Virginia Cooperative Extension

Matt Eick awarded Certificate of Teaching Excellence

Tue, 22 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Matt Eick's teaching philosophy, along with his development of technological teaching aids and his well-designed lab section, has earned him accolades from his students and fellow professors in the Department of Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences.

Carlyle Brewster awarded Certificate of Teaching Excellence

Mon, 21 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Carlyle Brewster receives a Certificate of Teaching Excellence Award in May 2012.

University alive with summer programs, cultural events

Fri, 18 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400

In addition to summer classes and orientation programs, the university will host summer programs and events that promise something for everyone.

Virginia View offers geospatial technology workshops to educators

Wed, 16 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400

The Virginia View consortium, led by Virginia Tech's College of Natural Resources and Environment, is offering a series of workshops for educators who want to incorporate geospatial technology into their classrooms and beyond.

John Lee Pratt Animal Nutrition Senior Fellows present research

Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400

The John Lee Pratt Animal Nutrition Senior Fellows program promotes the study of animal nutrition across departments throughout the college.

Virginia Tech and University of Tuscia lead international research team to unravel origin of devastating kiwifruit bacterium

Thu, 10 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400

An international research team led by Virginia Tech Associate Professor Boris Vinatzer and Giorgio Balestra of the University of Tuscia in Italy has used the latest DNA sequencing technology to trace a devastating pathogen back to its likely origin.

New youth group to promote agricultural issues

Wed, 09 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400

The new program unites youth as one, positive voice to produce, promote, and pride themselves in Virginia’s agriculture through public relations opportunities.

General Assembly update: Legislation impacting Virginia Tech, Extension, and higher education

Mon, 30 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0400

For the first time since 2007, the legislature approved a pay raise for state employees. Faculty and staff will receive a 2 percent pay increase on July 10, 2013.

'Stronger Economies Together' initiative to strengthen regional economic development

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0400

The Stronger Economies Together initiative is an opportunity for current or newly formed multicounty teams to receive the latest tools, training, and technical assistance to help their region move forward and capitalize on strengths to create jobs, wealth, and economic development.

Dini M. Miller receives 2012 Alumni Award for Excellence in Extension

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0400

A major component of Dini Miller's work has been centered on the recent resurgence of bed bugs both in the Western Hemisphere and Asia.

Scott Jessee receives 2012 Alumni Award for Excellence in Extension

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0400

While specializing in crop and soil science, Scott Jessee has directed most of his programs toward the livestock industry.

Carl Zipper receives 2012 Alumni Award for Outreach Excellence

Wed, 25 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Carl E. Zipper has worked to apply scientific concepts to improve environmental restoration and management in coal-mining areas.

Agricultural exports reach a record high

Thu, 19 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Virginia Gov. Bob McDonnell addressed about 150 attendees at the recent 2012 Governor's Conference on Agricultural Trade. He underscored his administration's global marketing initiatives in securing new and lucrative deals for agricultural exports. The commonwealth's agricultural exports exceeded $2.35 billion in 2011, a record high.

Virginia Cooperative Extension, City of Roanoke to host '2012 Innovative Leadership Conference: Guiding the Force of Change'

Tue, 17 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0400

The 2012 conference is designed to expand participants' understanding of the process of change in challenging environments and to provide guidance in implementing an effective model for launching community transition.

Steven Blank brings 30 years experience to Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics

Thu, 12 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Steven Blank said he is delighted to join the Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics at Virginia Tech's College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. He noted the department's long history of both service to agriculture in Virginia and the country.

Prestigious National Institutes of Health training program answers biomedical research need

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Six veterinarian trainees will be funded by this grant to conduct cutting-edge biomedical research through this National Institutes of Health training program, starting July 1.

Montpelier touts tree ID technology

Fri, 06 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Montpelier's "Working Woods Walk" guides visitors through the Big Woods to a loop trail that explores various conservation management practices based on today's best forest science. A new element of the walk features a technology-enhanced tree identification experience, using common smart phone technology.

