ANNOUNCEMENTS
Part-Time Farm Assistant (Seasonal+) at Epic Pastures
Epic Pastures, a small regenerative farm in Cumberland County, is looking for a part-time farm assistant through the growing season (approximately through October though we may extend to year-round). Help with general farm projects including mowing and weeding, organizing supplies, light construction, moving portable fencing, limited livestock care, and general farm maintenance. Every day is different! No farming experience is required, just a positive attitude, strong work ethic, and a genuine interest in farming. We're passionate about regenerative agriculture, permaculture, and soil health, and we'd love to share what we're learning with someone who wants to grow alongside our young farm. Applicants must be at least 16 years old, enjoy working outdoors in varying conditions, and be comfortable on uneven terrain around farm equipment and livestock. Up to 20 flexible hours per week, with weekend availability preferred. Training provided. Interested? Email maggie@epicpastures.com or message us on the Epic Pastures Facebook page.
FARMpreneurs Strategic Sprint Applications Open
Applications are now open for the Winter 2027 FARMpreneurs Strategic Sprint, a free, week-long leadership and business planning program for experienced regenerative farmers. The Strategic Sprint provides dedicated time away from the farm to develop a strategic business plan, strengthen leadership skills, and connect with peers and mentors while building a more profitable, resilient, and sustainable operation.
Volunteer at the Fauquier Education Farm
Community members are invited to volunteer at the Fauquier Education Farm and help harvest fresh produce for local food banks. Volunteers assist with harvesting, planting, and general farm activities while supporting food access initiatives throughout the community. No prior farming experience is necessary, and volunteers of all ages are welcome, though minors must be accompanied by an adult. Groups of more than six people are encouraged to contact the farm in advance to coordinate volunteer projects. When volunteering, participants should bring water, sunscreen, gloves, sturdy shoes or boots, and a hat.
For more information about volunteer opportunities, contact the Fauquier Education Farm at fauquieredfarm@gmail.com or visit the farm's Facebook page for weekly updates.
The Flower Hour Podcast: Farmer-Florist Life & Drying Flowers with Betsy Burch
A new episode of The Flower Hour with Erin Small is now available! In this episode, Erin sits down with Betsy Burch to discuss her journey as a farmer-florist, the rewards and challenges of growing cut flowers, and creative ways flowers can be enjoyed beyond fresh bouquets. Betsy shares lessons learned from her farm, along with insights into drying flowers and their traditional uses in herbal teas and flower-based beverages. This episode offers valuable inspiration and practical knowledge for flower growers, gardeners, and floral enthusiasts alike. Listen on Spotify or watch on YouTube.
Virginia Forest Landowner Update – Summer 2026 Edition
The Summer 2026 Edition of the Virginia Forest Landowner Update is now available and features articles on active forest management, including how landowners can improve forest health, productivity, wildlife habitat, and long-term resilience. This issue also highlights recent changes to Virginia's invasive plant laws and discusses the importance of adapting forest management practices as conditions, pests, and scientific knowledge continue to evolve. Readers can also explore archived editions celebrating the newsletter's 40th anniversary.
Virginia Forest Landowner e-Update Newsletter
Stay informed with the Virginia Forest Landowner e-Update, a free monthly newsletter from the Virginia Forest Landowner Education Program. Each issue provides timely information on forest management, stewardship practices, research updates, educational opportunities, and resources for woodland owners across Virginia. Subscribers also receive updates on upcoming workshops, retreats, webinars, and other forestry-related events designed to support sustainable forest management. To explore past issues or subscribe to future editions, visit the Virginia Forest Landowner Education Program website.
2026 Virginia Small Grain Official Variety Trial Results Now Available
The 2026 Virginia Small Grain Official Variety Trial Results are now available. Published by Virginia Tech's School of Plant and Environmental Sciences and the Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station, the report provides wheat and barley variety performance data from official variety trials conducted across Virginia. The results are intended to help producers, seed companies, and Virginia Cooperative Extension personnel evaluate variety performance and make informed planting decisions for future growing seasons. An official Virginia Cooperative Extension publication will be released at a later date. View the 2026 Virginia Small Grain Official Variety Trial Results (PDF), which is linked.
