In this session, we will learn about the Common Grain Alliance and learn about how grains are grown and harvested. We will then take a virtual tour of Ardent Mills in Culpeper, Virginia to learn how grain is milled into flour. Finally, we will learn how Great Day Gardens makes scones with 100% locally-grown grains.

From the vegetable transplants, you planted this spring to the shrubs and flowers that decorate the outside and inside of your home, Virginia’s greenhouses and nurseries supply a wide range of crops to regional and local markets. In addition, we have many farmers producing specialty cut flowers to decorate your home and dinner table. After learning about growing ornamentals, you will learn how to create some arrangements for your dinner table.

Pumpkins are Virginia's 20th in the list of the top 20 farm commodities in Virginia. In this session, you will travel to three different pumpkin farms and learn about growing pumpkins for wholesale and for agritourism operations. Then you will learn how to make a family recipe for pumpkin bread.

This video is for adults managing their finances and interested in learning more about COVID-19 related issues regarding financial matters, including mortgages, student loans, and more.

Anyone finding themselves dreading certain conversations? Ever walked away from a discussion wishing you would have said, or not said something? Certainly we all have those opportunities, perhaps at an even greater frequency in our current climate. Join as we discuss ways to have tough conversations, even if we don’t agree on things, in a way that shows both self-respect and respect for others. More COVID-19 resources can be found at COVID-19.

As we move into cooler weather and many continue working and schooling remotely, our physical activity can easily be neglected. We know that movement is important to our overall health and resiliency. Join as we discuss ways to keep moving as part of our overall well-being, even when we spend time at desks and indoors.

There's been a lot of discussion lately about the connections between social media use and mental health among both teens and adults. In fact, the US Surgeon General issued a report about the issue. https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/sg-youth-mental-health-social-media-advisory.pdf In this session, we delve into the pros, cons, and recommendations for using social media in ways that are helpful and strategies to avoid harmful practices.

This video intends to help stakeholders improve their silo face management practices, prevent spoilage and waste! Learn to properly face bunker silos.

Assessing On-Farm Produce Safety Risks Modules are a series of nine videos to assist you in creating a food safety program and preparing you for a GAP audit. These videos are based off of a series of seven factsheets (FST-400NP through 406NP) available through Virginia Cooperative Extension. In this module, we are going to explore how food safety can play into market access, the ways market sectors are similar and different from each other in terms of requirements, and why it is important to always recognize that there is not a ‘one size fits all’ for food safety standards across market sectors.

Assessing On-Farm Produce Safety Risks Modules are a series of nine videos to assist you in creating a food safety program and preparing you for a GAP audit. These videos are based off of a series of seven factsheets (FST-400NP through 406NP) available through Virginia Cooperative Extension. In this module, we are going to explore how food safety can play into market access, the ways market sectors are similar and different from each other in terms of requirements, and why it is important to always recognize that there is not a ‘one size fits all’ for food safety standards across market sectors.

Assessing On-Farm Produce Safety Risks Modules are a series of nine videos to assist you in creating a food safety program and preparing you for a GAP audit. These videos are based off of a series of seven factsheets (FST-400NP through 406NP) available through Virginia Cooperative Extension. In this module, we are going to explore how food safety can play into market access, the ways market sectors are similar and different from each other in terms of requirements, and why it is important to always recognize that there is not a ‘one size fits all’ for food safety standards across market sectors.

Assessing On-Farm Produce Safety Risks Modules are a series of nine videos to assist you in creating a food safety program and preparing you for a GAP audit. These videos are based off of a series of seven factsheets (FST-400NP through 406NP) available through Virginia Cooperative Extension. In this module, we are going to explore how food safety can play into market access, the ways market sectors are similar and different from each other in terms of requirements, and why it is important to always recognize that there is not a ‘one size fits all’ for food safety standards across market sectors.

Assessing On-Farm Produce Safety Risks Modules are a series of nine videos to assist you in creating a food safety program and preparing you for a GAP audit. These videos are based off of a series of seven factsheets (FST-400NP through 406NP) available through Virginia Cooperative Extension. In this module, we are going to explore how food safety can play into market access, the ways market sectors are similar and different from each other in terms of requirements, and why it is important to always recognize that there is not a ‘one size fits all’ for food safety standards across market sectors.

Assessing On-Farm Produce Safety Risks Modules are a series of nine videos to assist you in creating a food safety program and preparing you for a GAP audit. These videos are based off of a series of seven factsheets (FST-400NP through 406NP) available through Virginia Cooperative Extension. In this module, we are going to explore how food safety can play into market access, the ways market sectors are similar and different from each other in terms of requirements, and why it is important to always recognize that there is not a ‘one size fits all’ for food safety standards across market sectors.

