Virginia Cooperative Extension

Extraordinary Employee Helen Williams has served the citizens of Amherst County for 55 years

Wed, 22 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

Annual Garden Gala to be held June 8 at Hahn Horticulture Garden

Fri, 17 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

The gala helps support the Hahn Horticulture Garden's mission of education and outreach.

College of Engineering names Mary Miller its 2013 Distinguished Alumna

Fri, 17 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

Mary Miller, founder and president of Interactive Design and Development, of Blacksburg, Va., is the Virginia Tech College of Engineering Distinguished Alumna for 2013. She earned her master's degree in 1985 in computer science, part of the College of Engineering

New workshop offered for beginning beekeepers

Mon, 13 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

The 12-hour workshop in May covers all the basics for beekeeping start-ups

Dairy science students place second in the dairy challenge competition

Thu, 09 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

A team of Virginia Tech dairy science students placed second in the 12th annual North American Intercollegiate Dairy Challenge.

Shelley Duke will receive Virginia Tech's highest honor

Mon, 06 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

The 2013 recipient of Virginia Tech's highest honor, the William H. Ruffner Medal, is Michele "Shelley" Duke of Middleburg, Va., who is being recognized for the substantial difference she has made to the university through her volunteer service and support.

4-H and FFA members compete in 2013 State Stockman's and 4-H Quiz Bowl contests

Fri, 03 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

The Rockbridge County 4-H team won the senior division and will represent Virginia at the National 4-H Stockman's Contest at the North American Livestock Exposition.

Virginia Cooperative Extension agents receive 2013 Alumni Award for Outreach Excellence (team achievement)

Fri, 03 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

The award recognizes outstanding contributions by Virginia Tech faculty members who have extended the university's outreach mission throughout the commonwealth, the nation, and the world.

Students recognized for their commitment to civic engagement

Thu, 02 May 2013 00:00:00 -0400

Two students were awarded $750 each from the new John E. Dooley Student Engagement Grant program to support community-based civic engagement projects.

Cicada 'invasion' bugs some, excites others

Thu, 25 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0400

Soon the East Coast will experience infestations of small beings with blood-orange bulging eyes and bodies that can generate noise as thunderous as roaring motorcycle engines. But fear not. According to the manager of Virginia Cooperative Extension's Insect Identification Laboratory, the bugs are harmless (mostly).

Jennifer Gagnon receives 2013 Alumni Award for Excellence in Extension

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0400

The impacts of Jennifer Gagnon's programs on forest management are significant and pervasive.

Trailblazing environmental sciences major celebrates milestone

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0400

"This is a major for students who are passionate about science and realize the value of such an education," said Tom Thompson, head of the Department of Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences.

New Extension e-books on groundcovers, boxwoods, and food storage guidelines are now available

Thu, 18 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0400

Virginia Cooperative Extension has three new free e-books available for download.

Karen DeBord continues career in Extension with new position

Fri, 12 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0400

In this position, Karen DeBord will provide Extension agents with research-based information about family and human development topics that agents can pass on to members of the communities they serve. DeBord's research covers topics like helping children deal with stress and choosing a child care provider.

George E. Russell, Winston and Marilyn Samuels named to College of Agriculture and Life Sciences 2013 Hall of Fame

Fri, 05 Apr 2013 00:00:00 -0400

"We are stronger today because of the work they have done on behalf of the university and the college," said Alan Grant, dean of the college.

New portable biomass power plant draws visitors to campus

Thu, 28 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0400

The Department of Sustainable Biomaterials' biomass power system, capable of generating enough energy to power 100 100-watt light bulbs, will be used for research and teaching efforts.

The Power of Presence drives the 2013 Innovative Leadership Conference

Wed, 20 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0400

Leading the interactive training is communications expert and executive coach Kristi Hedges, who demystifies this elusive trait of presence. Hedges shows how anyone, regardless of position or personality, can strengthen their personal impact.

