Crops

Farm economists are painting a grim picture for American agriculture following release of the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s 2024 farm income forecast. 

While summer drought conditions are not uncommon in pockets of Virginia, farmers statewide are expressing concern about the forecast. An ongoing string of hot days with low humidity will likely affect their crops.

Using modern technology ensures farmers can produce more efficient, maximum crop yields, and now there’s a new tool of the trade—a smartphone app that helps growers keep damaging pests at bay.

The pursuit of tastes and textures from the past has many Virginians clamoring for unique, old-time heirloom vegetable varieties, made possible by the dedication of heirloom seed savers.

Uncertainty in the tobacco market has forced Virginia growers to look at alternative crops. Some are taking advantage of the ability to grow hemp commercially, while others are growing alternative crops.