Agriculture and Natural Resources

Agricultural  and  Natural  Resources

Extension educational programs in agriculture utilize research-based information generated at our Land Grant Universities to meet the educational needs of local producers and maintain farm profitability.  Agricultural Extension Agents across the New River Valley specialize in one of the following areas:

Animal Science

Crop and Soil Science

Farm Business Management

Environmental Horticulture

A mix of delivery systems are employed ranging from group meetings, individual farmer consultations, farm visits, e-mail, letter, and phone communications to address the various needs of clientele.  Our Extension Unit provides educational programs and information covering the broad agricultural field.  With resources, both at Virginia Tech and Virginia State, we have the support to assist our clientele with their educational needs.  Whether your interest is in animal agriculture, crop and soil management, home garden, or financial planning, we can be of assistance and would welcome the opportunity.  Along with being an information resource, we also provide a testing service for analyzing soils and forages.

We often assist clientele with:

Identification of weeds, insects, and diseases and make recommendations for control 

Lime and fertilizer recommendations 

Pesticide applicator licenses 

Animal nutrition plans

Livestock and crop marketing 

Estate planning, budgeting, and tax management.

Only a few topics are mentioned to give you a feeling for the broad and diversified educational assistance available to the community.