Farm to table market Day and Urban Ag Workshop

Saturday, March 15, 2025 • 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM

1500 Jefferson Ave, Newport News, VA 23607

This is community supported urban agriculture workshop and interactive agri-marketing resource event for area farmers which includes:

• grow your own food workshop for youth and adults

• plant and seeds giveaway

• farmers market

Plus educational sessions that cover:

• soil health

• plant propagation

• urban farming

• controlled environmental agriculture

• native plants

• fertilizer options

• integrated pest management

• and post harvesting strategies.

For more information, contact Tabitha Bugg at tbugg@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.

Farm Liability Issues

Wednesday, March 12, 2025 • 3:00 PM - 5:00 PM

VSU Randolph Farm, 4415 River Rd, Petersburg, VA 23803

Farms and homesteads can be dangerous.  With a myriad of perils, it is important that landowners understand their responsibility to keep visitors safe and the liability they may incur if an injury occurs. Agents from the Virginia Farm Bureau will discuss why you, as a landowner, need the correct amount of liability insurance to protect yourself from financial ruin.  There will be an opportunity to ask questions at the end.

For more information, contact James Gibson at 804-720-6826 or jegibson@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.

QuickBooks® Online Training

Thursday, March 11 | 10AM-12PM

Virtual Zoom Meeting

This workshop presented by Michell Green, SFOP Financial Analyst, will help farmers and ranchers learn to manage accounting and recordkeeping for their businesses. The topics covered include setting up financial records, preparing a chart of accounts, entering payments, deposits and invoices, tracking customers and creating estimates, reconciling bank statements, analyzing financial data and printing reports. Training does not include QuickBooks software or licenses.

For more information, contact Small Farm Outreach agent Tracy Porter at (804) 481-2566 or tporter@vsu.edu.

YOU WILL RECEIVE YOUR ZOOM MEETING LINK IN THE CONFIRMATION EMAIL. IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE A LINK, PLEASE EMAIL 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.

Social Media and Marketing for Farmers

Tuesday, March 9 | 1PM-2PM

Virtual Zoom Meeting

Are you a farmer looking for ways to market your business more effectively on social media? Erica Shambley, the Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications for VSU’s College of Agriculture and Virginia Cooperative Extension, will provide an overview of key social media platforms, tips for posting and measuring impact, and examples of effective posts.

YOU WILL RECEIVE YOUR ZOOM MEETING LINK IN THE CONFIRMATION EMAIL.

Program Sponsors:

This webinar is part of a winter series of webinars sponsored by the Virginia Beginning Farmer and Rancher Coalition (VBFRC) Program and the Virginia Association for Biological Farmers (VABF). VBFRC is a statewide and coalition-based program. Virginia Tech/Virginia Cooperative Extension serves as the backbone organization for the Coalition and the VSU Small Farm Outreach Program is the project lead of the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Grant that supports the Coalition. For VBFRC program questions, contact the program coordinator, Katie Trozzo at ketrozzo@vt.edu. The Virginia Association for Biological Farming is Virginia’s primary organization for farmers, gardeners, and farm supporters promoting the future of organic and biological crop production. For more information, visit www.vabf.org or email the administrator at admin@vabf.org

Donations Welcomed

This program is free of charge, but we welcome donations in support of the Virginia Association for Biological Farming Association, a cosponsor of this event. With cancellation of in person events, associations like VABF have lost their primary revenue source. In an effort to help them continue their work supporting farmers in Virginia we invite optional donations. You may also be interested in considering becoming a member of their organization. For more information about donations and membership, visit their website at this link: https://vabf.org/donate/#!form/Donate

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact Kim Niewolny at 540-231-5784 between business hours (9 a.m.-5 p.m.) to discuss accommodations five days prior to the events.

Small Farmer Orientation

Monday, December 14 | 9AM-12PM

Virtual Zoom Meeting

The program is geared to new and beginning farmers with zero to five years of experience operating a farm. Participants are directed through the process of developing a productive and profitable operation. Small Farm Outreach agent Vernon Health, developer and instructor for the program, has over 40 years of work experience in the Virginia agriculture industry. Participants will receive a Small Farm Orientation Manual developed by the instructor.

For more information, contact Small Farm Outreach agent Vernon Heath at (804) 892-4518 or vheath@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.