Assessing On-Farm Produce Safety Risks Modules are a series of nine videos to assist you in creating a food safety program and preparing you for a GAP audit. These videos are based off of a series of seven factsheets (FST-400NP through 406NP) available through Virginia Cooperative Extension. In this module, we are going to explore how food safety can play into market access, the ways market sectors are similar and different from each other in terms of requirements, and why it is important to always recognize that there is not a ‘one size fits all’ for food safety standards across market sectors.

Assessing On-Farm Produce Safety Risks Modules are a series of nine videos to assist you in creating a food safety program and preparing you for a GAP audit. These videos are based off of a series of seven factsheets (FST-400NP through 406NP) available through Virginia Cooperative Extension. In this module, we are going to explore how food safety can play into market access, the ways market sectors are similar and different from each other in terms of requirements, and why it is important to always recognize that there is not a ‘one size fits all’ for food safety standards across market sectors.

Assessing On-Farm Produce Safety Risks Modules are a series of nine videos to assist you in creating a food safety program and preparing you for a GAP audit. These videos are based off of a series of seven factsheets (FST-400NP through 406NP) available through Virginia Cooperative Extension. In this module, we are going to explore how food safety can play into market access, the ways market sectors are similar and different from each other in terms of requirements, and why it is important to always recognize that there is not a ‘one size fits all’ for food safety standards across market sectors.

This video is part of a series showing helpful strategies for eating smart and moving more. These videos were created by dietetic students in The Department of Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise's Communicating with Food course (Spring 2011) for use in the Family Nutrition Program.

This video is part of a series showing helpful strategies for eating smart and moving more. These videos were created by dietetic students in The Department of Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise's Communicating with Food course (Spring 2011) for use in the Family Nutrition Program.

This video is part of a series showing helpful strategies for eating smart and moving more. These videos were created by dietetic students in The Department of Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise's Communicating with Food course (Spring 2011) for use in the Family Nutrition Program.

This video is part of a series showing helpful strategies for eating smart and moving more. These videos were created by dietetic students in The Department of Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise's Communicating with Food course (Spring 2011) for use in the Family Nutrition Program.

This video is part of a series showing helpful strategies for eating smart and moving more. These videos were created by dietetic students in The Department of Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise's Communicating with Food course (Spring 2011) for use in the Family Nutrition Program.

This video is part of a series showing helpful strategies for eating smart and moving more. These videos were created by dietetic students in The Department of Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise's Communicating with Food course (Spring 2011) for use in the Family Nutrition Program.

This video is part of a series showing helpful strategies for eating smart and moving more. These videos were created by dietetic students in The Department of Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise's Communicating with Food course (Spring 2011) for use in the Family Nutrition Program.

This video is part of a series showing helpful strategies for eating smart and moving more. These videos were created by dietetic students in The Department of Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise's Communicating with Food course (Spring 2011) for use in the Family Nutrition Program.

This video is part of a series showing helpful strategies for eating smart and moving more. These videos were created by dietetic students in The Department of Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise's Communicating with Food course (Spring 2012) for use in the Family Nutrition Program.

This video is part of a series showing helpful strategies for eating smart and moving more. These videos were created by dietetic students in The Department of Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise's Communicating with Food course (Spring 2012) for use in the Family Nutrition Program.

This video is part of a series showing helpful strategies for eating smart and moving more. These videos were created by dietetic students in The Department of Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise's Communicating with Food course (Spring 2012) for use in the Family Nutrition Program.

This video is part of a series showing helpful strategies for eating smart and moving more. These videos were created by dietetic students in The Department of Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise's Communicating with Food course (Spring 2012) for use in the Family Nutrition Program.

This video is part of a series showing helpful strategies for eating smart and moving more. These videos were created by dietetic students in The Department of Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise's Communicating with Food course (Spring 2012) for use in the Family Nutrition Program.

This video is part of a series showing helpful strategies for eating smart and moving more. These videos were created by dietetic students in The Department of Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise's Communicating with Food course (Spring 2012) for use in the Family Nutrition Program.

This video is part of a series showing helpful strategies for eating smart and moving more. These videos were created by dietetic students in The Department of Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise's Communicating with Food course (Spring 2012) for use in the Family Nutrition Program.

This video is part of a series showing helpful strategies for eating smart, moving more and slimming down. These videos were created by dietetic students in The Department of Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise's Communicating with Food course (Spring 2013) for use in the Family Nutrition Program.

This video is part of a series showing helpful strategies for eating smart, moving more and slimming down. These videos were created by dietetic students in The Department of Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise's Communicating with Food course (Spring 2013) for use in the Family Nutrition Program.

