Agriculture

Each day, over 1,000 people are injured and nine are killed in crashes involving distracted driving, according to data reported by Drive Smart Virginia. Virginia Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co. has long partnered with the nonprofit organization charged with raising awareness and changing behavior to improve roadway safety.

Because foodborne illness outbreaks fuel widespread concern over food safety, Virginia growers and food handlers are investing in training and education.

The tri-part mission of Virginia State University’s College of Agriculture is to meet myriad needs of students and neighbors, while facilitating research and outreach to secure the industry’s future. 

Across the commonwealth, awe-inspiring giants tower over the land, creating serene spaces to contemplate nature—giants like the stately American beech tree in New Kent County.

Former Sen. Frank M. Ruff Jr. was honored with the Distinguished Service to Agriculture Award by Virginia Farm Bureau Federation. The award was presented to Ruff during a private event with his family on March 26.

As Virginia farmers plant their crops this spring, motorists should keep an eye out for slow-moving farm equipment on public roads—it could save a life.

Though the overall number of agricultural producers in Virginia has dropped in recent years, Latino and Hispanic farmers represent a growing demographic in statewide agriculture.

Perhaps this season’s early emergence of asparagus spears is a springtime reward for Virginians who endured a dreary, wet winter.

Virginia farmers earned $5.5 billion from the sale of all agricultural products sold in 2022, and over half of that income was generated in the top 10 ag counties across the state, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s 2022 Census of Agriculture.

Cleverly camouflaged as clumps of mud, spotted lanternfly egg masses easily go undetected. State organizations are asking residents to pay attention, and report and destroy egg masses before they hatch this spring.