Agriculture

Senators Mark Warner and Tim Kaine have introduced the Shenandoah Mountain Act and Virginia Wilderness Act to protect wilderness in Rockingham, Augusta, Highland, and Bath counties.

After two consecutive years of agricultural drought, the Shenandoah Valley is seeing a relatively dry spring.

The National Weather Service has issued a frost advisory for the Central Shenandoah Valley, including Augusta, Rockingham, Shenandoah, Page, and Nelson counties.

As hunger rates climb across the country, federal funding cuts are hitting Virginia farmers who produce food for nutrition programs.

Twenty-two youth who participated in the 2024 State Fair of Virginia 4-H and FFA livestock and general competitions were awarded a total of $34,340 from the fair’s Applied Scholarship Program.

The Virginia Department of Forestry’s Throwing Shade VA program is back and giving consumers discounts when they purchase native trees and shrubs from over 15 participating retail nurseries. 

Shenandoah County 4-H Livestock Judging and Skillathon Teams showcased their talents at the Virginia Tech Block and Bridle Livestock Judging and Skillathon Contest.

-The Shenandoah County 4-H Livestock Judging and Skillathon Team showcased their talents at the West Virginia University Livestock Judging Contest.

Drought advisories have been lifted in 28 localities thanks to above-average precipitation and full or overflowing reservoirs. 

While bear, deer, and turkey harvests decreased slightly, statewide harvest totals were remarkably similar to the previous year.