News Archive
Small girl with a big heart
Virginia first lady Maureen McDonnell and Katie GoodmanKatie Goodman, a member of the South Anna 4-H Club in Hanover County, Va., is gaining recognition for her work to feed the hungry.
“She just amazes me. She’s just this ordinary little girl who does extraordinary things,” said Rita Schalk, 4-H youth agent in Hanover County.
Research yields economic benefit for farmers and Virginia Tech
Professor Carl Griffey showcases new crop varieties at a field day at the Eastern Virginia Agricultural Research and Extension Center in Warsaw, Va. Seedsmen, producers, and grain exporters benefit from Griffey’s research because they rely on small grains for their livelihoods. Professor Carl Griffey’s research to develop new strains of wheat does more than help the nation’s grain producers compete in the global market. His work also generates millions of dollars for the commonwealth and Virginia Tech.
Protecting Virginia's landscapes
The Virginia Geospatial Extension Program trains tree stewards and others to use technology to map the state’s forests. The trees that line the streets and sidewalks of Virginia do a lot more than make the commonwealth’s cities beautiful — they help create a more vibrant and healthier place to live. The College of Natural Resources and Environment at Virginia Tech is a leader in ensuring that these urban forests are protected and continue to be a vital part of our landscape.
Adding value to Virginia's agricultural products
Veterinarian Dee Whitter (second from right) provides information about beef cattle health management to Virginia Cooperative Extension agriculture and natural resources agents. The Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine contributes to the success of Virginia’s beef and dairy producers through programs that add value to the state’s livestock while safeguarding its food supply.
Veterinarians Dee Whittier and John Currin - Virginia Cooperative Extension faculty members in the Department of Large Animal Clinical Sciences - are training Extension agents and livestock producers across the commonwealth through the Virginia Beef Quality Assurance Program. The program adds $1.5 million to $2 million to the value of cattle on Virginia’s certified farms, according to data compiled annually by Extension specialists and agents.
Empowering children to lead healthy lives
The Virginia 4-H Healthy Weights for Healthy Kids Program launched its Eat Smart, Move More initiative in 2011 to help children throughout Virginia develop healthy eating habits and increase their activity levels. Virginia Cooperative Extension distributed 65,000 posters to schools and community based 4-H clubs, and the same message has appeared on billboards and buses in major metropolitan areas throughout the state. Over the past nine years, Virginia Cooperative Extension has pioneered a research-based program that has motivated 30,000 Virginia children to lead healthier lives through good nutrition, physical activity, and bodyimage awareness.
Virginia youth participate in nationwide 4-H science experiment
Participants in the science experiment construct a control area to place their eco-bot on.Virginia 4-H members joined millions of their cohorts across the nation to participate in 4-H National Youth Science Day on Oct. 10. This year’s experiment, “4-H Eco-Bot Challenge,” tasked participants with creating a robot that could clean up a simulated toxic spill.
Training helps farmers minimize risk and expand markets
A Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services inspector speaks with farmers during a GAP certification audit.Recent reforms of U.S. food safety laws have left farmers and growers scrambling to comply with new regulations. With training created and provided by Virginia Cooperative Extension, farmers in Virginia and adjoining states are proactively writing their food safety plans and having their farms audited for U.S. Department of Agriculture Good Agricultural Practices certification.
iPads help 4-H agents reach children
Bobby Griffith, teen leader of the Henry County 4-H group, plays a virtual drum on an iPad using the GarageBand app. It’s hard to compete for a child’s attention these days when television shows, computer programs, and video games tend to be favorite pastimes.
So Virginia Cooperative Extension agents decided that if you can’t beat them, you might as well join them. They are using iPads to enhance educational programming and keep children engaged.
Extension launches Animal Health Network to deliver critical information to backyard farmers
Owners of backyard flocks and herds are among the most difficult to alert about disease outbreaks. The Animal Health Network is designed specifically to reach this audience. BLACKSBURG, Va., Feb. 6, 2013 – The agriculture and food system is an extensive, open, interconnected, diverse, and complex network. Any disease, pest, or poisonous agent — whether it occurs naturally, is unintentionally introduced, or is intentionally introduced by acts of terrorism — could potentially cause catastrophic health effects or economic losses to the United States.
Courses and conferences to address timber sales and theft, sustainable forests, and wildlife management
A woodlot at Reynolds Homestead Forest Research Center in Critz, Va. BLACKSBURG, Va., Feb. 4, 2013 – Virginia's bountiful and beautiful forests provide a source of great enjoyment for locals and tourists from other states. Hiking the Appalachian Trail, enjoying the views from the Blue Ridge Parkway, floating the James River, or hunting the rural woodlands of Southside are all popular pastimes.