Registration Now Open for the 2026 Agricultural and Natural Resources Law Summit
Registration is now open for the 2026 Agricultural and Natural Resources Law Summit, taking place September 22–23, 2026, at the National Conservation Training Center in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. This two-day conference will feature presentations and discussions on timely legal topics affecting agriculture and natural resources, including heirs' property, land use, solar development, and other issues important to farmers, landowners, agricultural professionals, and policymakers. Early bird registration is available through August 13, with discounted rates for students. Learn more and register for the 2026 Agricultural and Natural Resources Law Summit.
New Virginia Invasive Plant Laws
Virginia has enacted four new invasive plant laws aimed at helping address the spread of invasive species across the Commonwealth. The legislation supports improved awareness and management of invasive plants that threaten forests, wildlife habitat, and natural ecosystems. Forest landowners are encouraged to learn how these new laws may affect future planting and land management decisions.
SARE Highlights Cover Cropping Research in Wide-Row Corn Systems
The Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) program recently highlighted a farmer-led research project exploring the use of cover crops in wide-row corn production systems. Conducted by Iowa farmer Bob Recker and collaborators through two SARE Farmer/Rancher grants, the project examined how wider corn row spacing could support cover crop growth while maintaining profitability. Results showed improvements in water infiltration, soil organic matter, and opportunities for additional income through inter-row crops and grazing. The project demonstrates how innovative management practices can help improve soil health and farm resilience. Additional information is available through SARE's 2025/2026 Report from the Field and online resource library.
Virginia Farmers Encouraged to Participate in JLARC Agricultural Funding and Technical Assistance Survey
The Virginia Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) is seeking input from farmers across the Commonwealth regarding their experiences with agricultural funding programs and technical assistance services. Survey responses will help inform future discussions and recommendations related to agricultural support programs in Virginia. Producers are encouraged to share their perspectives on the accessibility, effectiveness, and impact of available funding opportunities and technical assistance resources. The survey will remain open through August 3, 2026. Please note that this survey is separate from the Virginia Farm Voluntary Agricultural BMP Inventory Survey currently being conducted by Virginia Cooperative Extension. Farmers can access the survey online through the JLARC survey link.
Fauquier Education Farm Donation Total Continues to Grow
The Fauquier Education Farm continues to make a meaningful impact in the local community, donating more than 16,900 pounds of fresh produce to area food banks during the 2026 growing season. Thanks to the dedication of volunteers, the farm regularly harvests fresh vegetables, including squash, cabbage, onions, potatoes, tomatoes, and peppers, to help provide nutritious food for local families in need. Community members are encouraged to volunteer, attend upcoming educational programs, or participate in special events to support the farm's mission of growing food, educating future growers, and strengthening the community.
Solar Grazing Educational Resources
Interested in integrating livestock with solar energy production? A collection of solar grazing resources is now available to help producers explore the growing field of agrivoltaics. These materials include a recorded interview with Jess and Marcus Gray of Gray's LAMB scaping, producer experience videos from Virginia and North Carolina, best management practices for utility-scale solar sites, webinar recordings, and additional educational resources on grazing sheep beneath solar arrays. Producers can also learn more through organizations such as the American Solar Grazing Association and the Solar Farm Summit. Featured Resources:
- Gray's LAMB scaping: https://grayslambscaping.com/
- American Solar Grazing Association
- Solar Farm Summit
- Gray's LAMB scaping Interview
- Virginia Tech Solar Grazing Producer Videos:
- Soil-Site Management Protocols & Best Management Practices for Utility Scale Solar Site Development and Management in Virginia (Version 2) (see pages 35–36 for forage and grazing considerations)
- Additional Virginia Tech solar resources
- Virginia Cooperative Extension Webinar #11: Solar Grazing with Sheep: Information & Experiences from the Virginia Region
- Virginia Tech Sheep Symposium recordings and proceedings
SERIES
Landowner Retreats
Beginning Retreats provide information on hardwood and pine forest management, legacy planning, management planning, and more. Beyond the Basics Retreats take a deep dive into a specific forest management topic. All Retreats combine classroom instruction, field trips, and hands-on activities. Registration opens 10 weeks before events.