This video is part of a series showing helpful strategies for eating smart, moving more and slimming down. These videos were created by dietetic students in The Department of Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise's Communicating with Food course (Spring 2013) for use in the Family Nutrition Program.

This video is part of a series showing helpful strategies for eating smart and moving more. These videos were created by dietetic students in The Department of Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise's Communicating with Food course (Spring 2011) for use in the Family Nutrition Program.

This video is part of a series showing helpful strategies for eating smart and moving more. These videos were created by dietetic students in The Department of Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise's Communicating with Food course (Spring 2012) for use in the Family Nutrition Program.

This video is part of a series showing helpful strategies for eating smart and moving more. These videos were created by dietetic students in The Department of Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise's Communicating with Food course (Spring 2012) for use in the Family Nutrition Program.

This video is part of a series showing helpful strategies for eating smart, moving more and slimming down. These videos were created by dietetic students in The Department of Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise's Communicating with Food course (Spring 2013) for use in the Family Nutrition Program.

This video is part of a series showing helpful strategies for eating smart, moving more and slimming down. These videos were created by dietetic students in The Department of Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise's Communicating with Food course (Spring 2013) for use in the Family Nutrition Program.

This video is part of a series showing helpful strategies for eating smart, moving more and slimming down. These videos were created by dietetic students in The Department of Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise's Communicating with Food course (Spring 2013) for use in the Family Nutrition Program.

This video is part of a series showing helpful strategies for eating smart, moving more and slimming down. These videos were created by dietetic students in The Department of Human Nutrition, Foods and Exercise's Communicating with Food course (Spring 2013) for use in the Family Nutrition Program.

Are you stressed out about cooking dinner for your children? Here are a few quick, simple tips you can use to cut down your stress and the time it takes to make your meal.

Don't like cooking? Don't know where to start? This video can get you started with some practical ideas and show how it can be fun. Start simple and include your family!

Looking for ways to help your kids eat healthier? This video is a great example of how you can use games to spark your kids interest in better food choices.

Cooking with your child can feel like a mess. Watch as this mom learns some helpful tips to make cooking with her daughter fun, simple, and mess free.

With a little planning and creativity, you can save time and money by packing healthy lunches.

Cooking with kids builds life skills for a healthy future. This video gives a basic guide on how to involve your kids in the cooking process.

Think home-cooked meals are a waste of time and energy? Think again. This video shows quick and simple methods for cooking meals, as well as different food options your family can enjoy.

Do you find it difficult making time for exercise in your busy week? Taking care of your family and working can make regular physical activity seem unrealistic. Here are some ideas to help fit exercise into your busy schedule.

Tips for family-friendly ways shift to eating more whole grains everyone will love.

Carol, mom of four, makes small changes to lower sodium in her family's meals.

It is easy to make simple shifts in your normal meals to lower the amount of saturated fat while keeping the food delicious.

Interested in ways to add protein into your diet while reducing cost and fat? Then look beyond just meat!

Cooking with oils is a great heart-healthy alternative to solid fats like butter and margarine.

Mom makes the healthy choice to switch to low-fat dairy, and her family doesn't even notice the difference.

A young mother describes three ways to incorporate fruits in different forms into her family's daily routine while including her children in the preparation process.

You might be surprised to find out just how much sugar is hidden in the foods we love. Learn what to look for when reading nutrition labels and simple ways to eat smart by limiting added sugar.

Think home-cooked meals are a waste of time and energy? Think again. This video shows quick and simple methods for cooking meals, as well as different food options your family can enjoy.

Do you have a hard time getting your kids away from the TV and moving more every day? Try these strategies for teaching children to enjoy being active as a family.

Oven Fried Fish is a delicious alternative to high fat fried fish. As part of the From Our Home to Yours video series, this food demonstration shows how to make this healthy fish recipe.

Extension professionals show you how to make a delicious and healthy salad, Autumn Salad. See more healthy recipes at the YouTube channel, "From Our Home to Yours".

Extension professionals show you how to make Crispy Oven-Baked Chicken. See more healthy recipes at the YouTube channel, "From Our Home to Yours".

This delicious salad recipe brought to you by Virginia Cooperative Extension is a delicious way to get your recommended daily dose of fruits and vegetables. Colorful and tasty, it brightens up any dinner setting.

Climate change is documented by research data, yet some deny evidence of the causes, underestimate the impacts, or fail to adjust their activities and choices. Soil is tied to climate change in many ways. Presented on-line to a national professional meeting of soil scientists, this video discusses the way that Americans perceive climate change and the relationships between climate change and soil science.