Virginia Tech plays pivotal role in boosting state's agricultural exports

Tue, 19 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0400

Virginia had $2.61 billion in agricultural exports in 2012, a record-setting number. Since 2010, agricultural and forestry exports have increased 17 percent.

Video: Virginia Tech faculty experts get their hands dirty in Haiti

Mon, 11 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0400

Deforestation is a big problem in Haiti, where all but 2 percent of forests are gone.

Peter B. Schultz receives Distinguished Service Award from Research Center Administrators Society

Tue, 05 Mar 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Peter B. Schultz, director of Virginia Tech's Hampton Roads Agricultural Research and Extension Center was recently given the Distinguished Service Award by the Research Center Administrators Society of the United States.

Gov. Bob McDonnell, Charles Steger to speak at annual Governor's Conference on Agriculture Trade

Tue, 19 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0500

The conference will bring together producers, agribusinesses, exporters, foreign ambassadors, embassy ministers, land-grant university leadership, state and federal government officials, and others to discuss challenges and opportunities for global exports.

More than 800 4-H youth to meet state lawmakers in Richmond

Fri, 08 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Virginia 4-H sponsors the annual trip for 4-H'ers across the commonwealth to learn about the legislative process and to express their gratitude to state delegates and senators who support the 4-H youth development programs.

Virginia Tech announces search committee for dean of the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine

Fri, 08 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Senior Vice President and Provost Mark McNamee will chair the search committee.

Extension launches Animal Health Network to deliver critical information to backyard farmers

Wed, 06 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0500

The network connects underserved populations of noncommercial livestock and poultry owners with vital, animal-disease-related alerts and information from the state veterinarian.

Courses and conferences to address timber sales and theft, sustainable forests, and wildlife management

Mon, 04 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Although individual landowners own 64 percent of Virginia's 15.6 million acres of forests, they are often not aware of how to manage their wooded acreage in a sustainable way that will benefit both owner and resource.

Winter conferences on no-till conservation farming set for Feb. 12-15

Fri, 01 Feb 2013 00:00:00 -0500

The Virginia No-Till Alliance in collaboration with Virginia Cooperative Extension will launch its fifth year of conferences on no-till farming practices and technologies with four events across Virginia in February.

National Science Foundation partnership grant expands geospatial education through Virginia's community colleges

Wed, 30 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0500

The partnership effort continues to support community colleges as they strive to help meet the demand for skilled geospatial technicians.

Richard Crowder receives American Farm Bureau Federation's Distinguished Service Award

Tue, 22 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0500

With more than 40 years of experience in the agriculture and food sector, Richard T. Crowder has dedicated his career to advancing the farming and ranching industry.

Online course offered for Virginia forest landowners

Tue, 22 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0500

The Virginia Forest Landowner Education Program is offering an online course to help private landowners become better stewards of their land.

Video: Virginia Tech students create $5 million building plan for the Reynolds Homestead

Tue, 22 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0500

The students' architectural work was "fabulous," says Elizabeth Gilboy, director of the Community Design Assistance Center, which produced the proposed Patrick County project.

Woods and Wildlife Conference: Bring out the best in your property

Tue, 15 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Owners of woodlands large and small are invited to learn how to maximize their property's potential at this year's Woods and Wildlife Conference to be held Feb. 23.

Dr. Gerhardt Schurig to step down as dean of the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine

Fri, 11 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Appointed as the college's third dean in 2004, Dr. Gerhardt Schurig first joined the faculty in 1978. A professor and veterinary immunologist, he is internationally renowned for his work in developing vaccines against bovine brucellosis, a zoonotic disease that causes reproductive problems in cattle and undulant fever in humans.

Selling Your Timber course offered for Virginia forest landowners

Fri, 11 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Virginia Cooperative Extension and the Virginia Forest Landowner Education Program will host a short course to help landowners learn how to harvest and sell their timber in a biologically and economically sound manner.

