Guests at the VSU College of Agriculture Field Day

ETTRICK, VA —Virginia State University College of Agriculture welcomes the public to its annual Agriculture Field Day on Thursday, Sept. 1, 8 a.m.-noon, at VSU’s Randolph Farm, 4415 River Road, S. Chesterfield, Va. 

This FREE event will showcase the many ways VSU’s agricultural researchers, Extension specialists and professors discover, introduce and integrate innovations that provide greater support for consumers, communities and Virginia’s economy. 

The agriculture and forestry industries are Virginia’s number one private economic driver. These industries have an annual economic impact of more than $70 billion and provide over 334,000 jobs in the Commonwealth, according to the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Discover why and how Greater Happens Here in the College of Ag! Hop on and off trollies as they circle throughout Randolph Farm’s 416 acres and learn from the commonwealth’s leading experts about the latest techniques, trends, research and success stories impacting limited-resource farmers and ranchers with small-scale enterprises.

Learn first-hand how VSU’s research, teaching and public programming is enhancing the resiliency of Virginia’s food systems and addressing food safety and insecurity, especially among those who have limited social and economic resources.

Discover how you, your family, your business and your community can benefit from the food and agri-science programs at VSU. 

Explore:

• the production of blueberries, industrial hemp, sheep and goats 
• the benefits of hydroponic and aquaponic grow systems, pond aquaculture, and high tunnels
• a demonstration of livestock grazing
• much more!

“VSU Field Day will challenge your preconceived notions,” said Dr. Robert N. Corley III, interim dean at the College of Agriculture, and VSU vice provost. “As vital as food is to our surviving and thriving, agricultural products provide animal feed, fuel, fiber and much more. From food to fashion—agriculture is woven into the fabric of our lives.”

The event is free, but pre-registration is required at https://www.ext.vsu.edu/events/2022/09/01/vsu-coa-field-day.

For more information, or to arrange for your group to attend, contact Jessica Harris at 804-524-5964 or jbrown@vsu.edu.

If you have a disability and need assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, contact the Small Farm Outreach Program office five days prior to the event at smallfarm@vsu.edu, or call 804-524-3292 / TDD 800-828-1120, 8 a.m.- 5 p.m., to discuss accommodations. 

Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments. Its programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, military status, or any other basis protected by law.

SMALL FARM OUTREACH PROGRAM WILL EDUCATE MILITARY VETERANS ABOUT FARMING PROFITABLY AND SUSTAINABLY

PETERSBURG, VA - More than 100 military veterans will be joining Virginia State University’s (VSU) Small Farm Outreach Program (SFOP) for the 2022 Boots to Roots 2 ~ Down on the Farm Military Veteran’s Field Day next week, May 24th, at VSU Randolph Farm.

The theme of the workshop is “Down on the Farm,” and it is designed to be an on-the-farm event for military veteran farmers, ranchers, landowners, and new and beginning veteran farmers who want to learn more about what it takes to farm profitably and sustainably. Sessions will run from 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Participants will tour Randolph Farm and learn about various enterprises such as urban farming, aquaculture, small ruminants, vegetable production, berry production, high tunnel production, and learn about the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) and other agencies that partner with VSU to support farmers.

“The goal of this event is to bring new and seasoned veteran farmers together to allow networking opportunities and educate them about USDA, other agricultural programs, and resources available to them,” said Tony Edwards, an SFOP Program Assistant who specializes in helping military veterans and beginning farmers. “We have an awesome program in store for participants. Some of our partners who will be available to provide information are Farm Service Agency (FSA), Rural Development, Food and Nutrition Program, and other USDA Military veteran representatives.”

The keynote speaker for the workshop is William B. Ashton, Navy Veteran and Strategic Initiatives Division Director of USDA. Ashton has been appointed by the Governor of Virginia to be the Fleet Reserve Association’s representative to the Joint Leadership Council, where he currently serves as Chairman. This organization helps service organizations collaborate with the Department of Veterans Services on meeting the needs of Virginia’s veterans.

The 2022 Boots to Roots 2 ~ Down on the Farm field day will be held at VSU Randolph Farm Pavilion, 4415 River Road Petersburg, VA, in the large conference room. Registration is free and includes refreshments and lunch sponsored by the Farmer Veteran Coalition.

The workshop is open to veterans as well as military personnel who may be considering farming after retirement. To register, visit http://www.ext.vsu.edu/calendar, click on the event and then click on the registration link.

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact the Small Farm Outreach Program office at smallfarm@vsu.edu or call (804) 524-3292 / TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.

Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments. Its programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, military status, or any other basis protected by law.