· September 11-12: Southeast Virginia Beginning Woodland Owner Retreat (Providence Forge, VA)
360 Cut Flower Discussion Group (Charlotte Court House, VA)
The 360 Cut Flower Discussion Group is a seasonal series designed to connect growers and build skills from field to vase through farm tours, hands-on workshops, and interactive field days. Events will run monthly through September 2026, offering opportunities to learn, share, and grow alongside fellow flower producers. Whether you're just starting out or expanding your operation, this group provides practical knowledge and community support. The upcoming dates in this series are: August 20, and September 25. For more information or to register, contact Erin Small at (434) 392-0300, erins96@vt.edu.
Fall Forestry & Wildlife Field Tours – 50th Anniversary (Multiple Locations)
Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Virginia's Fall Forestry & Wildlife Field Tours, a four-day educational series exploring sustainable forestry and wildlife management across the Commonwealth. Participants may attend one, several, or all four tour days as they visit private, public, and industry-managed forests, manufacturing facilities, and demonstration sites. Each tour offers opportunities to learn from forestry professionals while exploring real-world forest management practices, wildlife habitat improvements, and Virginia's forest products industry. Lodging information will be available for participants attending multiple days. Tour dates include:
· October 20: Montgomery County
Five Minutes (or Less) in the Forest Shorts (Virtual Series)
The Five Minutes (or Less) in the Forest Shorts series from Virginia Cooperative Extension features brief educational videos that provide practical forestry knowledge in just a few minutes. Designed for woodland owners, land managers, educators, and anyone interested in Virginia's forests, each episode explores a different forestry topic through engaging, easy-to-follow presentations. New videos premiere Thursdays at 12:15 PM on the Virginia Forest Landowner YouTube Channel. Upcoming episodes include:
· September 4: Clues to Land Use History
· September 11: Grade this Log
· September 18: 4-H Virtual Forest
· September 25: Hunting Safety
· October 2: Deer-resistant Trees and Shrubs
· October 9: Mini Poplar Plywood Mill Tour
4 THE SOIL HIGHLIGHTS
S6 – E14: Keeping Soil Active with Dr. Ray Weil of the University of Maryland, Part II
Dr. Ray Weil returns to continue the discussion on building healthier, more resilient soils through effective cover crop management. In this episode, the 4 the Soil team explores how setting clear goals, such as reducing erosion, improving water infiltration, enhancing soil health, and increasing farm resilience, can guide successful cover crop decisions. Dr. Weil explains how living roots keep soil biologically active year-round, supporting beneficial soil organisms and strengthening agricultural systems over time. Listeners will also learn about the University of Maryland's Cover Crop Innovation Center and its research on advancing soil health through innovative cover crop practices.
S6 – E15: Grassland Birds and Forages with Justin Proctor of the Smithsonian's Virginia Working Landscapes
Justin Proctor, coordinator of the Virginia Grassland Bird Initiative with the Smithsonian's Virginia Working Landscapes program, joins the 4 the Soil team to discuss the vital role Virginia's grasslands play in supporting more than 60 bird species. The conversation explores how grazing and forage management can benefit both agricultural production and wildlife habitat, while highlighting the importance of understanding nesting seasons, migration patterns, and habitat conservation. Listeners will also learn about educational workshops, practical resources, and incentive programs available through the Virginia Grassland Bird Initiative to help landowners and producers support grassland bird conservation.
4 the Soil Blog Check out the latest 4 the Soil blog!