Lavender Growing Field Day

Tuesday, December 8 | 10AM

Virtual Zoom Meeting

Join us for an informative virtual tour of Heavenly Hideaway Lavender Farm. Owner Rob Davis will discuss the production, soil management, irrigation, pest, and disease management of growing lavender. Learn how this new and beginning farmer uses agricultural best practices to diversify his growing farm business.

For more information, contact Susan Cheek at (804) 720-5539 or scheek@vsu.edu.

YOU WILL RECEIVE YOUR ZOOM MEETING LINK IN THE CONFIRMATION EMAIL. IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE A LINK, PLEASE EMAIL smallfarm@vsu.edu

This workshop is free and open to the public.

YOU WILL RECEIVE YOUR ZOOM MEETING LINK IN THE CONFIRMATION EMAIL. IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE A LINK, PLEASE EMAIL 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.

SNAP/Virginia Fresh Match

Thursday, December 3 | 1PM-3PM

Virtual Zoom Meeting

Learn how to participate in the Virginia Fresh Match program that doubles the value of SNAP EBT (food stamps) for fresh fruits and vegetables. This webinar will inform you how healthy food incentives are used to increase consumer purchasing power so families with tight food budgets can bring home more fruits and vegetables. Learn how nutrition incentives work in your community, and how participation in the Virginia Fresh Match network can help you reach new customers and benefit your farming operation.

For more information, contact Michael Carter, Jr. at (804) 481-1163 or micarter@vsu.edu.

YOU WILL RECEIVE YOUR ZOOM MEETING LINK IN THE CONFIRMATION EMAIL. IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE A LINK, PLEASE EMAIL smallfarm@vsu.edu

This workshop is free and open to the public.

YOU WILL RECEIVE YOUR ZOOM MEETING LINK IN THE CONFIRMATION EMAIL. IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE A LINK, PLEASE EMAIL 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.

Basic Small Pond Maintenance

Wednesday, December 2 | 11:30AM-12:30PM

Virtual Zoom Meeting

Join us for an informative discussion with Dr. David Crosby, VSU Fish Health and Aquaculture Specialist, who will conduct a live Zoom small pond workshop that includes topics on recreational fisheries, pond water quality and aquatic weeds, and dam maintenance. Dr. Crosby will also answer any other specific small pond questions participants may have.

For more information, contact Tracy Porter at (804) 481-2566 or tporter@vsu.edu.

YOU WILL RECEIVE YOUR ZOOM MEETING LINK IN THE CONFIRMATION EMAIL. IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE A LINK, PLEASE EMAIL smallfarm@vsu.edu

This workshop is free and open to the public.

YOU WILL RECEIVE YOUR ZOOM MEETING LINK IN THE CONFIRMATION EMAIL. IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE A LINK, PLEASE EMAIL 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.

Small Farmers Raising Small Grain Crops

Tuesday, November 24 | 10AM-12PM

Virtual Zoom Meeting

The Small Farm Outreach Program will hold a virtual panel discussion for small farmers interested in raising small and specialty grains for livestock, mills and human consumption. Topics include seed purchasing, NRCS assistance, USDA Coronavirus Food Assistance Programs, commodity pricing, weed and pest control, harvesting and harvesting equipment innovations, storage, transporting and useful agricultural technologies.

For more information, contact Michael Carter, Jr. at (804) 481-1163 or micarter@vsu.edu.

This workshop is free and open to the public.

YOU WILL RECEIVE YOUR ZOOM MEETING LINK IN THE CONFIRMATION EMAIL. IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE A LINK, PLEASE EMAIL 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.

Preparing for Lambing

Thursday, November 19 | 2PM-5PM

Southwest VA Agricultural Research and Extension Center

12326 VPI Farm Road, Glade Spring, VA

New and experienced small ruminant farmers will learn best management practices for pre-lambing/kidding and post-lambing/kidding, along with strategies for troubleshooting when obstetric complications arise. The workshop includes a hands-on demonstration with a birthing model. Additional topics include preventing lamb/ kid loss, the importance of colostrum supplementation and diagnosing and treating newborn lamb/kid problems. Dr. Hollie Schramm and Lee Wright from Virginia Tech will provide instruction and demonstration.

For more information, contact Small Farm Outreach agent Amanda Fletcher at (804) 892-0108 or afletcher@vsu.edu..

This workshop costs $5 and open to the public. Space is limited to the first 15 registrants.

WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT ATTENDING THIS PROGRAM DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) will follow all current CDC guidelines to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 during this program. Additionally, all VCE employees and members of the public attending a VCE public program are expected to: 1) wear a face shield or mask over their nose and mouth, 2) stay a minimum of six feet away from others, 3) wash or disinfect their hands frequently, and 4) stay home if they or anyone close to them have experienced any COVID-19 symptoms any time two weeks prior to the program or if they have been knowingly exposed to someone with COVID-19 two weeks prior to the program.

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.

Filing Farm Taxes

Thursday, November 19 | 9AM-12PM

Virtual Zoom Meeting

Participants will learn tax management skills for their farming operation. Even if you hire someone to file your farm taxes, there is important information that you need to know as a producer. Important information on farm-related tax topics will be presented by Darrell Tennie. Class topics will include, the new tax laws and changes, completing Schedule F, record keeping, reporting business expenses and deductions, managing enterprise sales, social security management, managing wages, working with nonprofits, and many more.

For more information, contact Small Farm Outreach agent Vernon Heath (804) 892-4518 or vheath@vsu.edu.

This workshop is free and open to the public.

YOU WILL RECEIVE YOUR ZOOM MEETING LINK IN THE CONFIRMATION EMAIL. IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE A LINK, PLEASE EMAIL 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.

Filing Farm Taxes

Wednesday, November 18 | 9AM-12PM

Carver Center

9432 James Madison Hwy, Rapidan, Virginia

THIS EVENT IS CANCELLED.

Participants will learn tax management skills for their farming operation. Even if you hire someone to file your farm taxes, there is important information that you need to know as a producer. Important information on farm-related tax topics will be presented by Darrell Tennie. Class topics will include, the new tax laws and changes, completing Schedule F, record keeping, reporting business expenses and deductions, managing enterprise sales, social security management, managing wages, working with nonprofits, and many more.

For more information, contact Small Farm Outreach agent Roland Terrell (804) 892-4612 or rterrell@vsu.edu.

This workshop costs $5 and open to the public. Space is limited to the first 15 registrants.

WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT ATTENDING THIS PROGRAM DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) will follow all current CDC guidelines to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 during this program. Additionally, all VCE employees and members of the public attending a VCE public program are expected to: 1) wear a face shield or mask over their nose and mouth, 2) stay a minimum of six feet away from others, 3) wash or disinfect their hands frequently, and 4) stay home if they or anyone close to them have experienced any COVID-19 symptoms any time two weeks prior to the program or if they have been knowingly exposed to someone with COVID-19 two weeks prior to the program.

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.

Virtual Farm Tour of Botanical Bites and Provisions

Tuesday, November 17 | 3PM

Facebook Live Program

Join us for a picturesque virtual tour of Botanical Bites and Provisions LLC, a diverse ten-acre farm in Spotsylvania County owned by military veterans Anita and Thomas Roberson, who began their business six years ago. The Robersons raise naturally grown fruit and vegetables and cut flowers both in fields and in high tunnels. They also raise bees and make value-added products like honey and natural cosmetics from beeswax, including soaps, lotions and lip balms. Learn how they use agricultural best practices to keep their successful business growing without pesticides, preservatives and herbicides.

For more information, contact Susan Cheek at (804) 720-5539 or scheek@vsu.edu.

YOU DO NOT NEED A FACEBOOK ACCOUNT TO JOIN.

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.

Filing Farm Taxes

Tuesday, November 17 | 9AM-12PM

Wedgewood Golf Center

2131 Mountain Road, Halifax, Virginia

THIS EVENT IS CANCELLED.

Participants will learn tax management skills for their farming operation. Even if you hire someone to file your farm taxes, there is important information that you need to know as a producer. Important information on farm-related tax topics will be presented by Darrell Tennie. Class topics will include, the new tax laws and changes, completing Schedule F, record keeping, reporting business expenses and deductions, managing enterprise sales, social security management, managing wages, working with nonprofits, and many more.

For more information, contact Small Farm Outreach agent Clifford Somerville (804) 892-4581 or csomerville@vsu.edu.

This workshop costs $5 and open to the public. Space is limited to the first 15 registrants.

WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT ATTENDING THIS PROGRAM DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) will follow all current CDC guidelines to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 during this program. Additionally, all VCE employees and members of the public attending a VCE public program are expected to: 1) wear a face shield or mask over their nose and mouth, 2) stay a minimum of six feet away from others, 3) wash or disinfect their hands frequently, and 4) stay home if they or anyone close to them have experienced any COVID-19 symptoms any time two weeks prior to the program or if they have been knowingly exposed to someone with COVID-19 two weeks prior to the program.

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.

Hispanic Field Day

Tuesday, November 10 | 10AM-12PM

Fair Produce

274 Cedar Grove Road, Lawrenceville, Virginia

The COVID-19 pandemic hit farmers hard, and Hispanic farmers, were no exception. At this year’s Hispanic Field Day learn how Hispanic farmer Pedro Lopez adapted and opened a home-based farmers market that made his farm sustainable and even more profitable during the pandemic. Lopez will talk about vegetable production and strategies that helped his farm survive in 2020.

For more information, contact Hispanic Outreach Coordinator Mery Caldwell at (804) 481-0425 or mcaldwell@vsu.edu.

This workshop costs $5 and open to the public. Space is limited to the first 12 registrants.

WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT ATTENDING THIS PROGRAM DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) will follow all current CDC guidelines to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 during this program. Additionally, all VCE employees and members of the public attending a VCE public program are expected to: 1) wear a face shield or mask over their nose and mouth, 2) stay a minimum of six feet away from others, 3) wash or disinfect their hands frequently, and 4) stay home if they or anyone close to them have experienced any COVID-19 symptoms any time two weeks prior to the program or if they have been knowingly exposed to someone with COVID-19 two weeks prior to the program.

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.

QuickBooks® Online Training

Tuesday, October 13 | 1PM-4PM

Barrier Island Center

7295 Young Street, Machipongo, Virginia 23405

This workshop presented by Michell Green, SFOP Financial Analyst, will help farmers and ranchers learn to manage accounting and recordkeeping for their businesses. The topics covered include setting up financial records, preparing a chart of accounts, entering payments, deposits and invoices, tracking customers and creating estimates, reconciling bank statements, analyzing financial data and printing reports. Training does not include QuickBooks software or licenses.

This educational workshop is free and open to the public. SPACE IS LIMITED TO 8 PARTICIPANTS. 

For more information, contact Small Farm Agent Tracy Porter at (804) 481-2566 or tporter@vsu.edu.

WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT ATTENDING THIS PROGRAM DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) will follow all current CDC guidelines to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 during this program. Additionally, all VCE employees and members of the public attending a VCE public program are expected to: 1) wear a face shield or mask over their nose and mouth, 2) stay a minimum of six feet away from others, 3) wash or disinfect their hands frequently, and 4) stay home if they or anyone close to them have experienced any COVID-19 symptoms any time two weeks prior to the program or if they have been knowingly exposed to someone with COVID-19 two weeks prior to the program.

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.

Sample and Control of Varroa Mite and Hive Beetle

JULY 29, 2019
9AM-12:30PM

VSU Randolph Farm Pavilion
4415 River Road • Petersburg, VA

VSU Small Farm Outreach Program will host this workshop on pest identification and control for beekeepers. Keith Tignor, VDACS State Apiarist will provide a lecture on the life cycle of the Varroa Mite and the Small Hive Beetle, how to sample, and various integrated pest management strategies to control these pests. Following the lecture, we will move out to the bee hives on the farm and Keith will demonstrate how to inspect a hive to identify, sample and control these pests.

Attendees must wear light-color clothes, closed toe shoes, wear no perfume, and bring their own bee suit.

For more information, contact Small Farm Agent Tracy Porter at (804) 481-2566 or tporter@vsu.edu or call the Small Farm Outreach Program office at (804) 524-3292.

This workshop is free and open to the public. Space is limited.

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 (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.

Melon and Squash Production at Chapel Creek Produce Farm

THE WORKSHOP HAS BEEN CANCELLED

VSU Small Farm Outreach Program will host a workshop on melon and squash production at Chapel Creek Produce Farm. Beginning farmer Charlie Gray, owner of Chapel Creek Produce, will discuss field production techniques, pest management, cover cropping, GAP certification, and marketing strategies he uses to manage financial risk for squash and melon production.

For more information, contact Small Farm Agent Tracy Porter at (804) 481-2566 or tporter@vsu.edu or call the Small Farm Outreach Program office at (804) 524-3292.