This is a Graze 300 Virginia video which is part of an Extension initiative to enable Virginia farmers to achieve 300 days of livestock grazing by facilitating better pasture management and environmental stewardship. In this video clip, Tim Mize, Extension Agent with Virginia Cooperative Extension, and Norman Bower, a cooperating farmer, share how a grazing chart can be a roadmap for communicating and planning a farm's grazing plan. For more information about Graze 300 VA and Virginia Cooperative Extension, please visit Graze 300. Funding for the video was generously provided by the Agua Fund to encourage sustainable resilient agriculture and the conservation of important natural resources.

This is a Graze 300 Virginia video which is part of an Extension initiative to enable Virginia farmers to achieve 300 days of livestock grazing by facilitating better pasture management and environmental stewardship. In this video clip, Carrie Swanson, Extension Agent with Virginia Cooperative Extension, discusses and demonstrates the benefits of stockpile grazing with horses. For more information about Graze 300 VA and Virginia Cooperative Extension, please visit Graze 300. Funding for the video was generously provided by the Agua Fund to encourage sustainable resilient agriculture and the conservation of important natural resources.

This is a Graze 300 Virginia video which is part of an Extension initiative to enable Virginia farmers to achieve 300 days of livestock grazing by facilitating better pasture management and environmental stewardship. In this video clip, Carrie Swanson, Extension Agent with Virginia Cooperative Extension, discusses the benefits of a dry lot as a horse and pasture management strategy. For more information about Graze 300 VA and Virginia Cooperative Extension, please visit Graze 300. Funding for the video was generously provided by the Agua Fund to encourage sustainable resilient agriculture and the conservation of important natural resources.

This is a Graze 300 Virginia video which is part of an Extension initiative to enable Virginia farmers to achieve 300 days of livestock grazing by facilitating better pasture management and environmental stewardship. In this video clip, Carrie Swanson, Extension Agent with Virginia Cooperative Extension, discusses the benefits of a dry lot as a horse and pasture management strategy. For more information about Graze 300 VA and Virginia Cooperative Extension, please visit Graze 300. Funding for the video was generously provided by the Agua Fund to encourage sustainable resilient agriculture and the conservation of important natural resources.

This is a Graze 300 Virginia video which is part of an Extension initiative to enable Virginia farmers to achieve 300 days of livestock grazing by facilitating better pasture management and environmental stewardship. In this video clip, Jason Thurman of Lazy Acre Angus, in cooperation with Chris Brown Extension Agent with Virginia Cooperative Extension, explains his farm’s rotational grazing system and how he has incorporated summer annuals such as Sorghum-Sudangrass in the system to improve cow performance during the hot summer months. For more information about Graze 300 VA and Virginia Cooperative Extension, please visit Graze 300. Funding for the video was generously provided by the Agua Fund to encourage sustainable resilient agriculture and the conservation of important natural resources.

This is a Graze 300 Virginia video which is part of an Extension initiative to enable Virginia farmers to achieve 300 days of livestock grazing by facilitating better pasture management and environmental stewardship. In this video clip, Jeanie Layton-Dudding, Extension Agent with Virginia Cooperative Extension, demonstrates how to use a falling plate meter measure the amount of forage available in a pasture and to plan your winter feeding management. For more information about Graze 300 VA and Virginia Cooperative Extension, please visit Graze 300. Funding for the video was generously provided by the Agua Fund to encourage sustainable resilient agriculture and the conservation of important natural resources.

Demonstration and explanation of operation and use of a stone burier implement for tractor. The tool buries stones in a field and makes raised beds at the same time. Burying stones prevents cultivation and planting equipment from skipping and causing loss of production. The stone burier can also be used to bury cover crops allowing quicker field turnovers.

This webinar series is designed to support and explain each chapter of the Virginia Farm to School Toolkit, which was developed to guide VCE Extension agents, school division administrators, school nutrition professionals, educators, school garden coordinators, and others toward using farm to school practices as a means to increase equitable access to fresh, healthy, Virginia grown food while providing hands-on learning opportunities in a variety of educational settings. In this webinar, we define “farm to school”, provide an overview of Farm to School initiatives in Virginia, highlight the content of the Virginia Farm to School Toolkit and webinar series.

This webinar series is designed to support and explain each chapter of the Virginia Farm to School Toolkit, which was developed to guide VCE Extension agents, school division administrators, school nutrition professionals, educators, school garden coordinators, and others toward using farm to school practices as a means to increase equitable access to fresh, healthy, Virginia grown food while providing hands-on learning opportunities in a variety of educational settings. In this webinar, we are joined by several panelists who will share their experiences and processes for obtaining funds for farm to school projects and how to evaluate them.

