Aerial Imagery for Farmers

Wednesday, March 12, 2025 • 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM

VSU Randolph Farm Pavilion, 4415 River Rd, Petersburg, VA

In this workshop, Farmers will learn about simple ways to use aerial imagery to assist them in the early detection of disease and pests, how to make real time decisions, and how to determine ways to overcome skips and overlaps in planting, spraying and fertilizing and liming and to even out yields and treat issues in the infancy before they become major events.

Space is limited to 30 participants.

For more information, contact Tim Sexton at 804-524-1028, or tsexton@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 the Small Farm Outreach Program office at smallfarm@vsu.edu or call (804) 524-3292 / TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8 am. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.

Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments. Its programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, military status, or any other basis protected by law.

Nutrient Management for Farmers

Thursday, August 22, 2024 · 9 am–noon 

VSU Randolph Farm Pavilion, 4415 River Road, Petersburg, VA

Learn about how to maximize your crop yields while being environmentally friendly. Find out why we manage phosphorus and nitrogen differently. Discover the best times to apply nutrients for healthy plant growth. Find out about how you can do your part to protect your rivers and streams. This presentation will benefit students, farmers, gardeners, and other growers.

Space is limited to 40 participants.

For more information, contact Tim Sexton at 804-524-1028, or tsexton@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 the Small Farm Outreach Program office at smallfarm@vsu.edu or call (804) 524-3292 / TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8 am. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.

Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments. Its programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, military status, or any other basis protected by law.

Aerial Imagery for Farmers

Tuesday, July 16, 2024 · 9 am–noon

VSU Randolph Farm Pavilion, 4415 River Road, Petersburg, VA

This workshop will provide farmers and gardeners with an excellent opportunity to learn about the history of aerial imagery, how it has been used, how to apply it to profitable agriculture production, how it can assist in making real-time decisions on disease and insect issues, and how it can have an impact on forestry management and herd health.

Space is limited to 40 participants.

For more information, contact Tim Sexton at 804-524-1028 or tsexton@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 the Small Farm Outreach Program office at smallfarm@vsu.edu or call (804) 524-3292 / TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8 am. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.

Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments. Its programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, military status, or any other basis protected by law.

Environmental Management of Nutrients

Wednesday, June 20, 2024 · 9 am–noon 

VSU Randolph Farm Pavilion, 4415 River Road, Petersburg, VA

Learn about how to maximize your crop yields while being environmentally friendly. Find out why we manage phosphorus and nitrogen differently. Discover the best times to apply nutrients for healthy plant growth. Find out about how you can do your part to protect your rivers and streams. This presentation will benefit students, farmers, gardeners, and other growers.

Space is limited to 30 participants.

For more information, contact Tim Sexton at 804-524-1028, or tsexton@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 the Small Farm Outreach Program office at smallfarm@vsu.edu or call (804) 524-3292 / TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8 am. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.

Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments. Its programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, sex (including pregnancy), gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, military status, or any other basis protected by law.

Precision Agriculture in Virginia

Friday, May 17, 2024 · 9 am–noon 

VSU Randolph Farm Pavilion, 4415 River Road, Petersburg, VA

Farmers and Growers will have the opportunity to learn about the different aspects of managing their farm field by field and intra-field by using multiple inputs that occur during the growing season up through post-harvest, along with the aids to farmers that make the decisions easier to make, such as precise soil testing locations to determine intra-field variables, disease or pest test results, or pre-side-dress nitrate testing, which will reduce variability in yields and increase farm profits.

Space is limited to 30 participants.

For more information, contact Tim Sexton at 804-524-1028, or tsexton@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 the Small Farm Outreach Program office at smallfarm@vsu.edu or call (804) 524-3292 / TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8 am. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.

Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments. Its programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, military status, or any other basis protected by law.

Aerial Imagery for Farmers

Wednesday, April 24, 2024 · 9 am–noon

VSU Randolph Farm Pavilion, 4415 River Road, Petersburg, VA

This workshop will provide farmers and gardeners with an excellent opportunity to learn about the history of aerial imagery, how it has been used, how to apply it to profitable agriculture production, how it can assist in making real-time decisions on disease and insect issues, and how it can have an impact on forestry management and herd health.

Space is limited to 30 participants.

For more information, contact Tim Sexton at 804-524-1028 or tsexton@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 the Small Farm Outreach Program office at smallfarm@vsu.edu or call (804) 524-3292 / TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8 am. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.

Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments. Its programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, military status, or any other basis protected by law.

VSU Agfest Block Party - National ag Day Celebration

Tuesday, March 19, 2024 · 11 am –3 pm

VSU University Ave, Foster Hall

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 us at agriculturerelations@vsu.edu or call (804) 524-5493.

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact us at agriculturerelations@vsu.edu or call (804) 524-5493 / TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8 am. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.

Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments. Its programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, military status, or any other basis protected by law.

Aerial Imagery for Farmers

Tuesday, February 20, 2024 · 9–11 am

VSU Randolph Farm Pavilion, 4415 River Road, Petersburg, VA

This workshop will provide farmers and gardeners with an excellent opportunity to learn about the history of aerial imagery, how it has been used, how to apply it to profitable agriculture production, how it can assist in making real-time decisions on disease and insect issues, and how it can have an impact on forestry management and herd health.

Space is limited to 30 participants.

For more information, contact Tim Sexton at 804-524-1028 or tsexton@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 the Small Farm Outreach Program office at smallfarm@vsu.edu or call (804) 524-3292 / TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8 am. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.

Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments. Its programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, military status, or any other basis protected by law.

Understanding Your Soils Using Web Soil Survey

Wednesday, January 31, 2024 · 10 am–noon

Lake Country Advanced Learning Center, 118 East Danville St, South Hill, VA 23970

Tammy Holler, nutrient management specialist for SFOP, will teach participants about the benefits of using the USDA online program, Web Soil Survey. WSS provides soil data and information produced by the National Cooperative Soil Survey. The soil survey is a detailed report on the soils of more than 95 percent of the nation’s counties. It has maps with soil boundaries, photos, descriptions, and tables of soil properties and features. This will be a hands-on computer workshop. Using the Web Soil Survey program, we will look at each farmer’s farm soil data.

Space is limited to 10 participants.

For more information, contact Marilyn Estes at 804-481-0485 or mestes@vsu.edu, or Tammy Holler at 804-229-2730 or tholler@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 the Small Farm Outreach Program office at smallfarm@vsu.edu or call (804) 524-3292 / TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8 am. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.

Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments. Its programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, military status, or any other basis protected by law.

Precision Agriculture in Virginia

Wednesday, January 17, 2024 · 9 am–noon

VSU Randolph Farm Pavilion, 4415 River Road, Petersburg, VA

Farmers and Growers will have the opportunity to learn about the different aspects of managing their farm field by field and intra-field by using multiple inputs that occur during the growing season up through post-harvest, along with the aids to farmers that make the decisions easier to make, such as precise soil testing locations to determine intra-field variables, disease or pest test results, or pre-side-dress nitrate testing, which will reduce variability in yields and increase farm profits.

Space is limited to 30 participants.

For more information, contact Tim Sexton at 804-524-1028 or tsexton@vsu.edu, or Tammy Holler at 804-229-2730 or tholler@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 the Small Farm Outreach Program office at smallfarm@vsu.edu or call (804) 524-3292 / TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8 am. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.

Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments. Its programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, military status, or any other basis protected by law.

Drones In Agriculture

Wednesday, April 5, 2023 · 9 am–noon

Nelson, Virginia 

Drones designed for agricultural applications can help small-scale farmers improve yields and lower operational costs. In this workshop, we will look at a recently processed 3D active map on the Drone Deploy Platform. It is from aerial photography captured on a farm. We will see a 360° Panoramic active view, aerial photos of infrastructure, and a video of a farm. Leonel Castillo, UAS-FAA Pilot, will discuss how you can use this aerial photogrammetry with software on the Drone Deploy Platform that helps interpret the images to determine elevation differences, acreage, crop health, soil moisture and waterlogging. There are also tools to measure distances and acreage, and you can view structures and topography in 3D. Participants will also learn how spray drones perform for precision spray applications of nutrients and for insect and pest control, covering areas difficult to access by hand, tractor, or conventional aircraft.

Space is limited to 10 participants.

For more information, contact Michael Carter Sr at 804-481-1163 or mcarter@vsu.edu, or Leonel Castillo at 804-731-0230 or lcastillo@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 the Small Farm Outreach Program office at smallfarm@vsu.edu or call (804) 524-3292 / TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8 am. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.

Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments. Its programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, military status, or any other basis protected by law.

Drones In Agriculture

Tuesday, March 21, 2023 • 10 am – 1 pm

Carver Center, 9432 N James Madison Hwy, Rapidan, VA

Drones designed for agricultural applications can help small-scale farmers improve yields and lower operational costs. In this workshop, we will look at footage that we recently captured using a 3D active map, a 360° Panorama active view, aerial photos of infrastructure, and a video of a farm. Leonel Castillo, UAS-FAA Pilot, will discuss how you can use this aerial photography with software that interprets the images to determine elevation differences, acreage, crop health, soil moisture and waterlogging. There are also tools to measure distances and acreage, and you can view structures and topography in 3D. Participants will also learn how spray drones can be used for precision spray applications of nutrients and for insect and pest control, covering areas difficult to access by hand, tractor, or conventional aircraft.

Space is limited to 40 participants.

