Agriculture and Natural Resources
As an animal science agent, John Howe works primarily with livestock producers in Spotsylvania, Caroline, Stafford and King George counties, delivering researched based educational programs on various topics including, animal health, nutrition, reproduction and marketing, hay and pasture management, and soil and water conservation. In cooperation with extension specialists and other extension agents, John works with producers of other agriculture including field crops, vegetables and fruit. In addition John works with the Spotsylvania Farmers’ Market to provide Virginia Grown products to consumers. With the assistance of Master Gardener volunteers, Spotsylvania County home owners are provided answers to questions on growing vegetables and fruit, landscape and lawn care.
Virginia's Food System from Farm-to-Table Survey
Help inform Virginia Cooperative Extension's educational and research efforts by filling out this short survey about Virginia's food system and share your views on how to support local farmers and grow Virginia's food and farm economy. Complete survey here: Virginia's Food System from Farm-to-Table Survey (https://www.research.net/s/vafarm2table).
Farmers Market Vendor Information
The Spotsylvania Farmers’ Market is a grower vendor market. All products sold must be grown or produced by the vendor/producer. Selling of items purchased from or provided by another producer, wholesaler, or market is not permitted. Production of all goods sold at the Market must take place within a 100 mile radius of the Market and within the Commonwealth of Virginia.
The market operates at three locations; VDOT commuter parking lot at the intersection of Gordon Road and Route 3, at Courthouse Village parking lot in the Courthouse area, and Massaponax area at the Spotsylvania Regional Medical Center. For more details on the market please see the market rules.
2012 Rules and Regulations for the Spotsylvania Farmers’ Market
2012 Vendor Application and W-9 for the Spotsylvania Farmers’ Market
Other Farmers Market Resources
Commercial Applicators (3A, 3B, 6, and 10) Recertification Class to be Held in Stafford County
Virginia Cooperative Extension will conduct a commercial pesticide applicator recertification trainings on March 8, 2012 categories 3A (Ornamental Pest Control), 3A (Turf Pest Control), 6 (Right-of-Way), 10 (Research and Demonstration) and 60 (registered technicians for 3A, 3B and 60). These classes are designed to meet the educational requirements for maintaining these commercial pesticide applicator’s license. Applicators and technicians should have received a letter from the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) with current information their educational credits and whether they need to attend additional pesticide education classes to complete re-certification requirements. See the 2012 Commercial Applicators Recertification brochure for additional registration information and fees. Contact Terry Graham twgraham@vt.edu 540-507-7520 for additional help or information.
When: March 8, 2012
Where: VCE Office in the Rowser Building 1739 Jefferson Davis Highway Stafford, VA 22555
Practical Beekeeping for Beginners
The Rappahannock Area Beekeepers Association is offering Practical Beekeeping for Beginners class, a weekly series of classes held from 7- 8:45 PM starting February 1, 2012 and going on for about 8 weeks. Class size is limited to 20 units and registration will be on the first night of class. Classes are open to adults and children (age 9 and over) who are interested in keeping bees as well as to those who are just interested in learning about honeybees. Teaching materials are included in the class fee (only one fee per family unit). Classes are taught by experienced beekeepers and include links for you to buy equipment (woodenware) and live bees to start your hive(s). Classes will be held at the Virginia Cooperative Extension Office the Marshall Center 8800 Courthouse Road Spotsylvania, VA. The course fee will be $100.00.
For more information contact Kim Fraser 540-785-8769 or John Howe 540-507-7571.
Farm and AG Newsletters
Equine Newsletter
The Fredericksburg Area 4-H Show and Sale will be held May 9, 2012.