Virginia Cooperative Extension to host Virginia Junior Livestock Expo Oct. 11 through 14

Wed, 04 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0400

This event will serve as the culminating activity for youth livestock projects and will replace the junior livestock show activities that were previously held annually at the State Fair of Virginia in Doswell, Va.

Charles C. Stallings honored with emeritus status

Thu, 29 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0400

An Extension dairy specialist has been conferred emeritus status by the Virginia Tech Board of Visitors.

In memoriam: Celia Ray Hayhoe, associate professor and Extension specialist

Thu, 22 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Colleagues fondly remember a friend whose life touched many people during her tenure at Virginia Tech.

Horse owners to blend science/trust at extravaganza

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

Building relationships with horses can help owners and trainers understand and interpret the animals' subtle, yet, significant communications.

Virginia Farm to Table Plan now available

Fri, 02 Mar 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Virginia Tech’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Virginia State University, Virginia Cooperative Extension, The University of Virginia, and the Virginia Food System Council recently released the "Virginia Farm to Table Plan: A Strategic Plan for Strengthening Virginia’s Food System and Economic Future."

Extension faculty members capture national, regional awards

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Virginia Cooperative Extension faculty members in the College of Natural Resources and Environment recently took home a number of national and regional award.

Growers Academy helps put Somali Bantu refugees on solid ground

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500

An innovative business-support series, run through the Catawba Sustainability Center, helps a vulnerable population succeed.

Export trade conference to be held in March

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Virginia’s agricultural export opportunities and challenges will be a focal point for discussion during the 2012 Governor's Conference on Agricultural Trade, taking place March 13 and 14 at the Omni Hotel in Richmond, Va.

Virginia no-till conferences set for Feb. 6-8

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Farmers will receive hands-on, how-to information in nearly every aspect of conservation tillage at three No-Till Alliance winter conferences on Feb. 6, 7, and 8.

Online course offered for Virginia forest landowners

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Virginia Cooperative Extension and the Virginia Forest Landowner Education Program in Virginia Tech's College of Natural Resources and Environment are offering an online course to help private landowners become better stewards of their land.

Virginia Agriculture Leaders Obtaining Results Program names advisory council

Fri, 20 Jan 2012 00:00:00 -0500

Many Virginia agricultural industry leaders to serve on the Virginia Agriculture Leaders Obtaining Results Program advisory council.

Virginia 4-H Livestock Team places third in North American International Livestock Exposition

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Virginia's 4-H Livestock Judging Team placed third overall in this year's National 4-H Livestock Judging Competition making it eligible to represent the U.S. in next year's Royal Highland Show in Scotland, along with the first- and second-place teams.

Bear magnets: Bird feeders, pet dishes, and trash cans lure wildlife into neighborhoods

Thu, 15 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0500

As Virginia's bear population rises and development increases, bears are taking advantage of food resources in residential areas. People may unknowingly feed bears without realizing that their actions often result in negative consequences for the bears.

Virginia Tech faculty members honored at National FFA Convention

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0500

The National FFA Organization honored Virginia Tech faculty members Alan McDaniel and Dave Winston at its national convention.

Virginia Food Security Summit to be held Dec. 5 and 6 in Charlottesville, Va.

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Food advocates from across Virginia will gather in Charlottesville, Va., for the second annual Virginia Food Security Summit, "Connecting Our Farms, Food, Health and Environment," on Dec. 5 and 6 at the University of Virginia.

2012 Winter Forage Conference to feature weed management expert Kathy Voth

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0500

The Virginia Forage and Grassland Council and Virginia Cooperative Extension will host the 2012 Winter Forage Conference at four locations on Jan. 17-20.

Virginia Tech's door opened and they came

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Visitors included folks from the university community, alumni, donors, and curious children and adults from all over the state. The hundreds who came had a chance to learn about such things as cows with portholes, race cars, snakes, flowers, and how disease spreads.