For more information, contact Roland Terrell at 804-892-4612 or rterrell@vsu.edu, or Leonel Castillo at 804-731-0230 or lcastillo@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 the Small Farm Outreach Program office at smallfarm@vsu.edu or call (804) 524-3292 / TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8 am. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.

Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments. Its programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, military status, or any other basis protected by law.

Drones In Agriculture

Wednesday, February 15, 2023 · 10 am–noon

Mecklenburg County Extension Office, 311 Washington Street, Boydton, VA, 23924

Artificial Intelligence available for drones can help small-scale farmers improve yields and lower operational costs. In this workshop, we will capture footage to create a 3D active map, a 360 degree Panorama active view, aerial photos of infrastructure, and a video of the farm. Leonel Castillo, UAS- FAA Pilot, will discuss how you can use this aerial photography with software that interprets the images to determine elevation differences, acreage, crop health, soil moisture and waterlogging. You can view structures and topography in 3D. Participants will also learn how spray drones can be used for precision spray applications of nutrients and for insect and pest control, covering areas difficult to access by hand, tractor, or conventional aircraft.

Space is limited to 15 participants.

For more information, contact Leonard Elam at 804-894-3095 or lelam@vsu.edu, or Leonel Castillo at 804-731-0230 or lcastillo@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 the Small Farm Outreach Program office at smallfarm@vsu.edu or call (804) 524-3292 / TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8 am. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.

Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments. Its programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, military status, or any other basis protected by law.

Canceled—Using Precision Agriculture Drones in Berry Production

Wednesday, November 16, 2022 • 1–4 pm

Wedgewood Golf Center, 2131 Mountain Rd. Halifax, VA

This workshop has been canceled. For more information, contact Clifford Somerville at 804-892-4581 or csomerville@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 the Small Farm Outreach Program office at smallfarm@vsu.edu or call (804) 524-3292 / TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8 am. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.

Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments. Its programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, military status, or any other basis protected by law.

Using Precision Agriculture Drones in Lavender Production

Wednesday, October 26, 2022 • 1–4 pm

Chatham, Virginia

Precision agriculture drones can help you to manage lavender production. Agriculture drones can:

• Collect and use data.

• Map your farm and identify borders and property lines.

• Understanding land, field, irrigation and water distribution.

• Help plan planting and harvesting schedules.

Space is limited to 20 participants

For more information, contact Clifford Somerville at 804-892-4581 or csomerville@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 the Small Farm Outreach Program office at smallfarm@vsu.edu or call (804) 524-3292 / TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8 am. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.

Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments. Its programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, military status, or any other basis protected by law.

Agricultural Drone Use Demonstration 

Thursday, October 13, 2022 • 4–5 pm

Joe Paulette Park, 16451 Five Forks Rd, Amelia, VA 

Drones designed for agricultural applications can help small-scale farmers improve yields and lower operational costs. To ensure you understand the benefits and usage of drones for precision agriculture, VSU SFOP is offering a basic introduction. Stacy Somers-Taylor, UAS-FAA Drone Pilot, will explain how drone applications such as map interpretation and utilization can detect soil conditions and plant health. You will learn how drones can collect and process data to create an accurate map. By using the mapping software you can process the captured images into a high-resolution 3D map. The software can determine boundaries, elevation, and crop counting. Drone mapping allows farmers to get a high-resolution view of their property, identify problem areas, and better understand how their fields are performing.

For more information or to register, contact Mackenzie Gunn 804-561-2481 mgunn@vt.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 the Small Farm Outreach Program office at smallfarm@vsu.edu or call (804) 524-3292 / TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8 am. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.

Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments. Its programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, military status, or any other basis protected by law.

Using Precision Agriculture Drones to Plan and Develop your Small Farm

Wednesday, October 12, 2022 • 1 – 4 PM

Yanceyville, North Carolina

Are you planning to start a small farm operation, downsize your present operation or reorganize your existing enterprise? Precision agriculture drones can help you develop a comprehensive farm plan to create, design and lay out those enterprises.

Agriculture drones can: scout, spray, and seed; collect and use data; distribute irrigation; map your farm and identify borders and property lines; help plan farm structures, security, and workers’ safety; determine equipment locations; and help plan planting and harvesting schedules, and crop yield.

Space is limited to 40 participants.

For more information, contact Clifford Somerville at 804-892-4581 or csomerville@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 the Small Farm Outreach Program office at smallfarm@vsu.edu or call (804) 524-3292 / TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8 am. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.

Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments. Its programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, military status, or any other basis protected by law.