This webinar series is designed to support and explain each chapter of the Virginia Farm to School Toolkit, which was developed to guide VCE Extension agents, school division administrators, school nutrition professionals, educators, school garden coordinators, and others toward using farm to school practices as a means to increase equitable access to fresh, healthy, Virginia grown food while providing hands-on learning opportunities in a variety of educational settings. In this webinar, we are joined by several panelists who will share their experiences and processes for obtaining funds for farm to school projects and how to evaluate them.

This webinar series is designed to support and explain each chapter of the Virginia Farm to School Toolkit, which was developed to guide VCE Extension agents, school division administrators, school nutrition professionals, educators, school garden coordinators, and others toward using farm to school practices as a means to increase equitable access to fresh, healthy, Virginia grown food while providing hands-on learning opportunities in a variety of educational settings. In this webinar, our panelists will discuss why it is important to share success stories with stakeholders, and will provide some examples of ways to do so.

This webinar series is designed to support and explain each chapter of the Virginia Farm to School Toolkit, which was developed to guide VCE Extension agents, school division administrators, school nutrition professionals, educators, school garden coordinators, and others toward using farm to school practices as a means to increase equitable access to fresh, healthy, Virginia grown food while providing hands-on learning opportunities in a variety of educational settings. In this webinar, our panelists will share about how they have navigated through the process of procuring local foods for local schools.

This webinar series is designed to support and explain each chapter of the Virginia Farm to School Toolkit, which was developed to guide VCE Extension agents, school division administrators, school nutrition professionals, educators, school garden coordinators, and others toward using farm to school practices as a means to increase equitable access to fresh, healthy, Virginia grown food while providing hands-on learning opportunities in a variety of educational settings. In this webinar, our panelists will look at the flow of food from farm to tray, associated food safety contamination risks, and helpful resources to consider.

This webinar series is designed to support and explain each chapter of the Virginia Farm to School Toolkit, which was developed to guide VCE Extension agents, school division administrators, school nutrition professionals, educators, school garden coordinators, and others toward using farm to school practices as a means to increase equitable access to fresh, healthy, Virginia grown food while providing hands-on learning opportunities in a variety of educational settings. In this webinar, we are joined by several panelists, who will highlight some tangible ways food is being delivered and distributed as part of the farm-to-school value chain in Virginia.

This webinar series is designed to support and explain each chapter of the Virginia Farm to School Toolkit, which was developed to guide VCE Extension agents, school division administrators, school nutrition professionals, educators, school garden coordinators, and others toward using farm to school practices as a means to increase equitable access to fresh, healthy, Virginia grown food while providing hands-on learning opportunities in a variety of educational settings. In this webinar, we will consider how school gardens play an integral part of farm to school programs. Our panelists will share how they have developed and worked with school gardens and farms, and will offer some tips that can help in farm to school efforts.

This webinar series is designed to support and explain each chapter of the Virginia Farm to School Toolkit, which was developed to guide VCE Extension agents, school division administrators, school nutrition professionals, educators, school garden coordinators, and others toward using farm to school practices as a means to increase equitable access to fresh, healthy, Virginia grown food while providing hands-on learning opportunities in a variety of educational settings. In this webinar, we will consider opportunities to extend classroom learning into early care settings, afterschool activities, and summer programs. Our panelists will share their stories of how they are doing so.

This webinar series is designed to support and explain each chapter of the Virginia Farm to School Toolkit, which was developed to guide VCE Extension agents, school division administrators, school nutrition professionals, educators, school garden coordinators, and others toward using farm to school practices as a means to increase equitable access to fresh, healthy, Virginia grown food while providing hands-on learning opportunities in a variety of educational settings. In this webinar, our panelists will share their stories about how they have sparked a love of local food and farming through classroom and afterschool programs.

Virginia Cooperative Extension Mentors Growers in GAP Certification Preparation is a series of six videos showcasing Virginia farmers and their stories of working with Virginia Cooperative Extension to have their farms become Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) certified. In this video, we speak with Michael Richard and Alex Fayler of Glenmary Farms, Bristol, VA, about their oscillating hydroponic system for growing strawberries and their culture of food safety.

Virginia Cooperative Extension Mentors Growers in GAP Certification Preparation is a series of six videos showcasing Virginia farmers and their stories of working with Virginia Cooperative Extension to have their farms become Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) certified. In this video, we speak with Carl Gupton, CEO of Greenswell Growers, about their automated nutrient film technique (NFT) hydroponic system for growing lettuce and arugula, and how they have integrated food safety handling policies and practices as a central focus of their operation.

