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Mar
18

VSU agFest 2025 - National Ag Day Celebration

VSU AgFest 2025 - National Ag Day Celebration

Tuesday, March 18, 2025 • 11:00 AM - 3:00 PM

Virginia State University, University Ave.


Join us at VSU AgFest, an annual celebration of agriculture and community spirit hosted by the Virginia State University College of Agriculture! At VSU AgFest, we come together to honor National Ag Day and showcase the vital role agriculture plays in our lives and communities.

What to Expect:

A day filled with interactive exhibits, hands-on activities, entertainment, and delicious food. There's something for everyone at VSU AgFest.

  • Interactive Exhibits: Explore innovative farming methods and sustainability practices at our interactive exhibits, including hydroponic unit displays from Randolph Farm.

  • Close Encounters: Meet adorable small farm animals and learn about their essential role in agriculture.

  • Family Fun: Enjoy inflatable activities, pedal carts, and entertainment for all ages along University Ave.

  • Culinary Delights: Indulge in delicious fare from local food trucks, featuring the Hospitality Management Department.

  • VSU Farmers' Market: Shop local and support small farmers at the VSU Farmer's Market, featuring a variety of fresh produce and artisanal goods.

  • Music and Dance: Groove to the beat with live music and line dancing sessions, celebrating the vibrant culture intertwined with agriculture.

  • Fashion Showcase: Discover the fascinating connection between fashion and agriculture at our fashion showcase, highlighting how fibers and textiles create garments.

  • Educational Insights: Gain valuable knowledge on nutrition, climate-smart practices, and pollution, and explore the integrated well-being of families and communities.

  • AND MUCH MORE!

Why Attend:

We believe in the power of community and the importance of agriculture in our daily lives. Whether you're a student, faculty member, community member, or industry professional, you'll find inspiration, education, and camaraderie at this special event.

Stay Connected:

Follow us on social media (@vsu_ag) and sign up for event updates to stay informed about the latest news and announcements regarding VSU AgFest. Together, let's celebrate agriculture and make a difference in our community!

For more information, contact Jessica Harris at 804-524-5964 or jharris@vsu.edu.

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Aug
29

A Taste of Randolph Farm - College of Agriculture Field Day

A Taste of Randolph Farm - VSU College of AGriculture Field Day

Thursday, August 29, 2024 · Registration Begins at 7:30 AM

VSU Randolph Farm, 4415 River Road, Petersburg, VA


This year's theme is "A Taste of Randolph Farm." Discover the rich offerings of the VSU College of Agriculture through:

  • Diverse and innovative programs in food, agriculture, natural resources, family, youth, nutrition, and community engagement

  • Opportunities to meet faculty, researchers, students, Extension specialists, and community members, including small farmers and industry partners

  • Hands-on activities and the chance to taste Randolph Farm's produce and meats prepared by culinary experts

  • The VSU Trojan Farmer's Market, where you can shop tasty, healthy, local produce and farm products

FARM TOUR STOPS—

  • High-Tech Ag - Drones: Mr. Tim Sexton

  • USDA Agencies & Virginia Agencies:

    • Farm Service Agency (FSA)

    • Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS)

    • Risk Management Agency (RMA)

    • Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS)

    • Food and Nutrition Service (FNS)

    • Farm Credit of the Virginias

    • Virginia Department of Social Services

    • Virginia Farm Bureau

    • VA Department of Conservation and Recreation

    • University of Arkansas - RMA Navigator Program

  • Food Safety & Packaging: Dr. Chyer Kim and Dr. Toktam Taghavi

  • Nocturnal Animals; Stone Garden: Dr. Trakela Wright-Hicks, Ms. Bernadette Darrow, and Ms. Sheree Press

  • Aquafarm: Mr. James Hill

  • Taste of Randolph Farm: Sample tilapia, catfish, and trout prepared by Chef Reese & Chef Rose (HM students), and lamb by Jessica Queen & Chef Bobby Maddox from Belmont Butchery

  • Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) - Aquaponics: Mr. Josh Dusci

  • Integrated Pest Management (IPM) - Pollinator Health: Dr. Zelalem Mersha

  • Edible Flowers & Herbs: Dr. Theresa Nartea & Mrs. Robeson

  • High-Tech High Tunnel: Ms. Grace Summers

  • COA Departments & Clubs:

    • Department of Agriculture

    • Department of Family Consumer Science

    • Department of Hospitality Management

    • Horticulture Club, MANRRS, Pre-Vet Club

  • Ginger & Garlic: Dr. Sanjun Gu

  • High Tunnel Hemp: Dr. Ramesh Dhakal

  • Soil & Water Quality: Dr. Leonard Githinji

  • Recycling of Crop Residue: Dr. Adnan Yousuf

  • Power Proteins:

    • Edamame: Dr. Guo-Liang Jiang

    • Faba Beans: Dr. Shahram Torabian

    • Black Beans, Kidney Beans, Great Northern Beans, Pinto Beans, and Navy Beans: Dr. Harbans Bhardwaj

  • Small Ruminants: Live animals, Parasite Laboratory, Mobile Processing Unit, and Germplasm Laboratory led by Dr. Dahlia O'Brien & Dr. Stephan Wildeus, Ms. Davida Rimm-Kauffman & Ms. Mackenzie Robertson

  • Healthy Animals: Dr. Eunice Ndegwa

  • Fruits of Discovery - Canticuber: Dr. Shuxin Ren and Dr. Leah Hamilton

  • Deer Fencing: Ms. Amanda Seow

  • Switchgrass Energy: Dr. Maru Kering

  • Heritage Cattle: Dr. Neal Brown, Mr. Berry Harris & Mr. Isaiah Embry

VSU TROJAN FARMER’S MARKET:

Shop tasty, healthy, local produce, and value-added farm products from these vendors:

Join us for a family-friendly event that showcases the best of Randolph Farm and the VSU College of Agriculture.

For more information, contact Carrie Bolton at 804-524-5836 or cebolton@vsu.edu; or Jessica Harris at 804-524-5964 or jharris@vsu.edu.

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact Carrie Bolton at cebolton@vsu.edu or call (804) 524-5836 / TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8 am. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.

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