Mapping with Drones for Precision Agriculture

Monday, October 10, 2022 • 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM

VCE Mecklenburg Office, 311 Washington St., Boydton, VA 23917

Drones designed for agricultural applications can help small-scale farmers improve yields and lower operational costs. To ensure you understand the benefits and usage of drones for precision agriculture, VSU SFOP is offering a basic introduction. Stacy Somers-Taylor, UAS-FAA Drone Pilot, will explain how drone applications such as map interpretation and utilization can detect soil conditions and plant health. You will learn how drones can collect and process data to create an accurate map. By using the mapping software you can process the captured images into a high-resolution 3D map. The software can determine boundaries, elevation, and crop counting. Drone mapping allows farmers to get a high-resolution view of their property, identify problem areas, and better understand how their fields are performing.

Space is limited to 12 participants

For more information, contact Leonard Elam at 804-894-3095 or lelam@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 the Small Farm Outreach Program office at smallfarm@vsu.edu or call (804) 524-3292 / TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8 am. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.

Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments. Its programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, military status, or any other basis protected by law.

Spray Drone Demonstration

Friday, August 12 • 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM

Wedgewood Golf Center, 2131 Mountain Rd. Halifax, VA

Drones designed for agricultural applications for small-scale farmers can help you improve yields and lower operational costs. To ensure you understand the benefits and usage of drones for precision agriculture, VSU SFOP is offering a basic introduction. Leonel Castillo, UAS-FAA Pilot, will discuss this approach, and explain how drone applications such as map interpretation and utilization can detect soil conditions and plant health. SFOP purchased a spray drone to show how it can enable participants make timely spot applications to efficiently and effectively rid crops of pests and diseases, or remedy nutrient deficiencies. These precision spray applications can cover areas that are difficult to access by hand or boom sprayers and can serve as lower-cost substitutes for conventional aircraft applications. As interest in and use of agricultural drones continues to increase, SFOP wants to ensure you have the technical assistance you need.

Space is limited to 10 participants.

For more information, contact Leonel Castillo at (804) 731-0230 or lcastillo@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 the Small Farm Outreach Program office at smallfarm@vsu.edu or call (804) 524-3292 / TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8 am. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.

Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments. Its programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, military status, or any other basis protected by law.

Mapping & Crop Spraying with Drones for Precision Agriculture

Thursday, May 26, 2022 • 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM

Carver Center, 9432 N James Madison Hwy, Rapidan, VA 22733

With increasingly more potential benefits from the use of drones in agriculture and the availability of drones designed especially for agricultural applications, small-scale farmers need this basic introduction to drones in agriculture. New applications can readily facilitate information through aerial photography and maps to help to improve yields and lower operational costs. Leonel Castillo, UAS-FAA Drone Pilot, will introduce the concept of precision agriculture, employing drone applications such as map interpretation and utilization, and showing how to detect soil conditions and plant health. Participants will also learn about drone abilities such as precision spray applications for nutrition and pest control, which can cover areas difficult to access by hand, tractor, or conventional aircraft applications which are costly and difficult to mobilize.

For more information, contact Leonel Castillo at (804) 731-0230 or lcastillo@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 the Small Farm Outreach Program office at smallfarm@vsu.edu or call (804) 524-3292 / TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8 am. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.

Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments. Its programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, military status, or any other basis protected by law.

Boots to Roots 2: Down on the Farm

Tuesday, May 24 • 8 AM – 1 PM

VSU Randolph Farm Pavilion, 4415 River Road, Petersburg, VA 23803

This workshop is an on-the-farm event for military veteran farmers, ranchers, and landowners, especially for those new and beginning veteran farmers who want to learn more about what it takes to farm profitably and sustainably. We will tour the Randolph Farm and learn about various enterprises such as urban farming, aquaculture, small ruminants, vegetable production, berry production, high tunnel production, and more. We will also learn about the USDA and other agencies that partner with us to support farmers.

For more information, contact James (Tony) Edwards at (804) 720-2588 or jtedwards@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 the Small Farm Outreach Program office at smallfarm@vsu.edu or call (804) 524-3292 / TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8 am. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.

Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments. Its programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, military status, or any other basis protected by law.

Mapping with Drones for Precision Agriculture

Thursday, March 17, 2022 • 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

Carver Center, 9432 N James Madison Hwy, Rapidan, VA 22733

With increasingly more potential benefits from the use of drones in agriculture and the availability of drones designed especially for agricultural applications, small-scale farmers need this basic introduction to drones in agriculture. New applications can readily facilitate information through aerial photography and maps to help to improve yields and lower operational costs. Leonel Castillo, UAS-FAA Drone Pilot, will introduce the concept of precision agriculture, employing drone applications such as map interpretation and utilization, and showing how to detect soil conditions and plant health.

For more information, contact the Small Farm Outreach Program at (804) 524-3292 or smallfarm@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 the Small Farm Outreach Program office at smallfarm@vsu.edu or call (804) 524-3292 / TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8 am. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.

Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments. Its programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, military status, or any other basis protected by law.