Virginia Cooperative Extension Mentors Growers in GAP Certification Preparation is a series of six videos showcasing Virginia farmers and their stories of working with Virginia Cooperative Extension to have their farms become Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) certified. In this video, we speak with Deborah Morton of Mor-Farms, Halifax County, VA, and how she is revitalizing the family farm where her forebearers grew tobacco in 1906. Growing a diversity of vegetable crops with field and high tunnel production, we discuss food safety practices and how extension can assist growers with their audits.

Virginia Cooperative Extension Mentors Growers in GAP Certification Preparation is a series of six videos showcasing Virginia farmers and their stories of working with Virginia Cooperative Extension to have their farms become Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) certified. In this video, we speak with Aaron Puckette of Puckette Farms, Campbell County, VA, about his field-grown produce for his Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) and wholesale markets, and explain various aspects of assessing risks for a produce safety audit.

Virginia Cooperative Extension Mentors Growers in GAP Certification Preparation is a series of six videos showcasing Virginia farmers and their stories of working with Virginia Cooperative Extension to have their farms become Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) certified. In this video, we speak with Lorrie Barron of Wildwood Berries and Produce, Charlotte, VA. Lorrie shares about her high tunnel and field-grown vegetables and berries sold through farmer's markets and a regional wholesaler, and highlights the food safety policies and practices she incorporates to reduce hazards.

Virginia Cooperative Extension Mentors Growers in GAP Certification Preparation is a series of six videos showcasing Virginia farmers and their stories of working with Virginia Cooperative Extension to have their farms become Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) certified. In this video, we speak with Scott and Becky Ramsey of Wyndale Gardens, Abingdon, VA, about their aquaponic system used for growing blue Nile tilapia and leafy greens. The first Harmonized GAP aquaponics farm certified within Virginia, Scott and Becky share their insights and commitment to providing the safest product they can to their retail and school markets.

The purpose of this systems research project led by National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) was to identify and promote practical ways of using regenerative grazing practices to improve soil health and catch and hold more rainwater in soil. Virginia Tech and Virginia Cooperative Extension’s project team conducted eleven semi-structured interviews and conversations across Virginia to learn and better understand farmers’ and ranchers’ agroecological motivations and overall values related to the protection and conservation of water resources. The project aimed to highlight distinct and diverse farms of Virginia’s agricultural community through a narrative inquiry framework.

Bean Hollow Grassfed Farm is a multi-generation farm located in the shadow of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Rappahannock County. A core belief for Michael and Bean Hollow Grassfed Farm is having and encouraging a healthy ecosystem where farm and land management reinforce natural processes because a farm cannot be healthy if the land is sick. Sheep and cattle are their primary livestock, but they also have layers for eggs. Most of their meat sales are sold through their on-farm store. In this video, Michael shares about his early career as a researcher and educator with the Rodale Institute but also tells how the gnawing in his gut led him into farming and the move toward more regenerative practices that strengthen biodiversity, build soil health, sequester carbon, and his family’s efforts to mitigate climate change. Farming for Mike is about continuous improvement; assessment of finances and hard to measure ecological metrics; and making management decisions that push forward the adoption of regenerative practices, while being mindful of farm transition and conservation planning.

Bramble Hollow Farm is owned and operated by Brent and Anna Wills and is located along the eastern foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Bedford County. Brent and Anna and their family raise pork and chicken on pasture. They have also raised other livestock and poultry through the years. Brett and Anna have and continue to use multiple market channels including farmers markets, on-farm sales, community supported agriculture (CSA) deliveries, participation in a food hub, and affiliation with the Edible Goose Creek farm alliance. Additionally, Bramble Hollow Farm invested in an on-farm commercial kitchen to diversify and add value to what they grow and offer. In this video, Brent shares who (i.e., writings of Gene Logsdon, Wendell Berry, and others) and what influenced him and helped form his vision for regenerative agriculture where soil health equates to plant health; plant health equates to livestock health; and ultimately equates to human and planetary health.

Cattle Run Farm LLC is a third-generation family operated and veteran owned farm located in Greene County and the central Piedmont region of Virginia. Sarah Morton and Ralph Morton seek to carry on the tradition of their family and expand the concept of an agrarian lifestyle and business to the community. Sarah shares about her families’ roots in farming and how asset mapping played a critical role when her father wanted to transition to the next generation. Sarah and Ralph raise cattle, chickens, produce, blackberries, hogs, cows, and more as they continue to look to add value and diversify their operation. Sarah and Ralph are active members in the Minority and Veteran Farmers of the Piedmont and work closely with several other community-focused organizations. Sarah emphasizes that Cattle Run Farm’s story is one of resilience, scale, diversification, and fortitude to keep farming and reaching towards sustainability and empowering others. Like many multi-generational family farms, sustainability, resilience, and viability are forged out of necessity. Sarah reiterates the critical importance of community in farm viability and similarly how farm viability strengthens community viability beyond the farm’s gate. Overall, the story gives a glimpse into Sarah’s and Ralph’s ecological and social consciences, and how reconnecting to the land instills passion and power.

