers markets, Community Supported Agriculture and online sales.

With more people sheltering in place at home during the Covid-19 pandemic, many people are turning to or considering growing gardens, whether it’s to provide food or just peace of mind during these troubled times.

Weather forecasters are calling for a cold night on Saturday, May 9, with temperatures expected to dip to 35 °F in Central Virginia and 30°F in the Shenandoah area.

On April 9, small ruminant experts, Dr. Dahlia O’Brien, extension specialist at Virginia State University (VSU) and Dr. Niki Whitley, extension specialist at Fort Valley State University (FVSU), hosted a live Small Ruminant FAMACHA© Certification and Parasite Management online training. There were 130 participants from all over the United States, as well as other countries around the world, including Pakistan.

March is National Nutrition Month, and the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics reminds us that eating healthy begins one step at a time. This means that small changes can help you attain your healthy eating goals this year and beyond. These small changes can build healthy habits we carry for a lifetime.

It’s an understatement to say that Dr. Reza Rafie is passionate about growing berries in Virginia. Rafie, a horticulture Extension specialist with the Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) at Virginia State University (VSU), has devoted nearly 15 years to researching and promoting berry production.

Navy Veteran Says Best Part of VSU’s Sustainable Agriculture Program is Getting Your Hands Dirty

Weather forecasters are calling for freezing temperatures over the next few days. Homeowners with container-grown blueberry plants need to protect them from freezing temperatures, if the flower buds are opening up.

There’s no question that road salt saves human lives on snowy and icy roads, but the hidden damage it does to plants, soil and trees can be deadly.

The beginning of a new year is a good time to examine your finances and put the brakes on bad spending habits. What seems like small insignificant purchases – if left unchecked - can add up in the long run, and lead to money management problems.

“Fish is a holiday favorite in many religions and cultures around Christmas time. It’s not only appetizing, but it’s also very healthy,” said Dr. Brian Nerrie, Cooperative Extension aquaculture specialist at Virginia State University.

While there are many great recipes for cooking tasty fish and seafood dishes, the key ingredient is freshness.

Shopping, sales and savings are words that have become synonymous with Christmas, but bargain hunters should add one more word to their holiday vocabulary – self-control.

According to FoodSafety.org’s cold food storage chart, most foods can last three to four days if properly refrigerated, and freezing leftovers can extend their use for up to three to four months.

If food has mold on it or signs of spoilage, then we know to toss it in the trash. But if it smells okay and looks okay, it must be safe. Right?

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, incorrectly handling poultry and undercooking turkey or chicken are the most common causes of foodborne illnesses during the holidays. Here’s some helpful tips to keep in mind in the kitchen this holiday season that will help ensure your festivities are not spoiled by foodborne illnesses.

Virginia State University is conducting trials of growing raspberry in containers on a single stem under high tunnel conditions. Dr. Reza Rafie, horticulture Extension specialist at VSU believes this system of raspberry production can be a good fit for Virginia’s small-scale farmers and even homeowners. This video briefly describes the potential of container-grown single-stem raspberries.

Cucurbit Downy Mildew (CDM) caused by the water mold, also known as oomycetous organism Pseudoperonospora cubensis, is a devastating foliar disease of cucurbits which may wipeout crops in a short window span if humid and wet weather prevails for a long time. The disease was confirmed on cucumber plants that were grown on Sentinel plots located at Randolph Farm in Southern Chesterfield County, Virginia.

With the recent increase in severe weather events, more preparation is needed to reduce property damage and monetary loss due to tree damage. Urban trees offer numerous eco-services that provide monetary benefits. In order to maintain the eco-capitol (flow of benefits to the population), the trees need maintenance to reduce damage from severe weather events.