Extraordinary Employee: For 55 years, Helen Williams has served the residents of Amherst County
Kevin C. Irvin, a senior Extension agent and the unit coordinator for the Amherst Extension office, is just one of the many wonderful people who make her job so enjoyable, says Helen B. Williams. The two are shown here working together at Williams’ desk.Helen B. Williams has dedicated her life to serving the agricultural community in Amherst County, Va., and in the process, she's earned the distinction of being the longest serving employee at Virginia Tech, which has more than 7,000 employees across the country.
Virginia Cooperative Extension tips can help keep your home, family safe during the holidays
Following fire safety tips can help keep the holidays safe. BLACKSBURG, Va., Dec. 12, 2012 – Wintertime — especially during the holidays — can be a risky time for health and safety. Virginia Cooperative Extension safety specialist Bobby Grisso has some tips to keep your family and home safe this holiday season.
Avoid Christmas tree fires
Live Christmas trees and electrical lights make the holiday season the most dangerous time of year for house fires. According to the National Fire Protection Association, Christmas trees cause about 530 house fires every year, and holiday lights cause an additional 150 fires.
Choose a recently cut tree and take measures to keep it fresh at home. Cut off the bottom 2 inches of the trunk and keep it in water at all times. A tree can “drink” up to a pint of water per day. “Water uptake is the best single means of keeping your tree safe and fresh,” Grisso said.
Extension expert says planning ahead for the holidays decreases debt
Families who plan their holiday spending ahead of time have fewer unexpected expenses. BLACKSBURG, Va., Nov. 19, 2012 – Many families use credit cards to check off everything on their holiday shopping lists. However, if families do not have a well-planned budget, January can be rough when the credit card bills start rolling in. Karen Poff, Virginia Cooperative Extension family and consumer sciences agent, has some tips for planning ahead to avoid the January bills-are-due blues.
Determine the spending amount you can afford.
“Only you can decide the amount you can afford to spend on the holidays,” Poff said. Choose an amount that you can pay off as early as possible. An amount that can be paid back within a few months is ideal to prevent needless spending on interest. “The interest on credit card charges can add up to hundreds of dollars,” Poff said.
Many families spend 1 to 5 percent of their total annual income on holiday expenses. Whether you choose to stay on the lower or higher end of that range depends on your financial situation.
Maxwell Watkins recognized as 2012 Virginia Farmer of the Year
Virginia Cooperative Extension has selected Maxwell Watkins of Sutherland, Va., as the Virginia Farmer of the Year — an award that recognizes individual contributions to the commonwealth’s agriculture industry.
Watkins, a sixth-generation farmer, was recognized at the Virginia Junior Livestock Expo in Harrisonburg on Oct. 13.
“We are pleased to honor Maxwell Watkins with this award,” said Robert Grisso, associate director of agriculture and natural resources for Virginia Cooperative Extension. “He is an example of the enterprising spirit demonstrated through hard work on the farm and developing a startup business. His marketing and land conservation measures are examples of how farm enterprises will remain sustainable for the next six generations. His desire to partner with his two sons is a true inspiration.”
Watkins, who operates Watkins Farm in partnership with his family, farms more than 2,800 acres — 2,700 acres rented and 115 acres owned. While soybeans, wheat, and flue-cured tobacco provide the bulk of his farm income, he also raises fescue and ladino clover for hay.
Master Food Volunteers help expand Virginia Cooperative Extension’s reach
These folks love food, and they love telling others about food even more. They are Virginia Cooperative Extension’s Master Food Volunteers.
Whether helping to teach a workshop on food preparation, educating children about making healthy food choices, or answering food safety questions at a farmers market, these volunteers are passionate about food.
The Master Food Volunteer Program launched in 2009 to help family and consumer science Extension agents reach more Virginians with information about the importance of good nutrition, healthy living, and food safety.
Gordon Groover receives 2012 Andy Swiger Land-Grant Award
Gordon Groover (right), associate professor of Agricultural and Applied Economics, receives the 2012 Andy Swiger Land-Grant Award from College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Dean Alan Grant. Gordon Groover, a Virginia Cooperative Extension economist and associate professor in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences' Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics, was recently awarded the 2012 Andy Swiger Land-Grant Award.
Groover directs the commonwealth’s agricultural use taxation program, which educates Virginians on the value of agricultural lands and assists local leaders who set and collect property taxes.
New video series provides lawn care tips
A new video series produced by Virginia Tech’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and Virginia Cooperative Extension titled “A Lawn to Dye For” helps homeowners create their own signature lawn without harming the environment. In a series of seven videos, Virginia Tech’s Head Golf Coach Jay Hardwick teams up with the university’s turf grass experts to provide tips on every aspect of lawn care from initial seeding to proper water techniques. The series also shows how managing lawn clippings and fertilizers can help curb water pollution.