This workshop is free and open to the public. Space is limited.

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 (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.

Small-scale Aquaponics Systems

JULY 17, 2019
10AM-3PM

The Carver Center
9432 James Madison Hwy • Rapidan, VA

Get Started With Small-Scale Aquaponics Production 

Aquaponics is the integration of growing plants and fish into one system. Find out how to begin small-scale aquaponics systems for hobbyists, schools, and as an enterprise for a farm or urban setting. A small-scale aquaponics unit will be demonstrated as part of the workshop.

Dr. David Crosby, Dr. Brian Nerrie, Chris Mullins and Jimmy Mullins with VSU Extension in areas of aquaculture, horticulture and aquaponics will present information related to the following topics:

• Overview of aquaponics

• System design considerations for aquaponics

• Plants for aquaponics

• Fish for aquaponics 

• Water quality and fish health

• Marketing

For more information, contact Roland Terrell at (804) 892-4612 or rterrell@vsu.edu or call the Small Farm Outreach Program office at (804) 524-3292.

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 (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.

Horticulture Growing Media Facility Tour

JULY 17, 2019
7:30AM (departure from VSU Randolph Farm) NOTE: This is a change.
Return to VSU Randolph Farm at approximately 12:30PM

Join VSU Small Farm Outreach Program for a tour of the Premier Tech facility in Mattaponi, Virginia, where the company develops specially formulated products tailored for everything from ornamental, edible, and medicinal plants to field and specialized crops.

For more information, contact Small Farm Agent Tracy Porter at (804) 481-2566 or tporter@vsu.edu or call the Small Farm Outreach Program office at (804) 524-3292.

This workshop is free and open to the public. Space is limited to (30) registered attendees.

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 (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.

Southside Sustainable Agriculture Farm Tours

JULY 16, 2019
9AM-4PM

Departing from Wedgewood Golf Center
2131 Mountain Rd • Halifax, VA

Join us for a one-day tour of Southside area farms for a close look at four operations that including discussions of planting, growing and harvesting techniques, successful marketing strategies, and other methods that farmers are using in Virginia’s Southside.

Tours include the following stops:

Tiver Farm

• Farm owner Bill Tiver produces 11 acres in mixed vegetables, including seven acres of sweet corn. Tiver will share how he operates without hired labor using planting, record keeping and other strategies for efficiency.

Clark Farm

• Container crops are featured at this farm where owner Jimmy Clark is growing nearly 20 different crops in more than 150 containers.

Chandler Farm

• Mark Chandler will lead the group through the farm’s greenhouse and high tunnel. Chandler will also discuss his pond and commercial aquaculture operation.

Powell Farm

• High tunnels and livestock production are featured at the Powell Farm where owner Tony Powell and his two young daughters pursue the family business. At 10 years old, the girls are already being recognized with awards for the information they present on their farm and fields.

For more information call Clif Sommerville (434) 572-6524, (csomerville@vsu.edu) or contact the Small Farm Outreach Program office at (804) 524-3292.

This workshop is free and open to the public.

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 (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.

Growing and Selling Cut Flowers: Two Farm Tours

MAY 2, 2019
1PM-5PM

Dug In Farms
155 Fleets Bay Rd., White Stone, VA

Windhaven Farm
1134 Syringa Rd., ​Topping VA

Parking is limited at the farms, so please plan to carpool if possible.

Travel in your own car to visit two flower farms in Eastern Virginia.

Carolyn Quinn, owner of Dug In Farms, will lead the group on a tour with a focus on growing and marketing field-grown cut flowers. Dug in Farms operates an honor box veggie, flower & egg stand.

Jenny and Paul Maloney own Wind Haven Farm located in Middlesex County, Va. Wind Haven Farm is a small-scale ecologically grown local flower farm that primarily wholesales to retail operations. They also provide flowers for casual weddings & events. In the six years since they started farming Paul and Jenny have increased their production acreage from 1.25 acres to nearly nine acres.

For more information, contact Small Farm Outreach Agent Susan Cheek at (804) 720-5539 or call the Small Farm Outreach Program office at (804) 524-3292.

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 (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.

Value-Added Production with Herbs

MAY 1, 2019
5:30PM - 7:30PM

VSU Randolph Farm Pavilion
4415 River Road • Petersburg, VA

Registration is $25 per person.

Space is limited.

