Articles
Top News from Virginia Cooperative Extension
-
Article Item
To tackle hunger, Extension agents have the knowledge and the networks , articleFaith Dickerson, Director of the Culpeper Food Closet, is racing to keep up with the surging demand for food in her community—and she knows where to turn for help: Lenah Nguyen, a Virginia Cooperative Extension family and consumer sciences agent in Culpeper County.
Recent Stories
-
Article Item
Virtual fencing may offer a cost-effective alternative for Southwest Virginia farms , articleGrazing animals require fencing to remain in designated pastures and prevent them from wandering, but fences are expensive and time-consuming to install and maintain. Farmers with limited mobility face additional challenges, and not all land-use scenarios allow for the installation of fencing.
Date: January 2026 -
-
Article Item
Erin Small wins national award for innovation in flower farming support , articleWhen Erin Small, Prince Edward County agriculture and natural resources Extension agent, noticed that many local farmers were adding cut flower sales to boost their businesses, she was inspired to help. Small created the Cut Flower Discussion Group — a first-of-its-kind initiative in Virginia that has transformed how flower growers connect, learn, and thrive across the commonwealth.
Date: January 2026 - -
Article Item
What is beech leaf disease? , articleBeech leaf disease (BLD) is a newly emerging disease affecting beech trees (genus Fagus) in North America. The causal agent of BLD is a previously undescribed nematode species, informally referred to as the beech leaf disease nematode (BLDN). BLD poses a significant threat to beech tree populations, which are ecologically and economically important components of forest ecosystems. Understanding the biology, ecology, and management of the BLDN is crucial for addressing this emerging forest health issue.
Date: December 2025 - -
Article Item
Bedford County’s recipe for a resilient food system , articleEach year, hunters participating in Bedford County’s Hunters for the Hungry program donate thousands of pounds of venison to help feed those in need. Food insecurity is a top issue for Bedford County, and an analysis of local food pantry inventories revealed that lean, healthy protein is often in shortest supply. High protein venison offers an ideal solution.
Date: November 2025 - -
Article Item
What is bale grazing? , articleBale grazing is a winter-feeding method where 1-3 months of hay is set out on pasture (typically late fall or early winter when ground conditions are suitable) and fed in a planned, controlled manner, similar to rotational grazing. Temporary electric fencing is moved every 1-7 days to give the cattle access to a new set of bales. A major advantage of bale grazing is that a tractor is not needed the majority of the winter to feed hay. Bale grazing requires a paradigm shift for cattle farmers: Instead of moving hay to the cattle all winter, you will be moving cattle to the hay.
Date: November 2025 -
Get to Know Extension
A featured series with interviews from local Extension agents.