Robert Smith appointed interim head of sustainable biomaterials department

Thu, 10 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0500

Robert L. "Bob" Smith of Christiansburg, Va., associate dean for engagement for the College of Natural Resources and Environment, has been appointed interim head of the Department of Sustainable Biomaterials.

Extension e-books on widow spiders, curing hams, and renter’s rights are now available

Mon, 07 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0500

New, free e-books from Virginia Cooperative Extension cover the rights of renters, curing hams, and widow spiders. The e-books are a convenient and easy way to take the knowledge of Virginia Tech experts wherever you go.

Virginia 4-H wins national skillathon competition

Wed, 02 Jan 2013 00:00:00 -0500

The Virginia team placed first in identification, first in quality assurance, and fifth in evaluation. Their scores beat 18 other teams to make them the overall national champions.

Helping children cope with stress

Wed, 19 Dec 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Children are particularly vulnerable to frightening events, and recognizing children's symptoms of stress is not always easy.

Jim Gerrish of American GrazingLands Services to speak at the 2013 Winter Forage Conference

Fri, 14 Dec 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Virginia Cooperative Extension and the Virginia Forage and Grassland Council will co-host the 2013 Winter Forage Conference at four locations on Jan. 22-25.

Forest resources department partners to host forest health conference

Thu, 13 Dec 2012 00:00:00 -0500

The Virginia Association of Forest Health Professionals will host its 21st annual conference on Feb. 4 and 5, 2013, at the Inn at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Va.

Virginia Cooperative Extension tips can help keep your home, family safe during the holidays

Wed, 12 Dec 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Wintertime -- especially during the holidays -- can be a risky time for health and safety. Extension Safety specialist Bobby Grisso has some advice to help you avoid dangerous situations.

Virginia Tech students place in dairy challenge competition

Wed, 28 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Four Virginia Tech students worked on teams that took first and second place at the North American Intercollegiate Dairy Challenge. They looked at the production and financial records of two dairy farms and made recommendations to industry experts.

Digital tool allows public to see urban tree canopy coverage in neighborhoods

Wed, 21 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0500

The Urban Tree Canopy Mapper allows both professionals and average citizens to zoom in for views and create custom maps of the urban tree canopy in their communities.

Entomology is not to blame for annual ladybug swarms

Tue, 20 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Every fall, Virginia conspiracy theorists claim that ladybugs are purposely released by the Department of Entomology in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences as a vector control to keep the stinkbug population down. But that's just humbug.

Extension expert says planning ahead for the holidays decreases debt

Mon, 19 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Karen Poff, Virginia Cooperative Extension family and consumer sciences agent, has some tips for budgeting for the holidays.

Livestock merchandising students gain experience managing Virginia Tech beef cattle sale

Thu, 08 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0500

The 18th annual Hokie Harvest Sale culminated 10 weeks of work for students who orchestrated the budgets, advertising, and operations of a beef cattle sale that raised $104,450 for animal and poultry sciences programs.

Edward Scott Hagood honored with emeritus status

Wed, 07 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0500

A nationally recognized expert in weed science has received one of the university's highest commendations by the board of visitors.

In memoriam: Hubert John Gerken Jr., professor emeritus of animal science, College of Agriculture and Life Sciences

Fri, 02 Nov 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Hubert John Gerken Jr., 83, a Virginia Tech alumnus and an internationally known beef cattle specialist, died Oct. 27, 2012, in Burlington, N.C after a lengthy illness.

2012 Virginia Farm to Table Conference planned to build local and regional food economies

Tue, 30 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Speakers and panelists will address critical challenges surrounding a sustainable local food system. Individuals and groups interested in boosting local and regional economies, working to develop and grow community enterprises and startup businesses, and supporting local agriculture and conservation of natural resources are encouraged to attend.

Maxwell Watkins recognized as 2012 Virginia Farmer of the Year

Fri, 26 Oct 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Maxwell Watkins, a sixth-generation farmer, was recognized at the Virginia Junior Livestock Expo in Harrisonburg on Oct. 13.