News & Features

Virginia Farm Bureau News & Features is your place for news and information from around Virginia. From gardening tips and recipes to politics and events, stay up to date with what matters to Virginians.

Agriculture census finds contrasts in Virginia’s largest industry

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The recently released results of the 2017 U.S. Census of Agriculture are full of contrasts.



Virginia is holding on to corn and wheat stocks

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Virginia had slightly more corn, wheat and oats stored in off-farm facilities on March 1 than at the same time last year, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture.



Program helps farmers graze livestock 300 days a year

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Winter feeding expenses can add up to more than 50 percent of cattle and small ruminant production costs, and they make up a large portion of variable expenses for horse owners and boarding operations.



Virginia farms step up egg production in spring

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Virginia farms produce nearly 700 million eggs each year according to the Virginia Poultry Federation, and with spring’s arrival that means an abundance for the ultimate egg season.



Crop estimates yield some surprises

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The 2018 corn and soybean yield and production estimates are in from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and the top Virginia county for soybean yields in 2018 was Frederick County, with an average of 55.2 bushels an acre.



Virginia’s largest barn quilt trail runs through Greene County

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With 70 quilt images on display countywide, the Blue Ridge Barn Quilt Trail in Greene County is Virginia’s largest barn quilt trail and one of the largest in the U.S., according to the Greene County Department of Economic Development and Tourism. 



Virginia farmers keep close watch on net income forecast

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U.S. net farm income is expected to increase 10 percent this year, according to projections from the U.S. Department of Agriculture. But the increase follows a 16 percent drop in 2018.



State continues to experience honeybee losses

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Every winter the commonwealth’s honeybee population experiences colony losses. Over the past five years, surveys have shown a steady increase in honeybee mortality averaging greater than one-third of the statewide population.



Get your salt fix on the Salty Southern Route

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Your trip to Southeast Virginia just got tastier. Long-known for their peanuts, salt-cured hams and other pork products, Isle of Wight, Southampton, Surry and Sussex counties and the city of Suffolk are all part of the new Salty Southern Route.



Virginia Urban Agriculture Summit to take place in April

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The fourth Virginia Urban Agriculture Summit will bring together urban farmers, gardeners, foodies, policymakers and government leaders to learn more about one of agriculture’s fasting-growing sectors.



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