A Taste of Farming: An Online Series for Aspiring and New Farmers
Are you aspiring to farm or just starting out with farming? If so, this series is for you. We designed this “learn as you go” online series so you can get a taste of different farming practices and concepts to help you explore your interests, gain a basic understanding of many different farming topics, avoid common pitfalls, and get to know the Extension professionals in Virginia who are here to assist you.
In this Series, Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) agents and VSU Small Farm Outreach Program Associates post short videos (15-20 min) highlighting key information and considerations about different farming practices and concepts on topics they have had years of experience helping aspiring and new farmers navigate. Season 1 ran from October 2021 to March 2022 and videos are archived below. Season 2 ran from October 2022 to March 2023. Videos from both seasons are archvied below. All of our Taste of Farming videos are also on a playlist on the Virginia Beginning Farmer and Rancher Coalition YouTube Page.
Season 2 Archive
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How to Interpret a Soils Test , articleHear from Nicole Shuman, Goochland County Virginia Cooperative Extension Agent about how to interpret a soils test. Click here for more information.
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Information for New Pesticide Applicators , articleHear from Mike Parrish, Dinwiddie County Virginia Cooperative Extension Agent about information that new pesticide applicators need to know. Click here for more information.
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Floriculture , articleHear from Erin Small, Prince Edward County Virginia Cooperative Extension Agent about floriculture. Click here for more information.
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Vineyard Establishment , articleHear from Beth Sastre-Flores, Loudoun County Virginia Cooperative Extension Agent about vineyard establishment. Click here for more information.
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Christmas Tree Production , articleHear from Ashley Edwards, Carroll County VCE Ag Agent, and Kevin Spurlin, Grayson County VCE Ag Agent, about Christmas Tree Farming. Click here for more information.
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Sheep and Goat Production , articleHear from Mandy Fletcher, VSU Small Farm Outreach program Assistant for Southwest Virginia, on Sheep and Goat Production. Click here to learn more.
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Direct Marketing Meat , articleHear from Sarah Sharpe, Greene County VCE Ag Agent, on direct marketing meat. Click here for more information.
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Seafood Safety , articleHear from Katheryn Parraga-Estrada, VCE Muscle Food Safety Specialist, on Seafood Safety Regulations and Requirements. Click here to learn more.
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Starting a Small Dairy (Cows and Goats) , articleHear from Cynthia Martel, Franklin County VCE Ag Agent, and Jeremy Daubert, Rockingham County VCE Ag Agent, about starting a small dairy with either cows or goats. Click here to learn more.
Season 1 Archive
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Introduction to Business Planning , articleHear from Sarah Sharpe, Green County’s Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Agent, about writing a business plan. Sarah will share why a business plan is important and will cover the basics of the process and what needs to be included. Click for more information.
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Things to Consider for Your New Farm (Ad)Venture , articleHear from Tom Stanley, Rockbridge County’s Extension Agent specializing in Farm Business Management, on key considerations for planning and starting a farming enterprise.
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Key Agencies and Resources to Assist Your Farming Venture , articleHear from Theresa Pittman, Accomack County’s Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Agent, who will give you an overview of key agencies that can assist you in your farming venture. Click for more information.
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Basic Soils , articleHear from Amy Byington, Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Agent in Lee County, who will share an introduction to soils. Key topics will include physical characteristics, chemical characteristics, and fertilizers. Click for more information.
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Vegetable Production and Food Safety Requirements , articleHear from Ursula Deitch, Northampton County’s Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Agent, who will share the basics of vegetable production and along with the food safety requirements in which beginning farmers should be aware. Click for more information.
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Integrated Pest Management Basics , articleHear from Laura Maxey-Nay, Hanover County’s Agriculture and Natural Resource Agent specializing in Crop and Soil Sciences, who will share the basics of integrated pest management to support healthy crops. Click for more information.
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Hydroponic Production , articleHear from Ashley Appling, Culpeper County’s Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Agent, who will share an introduction to hydroponic production.
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Getting Started in the Greenhouse , articleHear from Ed Olsen, Horticulture Agent in Henrico County, who will share an introduction to greenhouse production.
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Horse Management 101 , articleHear from Carrie Swanson, Albemarle County’s Animal Science Extension Agent, who will share a basic overview of horse management.
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Pumpkins , articleHear from Joanne Jones, Charlotte County’s Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Agent, who will share about pumpkin production.
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Forestry , articleHear from Neil Clark, Southampton County’s Natural Resources Extension Agent, who will share an introduction to forest management as part of whole farm planning and management.
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Agritourism , articleHear from Livvy Preisser, Isle of Wight County’s Agriculture and Natural Resources Extension Agent, who will share an introduction to agritourism.
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Strawberries , articleHear from Roy Flanagan, Virginia Beach’s Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent, who will share the basics of strawberry growing.
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Small Fruit , articleHear from Ashley Edwards, Carroll County’s Commercial Horticulture Extension Agent, who will share an introduction to small fruit production.
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Agroforestry and Forest Farming , articleHear from Adam Downing, Regional Forestry Extension Agent, who will share an introduction to farm and forest integration opportunities including silvopasture and forest farming.
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Beef Management 101 , articleHear from Jeannie Dudding, Giles County’s Animal Science Extension Agent, who will provide a basic overview of beef management.
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Grazing Math , articleHear from Carl Stafford, Culpeper County’s Agriculture and Natural Resources Senior Extension Agent, who will share principles driving the flexible management of natural systems needed by grazing livestock.