A Taste of Randolph Farm - VSU College of AGriculture Field Day

Thursday, August 29, 2024 · Registration Begins at 7:30 AM

VSU Randolph Farm, 4415 River Road, Petersburg, VA

This year's theme is "A Taste of Randolph Farm." Discover the rich offerings of the VSU College of Agriculture through:

• Diverse and innovative programs in food, agriculture, natural resources, family, youth, nutrition, and community engagement

• Opportunities to meet faculty, researchers, students, Extension specialists, and community members, including small farmers and industry partners

• Hands-on activities and the chance to taste Randolph Farm's produce and meats prepared by culinary experts

• The VSU Trojan Farmer's Market, where you can shop tasty, healthy, local produce and farm products

FARM TOUR STOPS—

• High-Tech Ag - Drones: Mr. Tim Sexton

• USDA Agencies & Virginia Agencies:

  • Farm Service Agency (FSA)

  • Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)

  • Risk Management Agency (RMA)

  • Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)

  • Food and Nutrition Service (FNS)

  • Farm Credit of the Virginias

  • Virginia Department of Social Services

  • Virginia Farm Bureau

  • VA Department of Conservation and Recreation

  • University of Arkansas - RMA Navigator Program

• Food Safety & Packaging: Dr. Chyer Kim and Dr. Toktam Taghavi

• Nocturnal Animals; Stone Garden: Dr. Trakela Wright-Hicks, Ms. Bernadette Darrow, and Ms. Sheree Press

• Aquafarm: Mr. James Hill

• Taste of Randolph Farm: Sample tilapia, catfish, and trout prepared by Chef Reese & Chef Rose (HM students), and lamb by Jessica Queen & Chef Bobby Maddox from Belmont Butchery

• Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) - Aquaponics: Mr. Josh Dusci

• Integrated Pest Management (IPM) - Pollinator Health: Dr. Zelalem Mersha

• Edible Flowers & Herbs: Dr. Theresa Nartea & Mrs. Robeson

• High-Tech High Tunnel: Ms. Grace Summers

• COA Departments & Clubs:

  • Department of Agriculture

  • Department of Family Consumer Science

  • Department of Hospitality Management

  • Horticulture Club, MANRRS, Pre-Vet Club

• Ginger & Garlic: Dr. Sanjun Gu

• High Tunnel Hemp: Dr. Ramesh Dhakal

• Soil & Water Quality: Dr. Leonard Githinji

• Recycling of Crop Residue: Dr. Adnan Yousuf

• Power Proteins:

  • Edamame: Dr. Guo-Liang Jiang

  • Faba Beans: Dr. Shahram Torabian

  • Black Beans, Kidney Beans, Great Northern Beans, Pinto Beans, and Navy Beans: Dr. Harbans Bhardwaj

• Small Ruminants: Live animals, Parasite Laboratory, Mobile Processing Unit, and Germplasm Laboratory led by Dr. Dahlia O'Brien & Dr. Stephan Wildeus, Ms. Davida Rimm-Kauffman & Ms. Mackenzie Robertson

• Healthy Animals: Dr. Eunice Ndegwa

• Fruits of Discovery - Canticuber: Dr. Shuxin Ren and Dr. Leah Hamilton

• Deer Fencing: Ms. Amanda Seow

• Switchgrass Energy: Dr. Maru Kering

• Heritage Cattle: Dr. Neal Brown, Mr. Berry Harris & Mr. Isaiah Embry

VSU TROJAN FARMER’S MARKET:

Shop tasty, healthy, local produce, and value-added farm products from these vendors:

• Sycamore Springs Farm (Visit Website)

• Crystal's Catering & Sweet Treats (Visit Facebook)

• Petersburg Oasis Youth Farm (Visit Facebook)

• Truth Village Farms (Read More)

• Browntown Farms (Visit Website)

• MiMi's Kitchen (Cooper Family Farms)

• Don Sebastian Salsa (Visit Website)

• Kate’s Sweet Bakes (Visit Website)

• Crunch On! Snacks

• Chocoberry

• Agriberry (Visit Website)

• JavaBean, LLC (Visit Website)

• Hungershop (Visit Website)

Join us for a family-friendly event that showcases the best of Randolph Farm and the VSU College of Agriculture.

For more information, contact Carrie Bolton at 804-524-5836 or cebolton@vsu.edu; or Jessica Harris at 804-524-5964 or jharris@vsu.edu.

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact Carrie Bolton at cebolton@vsu.edu or call (804) 524-5836 / TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8 am. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.