CHAMPLAIN—The theme of this year’s Virginia Ag Expo on Aug. 2 is “Utilizing Precision Agriculture to Manage Challenges.”

That theme will be explored during the state’s largest agricultural field day, which will be held at Cloverfield Farm in Essex County.

A field tour will feature corn and soybean variety test plots, and the discussion will focus on precision agriculture, a management practice that makes farming more accurate with the use of information technology.

“The expo will have several great test plots and vendors to keep attendees abreast of the latest technology and production practices used today,” explained Nick Moody, a Virginia director with the American Soybean Association. “It’s a great place to network with other farmers and industry representatives.”

Moody, who also serves on the Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Young Farmers Committee, said the sponsors of the expo are excited to have Young Farmers participate in this year’s event as the kick-off for their own summer conference.

The Virginia Ag Expo is sponsored by the Virginia Grain Producers Association and the Virginia Soybean Association, in cooperation with Virginia Cooperative Extension.

Chris Atkins of the Virginia Grain Producers Association said he is hopeful producers will take new and improved practices back to their farming operations to increase yields and profitability.

“Producers and industry leaders will be able to learn about the precision agriculture practices that were used on the corn and soybean variety tests plots that are on location,” Atkins added. “We will demonstrate nematode management, corn plant population, and slow-release nitrogen and sulfur management.” 

More than 150 exhibitors will display agricultural equipment, goods and services. Food vendors will have breakfast and lunch available throughout the day.

Cloverfield Farm is a diversified farming operation that produces more than 7,500 acres of corn, soybeans and small grains and raises a herd of beef cattle.

There is no registration fee for the event, and more information can be found on the event’s Facebook page.

Media: Contact Moody or Atkins.