Virginia Tech celebrates 150 years of American land-grant universities
A sweep of Abraham Lincoln’s pen 150 years ago led to the creation of Virginia Agricultural and Mechanical College, now called Virginia Tech. Without Lincoln’s decisive action, the land-grant system, which gave Americans greater access to higher education, might never have happened. Read More.
Extension releases e-books
Virginia Cooperative Extension has released several of its most popular publications in e-book format, such as “Boiling Water Bath Canning – Including Jams, Jellies, and Pickled Products,” “Pruning Peach Trees,” and “Aerating Your Lawn.” Additional titles will be released each month. Read more.
Chief Justice Cynthia Kinser inspires 4-H’ers
Cynthia Kinser, chief justice of the Virginia Supreme Court, speaks with Southwest Virginia delegates during 4-H State Congress at Virginia Tech on Monday, June 20. A native of Lee County, Kinser also spoke to the 500 teens, volunteer leaders, and Extension agents at the opening assembly about her early experiences in Virginia 4-H and how she adopted its motto, “To make the best better,” as her own. In 2010, Kinser became the first woman to hold the title of chief justice on the Virginia Supreme Court. Read more.
Kids’ Tech University returns for 2011
As the nation’s government and education officials search for ways to better prepare students in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics, a program developed by the Virginia Bioinformatics Institute and Virginia Cooperative Extension’s 4-H youth development program is returning to Virginia Tech’s campus in January of 2011. A groundbreaking program for youth ages 9 to 12, Kids’ Tech University offers sessions with internationally recognized scientists and hands-on activities. Read more.
Virginia Cooperative Extension Volunteer Month
Representatives from Virginia Tech and Virginia State University join Lt. Gov. Bill Bolling and several Extension volunteers to celebrate the beginning of Virginia Cooperative Extension Volunteer Month at the Virginia State Fair on Oct. 1. Following Gov. Bob McDonnell’s declaration of October as Extension Volunteer Month, Virginians have been recognizing the accomplishments of the more than 36,000 Extension volunteers who donate their time and talents every year. Extension has been focusing on specific aspects of the organization each week: first, 4-H volunteers; second, ELC members and community viability volunteers; third, agriculture and natural resources volunteers; and fourth, family and consumer science volunteers. Share your stories about Extension volunteers on our Facebook page.
4-H camping teaches valuable life skills
With the summer in full swing, many of Virginia’s youth are looking for fun activities to connect with their peers and pursue their interests. Each summer, the 4-H camping program teaches more than 16,000 young Virginians about decision-making, communication, teamwork, and other valuable life skills. The 4-H camping website has information on the different types of camping experiences available at the six 4-H educational centers located throughout Virginia.
Training program to assist Virginia's beekeepers
Modeled after the successful Master Gardener program, the newly developed Master Beekeeper program provides field experience and guidance to volunteers who will assist beekeepers across the state. The program, which has already attracted about 60 beekeepers in its first module, will systematize the commonwealth’s beekeeper training through individual certifications ranging from Certified Beekeeper to Master Beekeeper. Read more in Master Beekeeping Program – Sweet as Honey, an article in the 2010 issue of Innovations.
Piecing Together the 4-H Puzzle
More than 400 teens, volunteer leaders, and Virginia Cooperative Extension agents pieced together the 4-H puzzle at the 90th annual 4-H State Congress on Virginia Tech’s campus from June 14-17. This year, 4-H delegates had an opportunity to discover the science behind the operation of a typical dairy farm, turn trash into recycled treasures, rehearse and perform a step routine, learn about interesting career paths in the horticulture industry, or extract DNA from strawberries. In addition to workshops, competitions, and assemblies, 4-H State Congress let participants experience what life might be like as a Tech student.
Learning by doing 100 years
The first 4-H clubs in Virginia started 100 years ago. Although much has changed in the past century, Extension’s 4-H youth development program continues to form a community of young people who learn about leadership, citizenship, and life skills through hands-on experiences. A university spotlight on achievement highlights a few of the many ways 4-H has a positive impact on more than 150,000 youth in Virginia.
4-H Heritage Club prepares for future, relives past
Members of the 4-H Heritage Club learn about life on a family farm during the pre-Civil War period from a National Park Service employee at the Booker T. Washington National Monument in Hardy, Va. The group of teens and preteens, which was preparing to interpret farm activities for the public in the above photo, conquered their fear of public speaking and learned about Virginia’s history and agriculture along the way. Read more in Preparing for the Future by Reliving the Past, an article in the 2010 issue of Innovations.