AUGUST
August 8, 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM: Ed Farm Festival (Warrenton, VA)
Join the Fauquier Education Farm for its free annual Farm-ily Festival, a community open house celebrating local agriculture, volunteerism, and food access. Families can enjoy games, children's activities, educational programs, live animals, face painting, and the "Taste the Rainbow: Nourishing Ourselves from the Farm" nutrition class presented by Natasha's Natural Wellness. Visitors will also have the opportunity to learn about the farm's educational programs, volunteer opportunities, and its mission of donating all produce grown on the farm to local food banks. Local vendors and former Education Farm participants will also be featured throughout the event. The event is free and open to everyone. For more information, contact the Fauquier Education Farm at fauquieredfarm@gmail.com
August 12, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Herd Health and Forage Improvement (Ettrick, VA)
Healthy livestock begin with healthy pastures. Join Virginia Cooperative Extension for this workshop exploring strategies to improve herd health through better forage and pasture management. Participants will learn how to strengthen pastures and paddocks, increase forage productivity, improve animal weight gains, reduce stress on both livestock and grazing systems, and potentially decrease hay feeding needs. This workshop is ideal for livestock producers looking to enhance pasture performance and support the long-term health and productivity of their herds. Registration is required. For more information, contact Tim Sexton at (804) 524-1028 or tsexton@vsu.edu
August 12, 7:00 – 8:15 PM: Ruminant Webinar Series: Beef Cattle at VSU (Virtual)
Join Virginia Cooperative Extension for the next installment of the Ruminant Webinar Series, a monthly educational program focused on ruminant production and management. This session will highlight beef cattle production and provide practical information for farmers, Extension professionals, educators, and industry members interested in improving the success and sustainability of their operations. Participants will hear from expert speakers, gain practical management insights, and have the opportunity to ask questions during the live discussion. Whether you are new to beef cattle production or looking to refine your management practices, this webinar offers valuable tools and knowledge to support your operation. Participants are encouraged to install Zoom and test their microphone and speakers before the webinar. Registration is required. For more information, contact Jessica Harris at (804) 524-5964 or jharris@vsu.edu
August 13, 6:00 – 8:00 PM: Agriculture Business Structure Planning Workshop (Rustburg, VA)
Choosing the right business structure is an important step in building a successful agricultural operation. Join Virginia Cooperative Extension for this workshop exploring the different legal and business structures available to agricultural and rural businesses. Participants will learn how proper business planning can help reduce financial risk, protect personal assets from business liabilities, and support the long-term success of their farming operation. Extension specialists will discuss a variety of business structure options and provide guidance to help participants determine which approach may best fit their goals. This workshop is ideal for beginning farmers, existing producers, and rural entrepreneurs. Registration is required. For more information, contact Forrest Hobbs at (804) 892-5910 or fhobbs@vsu.edu
August 15, 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Clinch River Farmers Market (St. Paul, VA)
Support local agriculture and connect with growers, artisans, and food producers at the Clinch River Farmers Market. Open Saturdays from May through October, the market features fresh produce, whole foods, value-added products, and handcrafted goods from across Virginia's mountain region. Visitors can also enjoy live entertainment, children's activities, recipe swaps, educational demonstrations, market displays, free coffee, and opportunities to learn more about local food systems. Whether you're shopping for fresh ingredients or looking to support small farms, the market offers a welcoming community atmosphere for all ages. For more information, contact Wayne Browning at (804) 760-3932 or wbrowning@vsu.edu, or the Clinch River Farmers Market and Town of St. Paul at (276) 762-5297
August 19, 6:00 – 8:00 PM: ASD Veteran Coalition Meeting (Bristol, VA)
Military veterans involved or interested in agriculture are invited to attend Appalachian Sustainable Development’s Veteran Coalition Meeting at Michael Waltrip Brewing in Bristol. Held every third Wednesday, these gatherings are designed to strengthen the veteran farming community through networking, practical resource sharing, and collaboration opportunities that support veteran-led agricultural operations. Attendees can connect with fellow veterans, learn more about ASD programs and services, and enjoy free appetizers and soft drinks in a welcoming community environment. For more information, contact Appalachian Sustainable Development at asd@asdevelop.org
August 19, 6:00 – 8:00 PM: Growers Academy – Fall Cool Season Crops (Warrenton, VA)
Discover how to extend your growing season during this Growers Academy workshop focused on fall cool-season crop production. Participants will learn about crop selection, planting schedules, and management practices that can support harvests well into late fall and early winter. This free workshop is open to the public and no registration is required.
