Farmer's Market - USDA (SNAP & EBT) Lunch & Learn Session

Wednesday, Dec 8, 2021 • 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

Online Zoom Event

Small farmers, farmers’ market vendors and market managers, be sure to join us for an informative session as we learn about the basics and benefits of becoming authorized to accept EBT transactions. Joni Garcia, from USDA’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), will be presenting the SNAP program overview and discussing how to enroll to become authorized to accept EBT and obtain a free EBT card reader.

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact Tina Cabrera at tcabrera@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.

VDACS Farmer Farmland Match & Market Maker

Tuesday, Nov 9, 2021 • 1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

Online Zoom Event

Are you a farmer looking for some Virginia Farmland to lease, rent or own? Are you a Virginia Farm land owner looking for a potential farmer or new owner? Join Jennifer Perkins of the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, as she shares the features and highlights of VDACS updated website, Virginia Farm Link (https://farmlink.va-vdacs.com). French Price of Virginia Market Maker will also share how to use the website Virginia Market Maker (https://va.foodmarketmaker.com/) to make your new or existing farm operation more profitable by finding more markets. This engaging presentation should match Virginia farmers up with more success going into the season.

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact Tina Cabrera at tcabrera@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.

Hoop House Winterization and Preservation

Thursday, Nov 4, 2021 • 5:00 PM - 6:30 PM

Online Zoom Event

Do you own or are you interested in owning a high tunnel or hoop house? Let Grace Summers of VSU Small Farm Outreach Program and her over 30 years of hoop house/high tunnel/greenhouse experience guide you into how to protect and preserve your growing investment going into the winter season. High tunnels are a major farm expense that yields a great market advantage but like anything else has to be maintained properly for proper and consistent performance. Ms. Summers will give you the do and don'ts of maintaining your high tunnel and also field your questions. This will be a hybrid event, allowing for virtual and in person viewing.

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact Tina Cabrera at tcabrera@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.

VDACS Informational Session

Thursday, Oct 14, 2021 • 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Online Zoom Event

Join us for an engaging and informative conversation with various offices of Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS). Led by Heather Wheeler, manager of the Office of Domestic Marketing and Promotions, you will be informed of the many programs, services and opportunities VDACS has for small and beginner farmers and will answer your questions concerning eligibility and participation. Join us to stay informed on all the new and current programs VDACS has to assist our Virginia farmers.

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please call (804) 524-3292 / TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8 am. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.

Cover Crops for Soil Improvement

SEPTEMBER 4, 2019
9AM - 12PM

King and Queen Branch Library
396 Newtown Rd • St Stephens Church, VA

USDA’s Natural Resource Conservation Services (NRCS) describes planting cover crops for “the potential to provide multiple benefits in a cropping system. Cover crops prevent erosion, improve soil’s physical and biological properties, supply nutrients, suppress weeds, improve the availability of soil water, and break pest cycles along with various other benefits. The species of cover crop selected along with its management determine the benefits and returns.” VSU Small Farm Outreach Program Nutrient Management Specialist Tammy Holler and Dwight Forrester with USDA NRCS will discuss the steps to take and ways that you can work to improve soil for crop production. Topics will include:

• Understanding soil characteristics

• How to take a soil test and interpret soil test results

• NRCS programs for landowners, especially nutrient management and water quality programs

• The role of Soil and Water Conservation Districts and SWCD programs 

• Fall cover crops that you can consider to improve your soil

For more information, contact Small Farm Outreach Program Agent Tracy Porter at (804) 481-2566 or tporter@vsu.edu or call the Small Farm Outreach Program office at (804) 524-3292.

Sponsored by Three Rivers Soil & Water Conservation District (serving the counties of Essex, King & Queen and King William) and USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service.

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact the Small Farm Outreach Program office (smallfarm@vsu.edu) or call (804) 524-3292 / TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8 am. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.