Extension helps vineyard and winery owners
Tim Mize, agricultural and natural resources Extension agent and unit coordinator in Fauquier County, and Al Kellert, owner of Gray Ghost Vineyards, discuss the winemaking process. A network of Extension agents and specialists provide educational resources and find solutions to the problems that Virginia’s emerging wine industry faces. Read more in From the Vineyard to the Winery, a cover article in the 2010 issue of Innovations.
Food Expo promotes locally grown foods
More than 800 people sampled fresh and flavorful local foods from 45 vendors at the Taste of the Roanoke Valley Food Expo, held recently near Daleville, Va., and coordinated by Extension’s Alleghany, Botetourt, Craig, and Roanoke offices.
The day was pulled together under the leadership of Extension agents Sheri Dorn, Cassie Driskill, and Andy Allen. The crowd well exceeded the group's hope for 500 attendees for this first-time event. Photo: Ann Harrell/Cassie Driskill
Master Gardeners help urban oasis grow
The Hampton Master Gardeners devote countless hours to maintaining and improving the gardens at Bluebird Gap Farm, bringing demonstration gardens and an arboretum to city residents for learning and enjoyment. Read more.
Extension helps growers find markets for specialty fruits and vegetables
Reze Rafie (left), commercial vegetable specialist at Virginia State University, connects fruit and vegetable growers with markets for their unique and locally-grown produce. Read more.
Diagnosing the Fungus Among Us
The Plant Disease Clinic, part of the Department of Plant Pathology, Physiology, and Weed Science at Virginia Tech, is one of several facilities offering diagnostic and laboratory services to Extension agents and the public. Read more.
Virginia 4-H for Life
Many Virginia 4-H'ers put the life skills they learned in 4-H to good use as successful young adults. Mary Catherine "M.C." McGinn, shown above with a young camper, is one example. Read more about M.C. and other former 4-H'ers in Virginia 4-H for Life.
The Local Foods Movement
John Thompson, agriculture and natural resources Extension agent in Fluvanna County, discusses locally-grown eggs with a producer participating in the Fluvanna Farmers Market. Learn more.
Smart Choices in the Grocery Store
What better place to talk nutrition and economics than right in a grocery store – and better yet – in a Walmart? Learn more.
4-H Youth Attend 89th Congress
4-H'ers work on a recycling project while attending the 89th Virginia 4-H State Congress on June 15-18.
Youth from across Virginia participated in hands-on workshops, competitions, service learning, assemblies, and social events during the week, while focusing on the theme, "Constructing the Future Through 4-H." Learn more about 4-H programs.
Agents Get Beef Quality Assurance Training
Extension agriculture and natural resources agents David Smith, of Cumberland County (left), and Jason Carter, of Augusta County, work with cattle at the Alphin-Stuart Livestock Teaching Arena at Virginia Tech during a recent Beef Quality Assurance training session.
Learn more about Certified Beef Quality Assurance Producers.
4-H Cabinet Meets with 4-H Foundation Board
Canisha Turner, Virginia 4-H Cabinet member from Waverly, Va., talks with Herb Pettway, 4-H Foundation Board member, at an event designed to help the two groups learn more about each other at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond.
Photo by Travis Fullerton, © Virginia Museum of Fine Arts.A recent event at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts brought together the Virginia 4-H Cabinet and the Virginia 4-H Foundation Board to better acquaint the two groups with each other. The 4-H'ers represented the tangible outcomes of the 4-H program for the board members, and the youth learned more about the Foundation and its role as an advocate for the 4-H program. The venue, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond, promoted the inclusion of the arts in 4-H programming, and also allowed the cabinet members to participate in 4-H Day at the Capitol.
- Learn more about the State 4-H Ambassadors and Cabinet team.
- Learn more about the 4-H Foundation.
We've Put on a New Face!
Welcome to the new Virginia Cooperative Extension website. We are pleased to unveil our new look and improved navigation. You'll find updated versions of most everything from our old site here, as well as some new features. Please pardon a little construction dust as we fine tune the site and check back often to see what is new.
Peter Huber Recognized by VCE
Kimberly Edmonds, President of the Virginia Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences, presents Peter Huber with the association's Advocate Award.Peter Huber, Pulaski County Administrator, was recognized with the Virginia Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences' 2009 Advocate Award on May 12. Huber, who currently serves as Chair of the Virginia Cooperative Extension Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Leadership Council, was commended for his support of the entire Extension program in his community and for his volunteer service to VCE. He was honored for his strong advocacy for family and consumer sciences programs at local and state levels and for publicly supporting the importance of strong families in building strong communities.