Agriculture

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.

For the third year, the public is invited to nominate Virginians working in various agriculture and natural resources professions to appear on the 2025 Ag Superhero Trading Cards.

Spotted lanternfly egg masses, which resemble mud patches, are laid in the fall and hatch in the spring, and experts say now is a good time to find them.

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services confirmed highly pathogenic avian influenza earlier this month in a commercial broiler flock in Accomack County and in contained, non-poultry birds in Chesterfield County.