Turfgrass research makes a fast football field at Virginia Tech

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0500

During the University Open House on Saturday, Mike Goatley, professor and Virginia Cooperative Extension turf specialist, will provide insight into the GreenTech ITM modular system on Worsham Field in Lane Stadium.

Stadium Woods: Natural heritage in the heart of Virginia Tech's campus

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0500

For well over 200 years, regal oaks have stood on a knoll that now borders Virginia Tech's Lane Stadium. The 57 ancient oaks, each measuring more than 3 feet in diameter, form part of a unique, old growth forest in the heart of campus called Stadium Woods.

Carl Griffey named W.G. Wysor Professor of Agriculture

Wed, 09 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0500

He has earned the distinction of being the premier small grains breeder in the eastern United States.

R. Michael Akers reappointed Horace E. and Elizabeth F. Alphin Professor

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0500

Akers is an internationally renowned research scientist who has received many national awards for research excellence.

Roger Harris named head of the Department of Horticulture

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 00:00:00 -0400

Harris first came to Virginia Tech in 1993 as an assistant professor and has taught classes in nursery crops, plant propagation, and landscape contracting.

Patricia Williams named College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Employee of the Year

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0400

Patricia Williams of Ironto, Va., has been named the 2011 Employee of the Year for the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Virginia Tech.

Changes coming at the Virginia Tech Foundation: Raymond D. Smoot Jr. to step down; John E. Dooley to become chief executive officer

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0400

Smoot, a 1969 Virginia Tech graduate, intends to retire from full-time leadership of the Virginia Tech Foundation in July 2012.

Virginia Tech seniors have both a scholarship and a veterinary career ambition in common

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0400

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences students Emi Scott of Floyd, Va., and Bailey West of Smyth County, Va., are recipients of an extraordinarily generous scholarship funded by the late Margaret Groseclose "Peggy" Skelton, a former associate professor at Virginia Tech who died in July 2010.

College of Agriculture and Life Sciences names Mary Leigh Wolfe head of biological systems engineering

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0400

The department's programs integrate the biological sciences and engineering to solve agricultural, biological, and urban problems.

Bed bug insecticide resistance mechanisms identified

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0400

Discoveries about the genetic basis for bed bugs' resistance to popular insecticides will accelerate efforts to understand the biochemical basis for resistance and provides molecular markers for surveillance.

Community Voices series will focus on older youth aging out of the foster care system

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0400

The next talk in the Community Voices fall 2011 series features Norma Wood, on Oct. 25, who will speak on youth in the foster care system at The Lyric Theater at 7 p.m.

Virginia Tech alumni and faculty inducted in the Virginia Livestock Hall of Fame

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0400

Eight Virginia Tech Hokies were inducted into the Virginia Livestock Hall of Fame at the Virginia State Fair in Doswell, Va., on Oct. 7.

Donald Horsley recognized as 2011 Virginia Farmer of the Year

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0400

Virginia Cooperative Extension has selected Donald Horsley of Virginia Beach as Virginia Farmer of the Year, an award that applauds individual contributions to the commonwealth's agricultural industry.

Bur Oak dedication, Hokie Bugfest festival to honor legacy of William Alwood

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0400

The Virginia Tech entomology community will come together on Oct. 14 and 15 for Alwood Days, a series of events to celebrate the life and legacy of former faculty member William Bradford Alwood.

Virginia Cooperative Extension announces administrative changes

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 00:00:00 -0400

Ed Jones, director of Virginia Cooperative Extension, has announced several administrative actions to enhance the organization's effectiveness and better serve the people of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

Extension and cooperatives to hold 35th annual Forestry and Wildlife Field Tours

Tue, 20 Sep 2011 00:00:00 -0400

Virginia Cooperative Extension and the Virginia Forest Landowner Education Program in Virginia Tech's College of Natural Resources and Environment, in collaboration with Virginia's natural resource agencies, companies, and associations, will hold their 35th Annual Fall Forestry and Wildlife Field Tour Programs starting Oct. 13.