August 20, 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM: Naturally Grounded: Urban Ag & Cash Crops (Petersburg, VA)
This workshop introduces urban agriculture and agroforestry as strategies for economic development and sustainability. Participants will explore food systems, crop planning, and the use of non-timber forest products. Teaching urban agriculture through hands-on, GIS-integrated, and community-based methods involves transforming vacant lots into productive green spaces, using data to optimize crop yields, and engaging local stakeholders. Effective programs utilize working farms as classrooms, apply spatial analysis to identify viable land, and focus on high-value cash crops such as microgreens, culinary herbs, and gourmet mushrooms.
August 24, 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM: Pathways 2 Progress: Workforce Readiness (Petersburg, VA)
Join Virginia Cooperative Extension at Virginia State University for a workforce readiness workshop designed to help participants build skills for workplace success. This session will include career assessments, professional headshots, and financial literacy resources to support personal and professional development. The workshop will take place in Room 300 of the L. Douglas Wilder Building. For more information, contact Novita Epps at nepps@vsu.edu or (804) 524-5836.
August 27, 6:00 – 8:30 PM: Starting an LLC Workshop: A Beginner's Guide for Virginia Farmers (Atkins, VA)
Choosing the right business structure is an important step in building a successful farm business. Join Virginia Cooperative Extension for this workshop designed to help aspiring, beginning, and experienced farmers understand the process of forming and managing a Limited Liability Company (LLC) in Virginia. Participants will learn about the legal and administrative steps involved in establishing an LLC, as well as important tax considerations and potential benefits for agricultural businesses. This workshop provides practical guidance for farmers looking to protect their assets and strengthen the long-term success of their operation. Dinner will be provided. Registration is required. For more information, contact Amanda "Mandy" Fletcher at (804) 892-0108 or afletcher@vsu.edu
August 28, 12:15 PM: Fifteen Minutes in the Forest – Poplar Plywood Mill Tour (Virtual)
Join Virginia Cooperative Extension for the next installment of the Fifteen Minutes in the Forest webinar series featuring a virtual tour of a poplar plywood mill. During this free lunchtime webinar, participants will learn how poplar logs are processed into plywood products while gaining insight into Virginia's forest products industry and the important role sustainable forestry plays in supporting local economies. The webinar begins at 12:15 PM and will premiere on the Virginia Forest Landowner YouTube Channel.
August 29, 9:00-12:00 pm: Soil Health Workshop (Ruckersville, VA)
In this workshop, participants will learn the fundamentals of soil structure, nutrient management, cover cropping, and practices that improve long‑term soil fertility. Whether you’re a beginning farmer or looking to deepen your knowledge, this session will give you practical tools to strengthen your land, boost yields, and support sustainable growing. Please register to attend: https://mvfp.short.gy/SoilHealth82926
SEPTEMBER
September 12: Feast from the Field (Warrenton, VA)
Support the Fauquier Education Farm at its annual Feast from the Field fundraiser hosted by Moriah Farm. Guests will enjoy a locally inspired dinner, desserts, beverages, live music, auctions, raffles, and an evening celebrating the farm's mission of providing fresh produce to local food banks while expanding agricultural education throughout the community. Ticket sales and sponsorship information will be available soon.
September 19: Generation NEXT Legacy Planning Workshop (South Boston, VA)
Planning for the future of your land is an important part of long-term farm and forest stewardship. The Generation NEXT Legacy Planning Workshop helps landowners begin conversations about estate planning, family communication, and strategies for transferring land to future generations while maintaining healthy forests and working lands. Additional event details will be announced by the Virginia Forest Landowner Education Program as registration opens.