Gil Yearwood of Ellett Valley Beef Company reflects on his time raising beef since 1975. Ellett Valley Beef Company is in Montgomery County in southwest Virginia and specializes in South Poll cattle because they are excellent for grass-based grazing systems and have relatively small frames, easy dispositions, and are tender. Gil admits he has tried every variation of rotational grazing, and that rotational grazing is significantly better than continuous grazing. Gil took an interest in cattle and grazing as a teenager. He has been a mentor for many young and second career cattle farmers. Gil demonstrates that regenerative agriculture and grazing is a journey and an adaptive lifelong process. Gil openly shares his overarching goals, challenges, the lessons he has learned, and what gives him hope with soil health, water quality, and regenerative grazing adoption as he interacts with other farmers and visitors to his farm.

Becky Szarzynski is the owner and operator of Ember Cattle Company in Fairfield in Rockbridge County, Virginia. Becky as a grazier has honed her grazing management skills over the past 15 years in working with her father, attending conferences, being mentored by other farmers, and serving in a coordinator role of the farmer-to-farmer mentoring network with the Virginia Forage and Grassland Council. Becky raises South Poll cattle as a cow-calf operation, breeds replacement heifers, and sells seed stock on 160-acres of land. Becky practices rotational grazing with a diverse forage base that includes native warm season grasses, summer annuals, and cool season perennials. Becky tends to prefer the term adaptive grazing versus rotational grazing because conditions are constantly changing and you must be very observant of the interactions between soil health, plant diversity, livestock, pollinators, the weather, stocking density, and overall system. Becky shares her motivations, lessons learned, aspirations, and ongoing research and study of grazing and of course her fascination with dung beetles.

Glade Road Growing is a small family farm within the town limits of Blacksburg in Montgomery County, Virginia. Sally Walker and Jason (JP) Pall started the farm operation in 2010, building on their experience with home gardening. Sally and Jason did not grow up on farms but have learned through internships, conferences, reading, YouTube videos, farm visits, and their own experiences as the farm has grown the past 14 years. Sally and Jason and their growing full-time and part-time staff raise certified naturally grown produce and pasture-raised organic-fed pork, poultry, and eggs. Sally and Jason have worked with the USDA-Natural Resource Conservation Services on several cost-shared soil and water conservation practices. Glade Road Growing started marketing their produce at the Blacksburg Farmers Market, but their sales now include a farm stand and a season-long farm share and community supported agriculture (CSA) subscriptions. Nutrition, health, and connections with community are critically important to Glade Road Growing’s mission and vision. Although JP and Sally are not quick to use the term regenerative for their vegetable production practices and livestock rotations, respect for their soil, water, animals, staff, and customers is always at the forefront of their thinking and that they are growing together with the community in mind.

Heaven’s Hollow Farm is a fourth-generation family farm that has been in operation since 1951. Jacob and his wife Jennifer and children operate the farm in Orange, Virginia. Jacob is a first-generation farmer. Jacob is thankful for the support of his parents and credits his involvement in 4-H showing cattle as a teenager for his career in farming and conservation. Jacob continues to learn and study through reading and visiting with other farmers. Heaven’s Hollow Farm is a commercial Black Angus cow-calf operation that also includes pastured poultry and pork. Most of their beef, poultry, pork, and eggs are marketed directly to consumers and local restaurants. Jacob and Jennifer take a holistic approach to managing their farm and seek to improve soil health, water quality, bird and wildlife habitat, and pollinator diversity as much as possible. Jacob describes their thinking about these processes and their rotations. Soil health, profitability, and quality of life must be balanced and should not be too complex. Being flexible and adaptable is important for Jacob and Jennifer, particularly with grazing, raising a family, and managing the farm holistically.

Holsinger Homeplace Farms is a family farm in Rockingham County in the central Shenandoah Valley. Buck and Amand ‘AJ’ Holsinger and their children are the tenth and eleventh generations to live on the farm. Buck and AJ started farming with the goal of feeding their family the healthiest food possible. Their animals are raised humanely and given the freedom to roam and obtain a nutritious diet from the forage base and their silvopasture system that includes black locust, black walnut, pine, cedar, and other mast, fodder, and shade producing trees. Holsinger Homeplace Farms now provides other families excellent grassfed beef and eggs from free-range laying hens. Buck and AJ share their motivations and how they have a generational perspective. J. Russell Smith’s book Tree Crops was an early influence and motivation for Buck, along with his experience visiting other countries as a veteran and pilot. AJ’s background in dietetics and nutrition has influenced her perspective on soil, plant, and animal health. Silvopasture management is a centerpiece of their farm as they seek a system that is multi-functional and provides multiple benefits across time. USDA and state conservation and cost-share programs have helped them financially in getting started and allowing them to set a pathway for transforming the farm and achieving their long-term holistic vision.

