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Top News from Virginia Cooperative Extension

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Northampton Shellfish Mortality Response , redirect
In September 2026, a harmful algal bloom began affecting portions of the Chesapeake Bay and Eastern Shore waters, negatively impacting the aquaculture industry. In response to the HAB, a team of researchers and Extension personnel, including VCE, VIMS, ODU, and the VSAREC are working collaboratively to support affected industry members.

Recent Stories

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Virginia Cooperative Extension hosts Chilean agricultural leaders to share research and innovation , article
From weather variability to the need for greater farm productivity, agricultural producers in Virginia and Chile face many of the same challenges. A recent visit to Virginia’s Shenandoah Valley offered Chilean agricultural leaders the opportunity to see firsthand how Virginia Cooperative Extension connects university research with practical, on-the-ground solutions that benefit farmers and rural communities.
Date: November 2026 -
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Expedited well permits may help livestock producers facing drought-related water shortages , article
Virginia livestock producers experiencing water shortages because of drought may be able to expedite the permitting process if they need to construct a new private well.
Date: October 2026 -
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Hannah Bishop, senior agriculture and natural resources agent in Dinwiddie County , article
For more than a decade, Hannah Bishop has served Virginia Cooperative Extension in Dinwiddie County, helping connect youth, families, farmers, and community members with research-based education and resources. Originally a Virginia Tech student on a pre-veterinary track, she discovered Extension through an internship and found a career rooted in service, lifelong learning, and community impact. Today, as an agriculture and natural resources agent, she continues to support local needs while helping strengthen the future of her community.
Date: October 2026 -
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Rivanna 4-H youth grow their knowledge through hydroponics , article
Each year, Rivanna 4-H’ers choose a new environmental topic that serves as a theme for the year. During the 2025-26 year, 4-H members explored hydroponics, learning how plants can be grown using water and nutrients instead of traditional soil. With guidance from Kim Lohan, a 4-H volunteer leader and Virginia Master Naturalist, they designed and built their own hydroponic growing system, which they voted to name “Hydrodude.”
Date: October 2026 -