Taliah Muhammad, local herbalist and owner of Sister Taliah’s Naturals, will lead this interactive, two-hour workshop where participants will learn how to create their own value-added products.  They will also learn savvy techniques for identifying and marketing to their consumer with tips on product design, branding, website design, and social media marketing.

For more information, contact Michael Carter, Jr. at (804) 691-0490 or micarter@vsu.edu 
or call the Small Farm Outreach Program office at (804) 524-3292.

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 (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.

Square Foot Vegetable Production

APRIL 26
9AM - 11:30AM

Pamunkey Tribal Center
1054 Pocahontas Trail • King William, VA

 Join Small Farm Agent Tracy Porter and Extension Agent Warner Orozco for a look at square foot vegetable production, especially for early spring vegetable varieties. 

Discussion will include:

• Planting tips for direct sown seed or transplants

• Overview of weed and pest management practices

• Methods for increased production potential with drip irrigation systems, composting and pollinator-friendly plantings

Space is limited for this workshop.

 For more information, contact Tracy Porter at (804) 481-2566 or tporter@vsu.edu or call the Small Farm Outreach Program office at (804) 524-3292.

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 (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. 

SEED SAVING

Preserving Genetic Diversity, Community Culture and Adding to Your Bottom Line

APRIL 23, 2019
10AM - 2PM

VSU Randolph Farm Pavilion
4415 River Rd • Petersburg, VA

Registration is $10 per person, includes lunch

Preservation of seeds is one of the foundations of sustainable food production. Learn why seed saving matters and how GMO agriculture, consolidation in the seed industry, loss of genetic diversity, and  rapid decline in the number of active seed savers among black farmers affects your farm or garden. 

Then, learn the basics of seed saving, seed cleaning and seed production for your own farm and issues to consider when deciding whether selling seeds directly to gardeners or contracting for sales to independent seed companies both organic and non-organic will add to the bottom line on  your farm.

Workshop Presenters:

• Ira Wallace of Southern Exposure Seed Exchange author of Vegetable Gardening in the Southeast

• Irena Hollowell of Southern Exposure Seed Exchange and The Grass Roots Seed Network

For more information, contact Marilyn Estes at (804) 481-0485 or mestes@vsu.edu  or call the Small Farm Outreach Program office at (804) 524-3292.

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 (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.

High Tunnel Management, Maintenance & Production

FEBRUARY 16, 2018
9:00am - 12:00pm

VSU Randolph Farm
4415 River Road • Petersburg, VA

Speakers:

• Chris Mullins, Extension Specialist, greenhouse, high tunnel and aquaponics
• Dr. Reza Rafie, Extension Specialist, horticulture to discuss specialty crop production in high tunnels, especially new and niche crops

For more information, contact SFOP Agent Susan Cheek (scheek@vsu.edu / (804) 720-5539) or call the Small Farm Outreach Program Office at (804) 524-3292.

This workshop is free and open to the public.

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 (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.

High Tunnel Management, Maintenance & Production

JANUARY 16, 2018
9:00am - 1:00pm

Hill Farm • Louisa, Virginia

Speakers:

• Chris Mullins, Extension Specialist, greenhouse, high tunnel and aquaponics
• Dr. Reza Rafie, Extension Specialist, horticulture to discuss specialty crop production in high tunnels, especially new and niche crops

For more information, contact SFOP Agent Susan Cheek (scheek@vsu.edu / (804) 720-5539) or call the Small Farm Outreach Program Office at (804) 524-3292.

This workshop is free and open to the public.

THIS WORKSHOP HAS REACHED CAPACITY AND REGISTRATION IS CLOSED.

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 (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.

High Tunnel Management, Maintenance & Production

JANUARY 10, 2018
9:00am - 12:00pm

Berry Hill Irrigation • Buffalo Junction, VA

Speakers:

• Chris Mullins, Extension Specialist, greenhouse, high tunnel and aquaponics
• Dr. Reza Rafie, Extension Specialist, horticulture to discuss specialty crop production in high tunnels, especially new and niche crops

For more information, contact SFOP Agent Susan Cheek (scheek@vsu.edu / (804) 720-5539) or call the Small Farm Outreach Program Office at (804) 524-3292.

This workshop is free and open to the public.

THIS WORKSHOP HAS REACHED CAPACITY AND REGISTRATION IS CLOSED.

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 (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.