Shamoka Run Farm is a modest family farm in northern August County operated by Leo and Judy Tammi. Leo grew up in Delaware on a small, diversified farm with a few milk cows, hogs, sheep, and poultry. Leo and Judy moved to the Shenandoah Valley region in 1981. Leo learned very early to farm with nature and what the land is best suited. Shamoka Run Farm is a sheep and lamb farm that includes about 240 acres of hay and pasture, along with 60 additional acres of rented land. Leo was a founder of the early Virginia Lamb Cooperative, is an active member of the Virginia Forage and Grassland Council and has worked with the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Services and Headwaters Soil and Water Conservation District on a variety of best management practices like riparian buffers, bird and pollinator habitat, and native grass plantings. Leo shares several epiphanies and observations on rotational grazing, resilient, aesthetics, marketing, and wildlife habitat, and the need to educate people about the complexity of farming and the services farming and good land productivity provides to the broader community. Leo reminds us that regenerative and soil health-building principles must be internalized, require inquisitiveness, energy, resilience, and continual observation.

Adam Taylor and Elizabeth Spellman-Taylor co-operate Singing Spring Farm, which is in the Sinking Creek Valley in Craig County, Virginia. Adam and Elizabeth’s goal is to be a whole, complete diet farm that offers heirloom fruits and vegetables; goat milk, kefir, and cheese; culinary and medicinal herbs; eggs; and pastured, lamb, goat, and poultry. Agroforestry and permaculture are important themes on their farm as they seek to protect the Singing Spring on their farm, create community, and live out paradise gardening. Adam’s experience interning on a farm in southwest Virginia and being a Peace Corps volunteer in Zambia profoundly impacted how he views farming, while Elizabeth has a deep conservation ethic in agricultural land protection and agrarian commons. For each of them, Joe Hollis’s essays and musings on Paradise Gardening were instrumental for their vision of a family lifestyle that was balanced with everyday practices. Adam Taylor and Elizabeth Spellman-Taylor co-operate Singing Spring Farm, which is in the Sinking Creek Valley in Craig County, Virginia. Adam and Elizabeth’s goal is to be a whole, complete diet farm that offers heirloom fruits and vegetables; goat milk, kefir, and cheese; culinary and medicinal herbs; eggs; and pastured, lamb, goat, and poultry. Agroforestry and permaculture are important themes on their farm as they seek to protect the Singing Spring on their farm, create community, and live out paradise gardening. Adam’s experience interning on a farm in southwest Virginia and being a Peace Corps volunteer in Zambia profoundly impacted how he views farming, while Elizabeth has a deep conservation ethic in agricultural land protection and agrarian commons. For each of them, Joe Hollis’s essays and musings on Paradise Gardening were instrumental for their vision of a family lifestyle that was balanced with everyday practices.

Jerry Swisher is a cattleman, farm consultant, and a retired Senior Extension Agent for dairy sciences. Jerry continues to own and operate his family’s farm in Fairfield and Brownsburg in Rockbridge County, Virginia. Throughout his career with Virginia Tech and Virginia Cooperative Extension, Jerry served in many capacities to support Virginia’s dairy farmers, 4-H youth, and industry. Jerry designed and developed the Dairy Rotational Loafing Lot System, which became a standard best management practice for dairy farms to prevent soil erosion, protect natural resources, and enhance cow comfort and performance. Jerry was instrumental and a key resource for Virginia and Mid-Atlantic dairy farmers who desired to transition to grass-based dairy systems. He led multiple educational tours regionally and internationally so farmers could learn from other grass-based farmers in Ireland, New Zealand, and Australia. Jerry provides an historical perspective and motivated farmers to transition to grazing systems rather than conventional confinement with limited access to pastures. Jerry documents farmers’ motivations for grazing in an era of high costs and frantic industrial change, the pushback from the dairy industry, and frequently asked questions about grass-based regenerative dairy farming.

VCE AG TODAY is a weekly webinar that provides updates on agricultural practices. If you have any questions, please reach out to your local Extension office or visit www.ext.vt.edu.

A mom and daughter show how easy it is to eat more veggies by making some small and simple changes in their daily lives.

HPAI Transmission in Cattle is an emergent disease that is making its way through the Bovine population. This webinar can be used to answer frequently asked questions, to identify what we currently know about the disease, and the steps to take to limit the spread of the disease.