This handbook comprises up-to-the-minute information developed from research and Extension projects conducted throughout the southeastern United States. The key idea behind this handbook is to provideyou with a practical resource that conveniently fits on your dashboard. It contains the information that you need to manage your vegetable crops, including which varieties to plant, planting dates, fertilizer recommendations, cover crop selection and conservation tillage options, pesticide selection, grafting, fertigation, plasticulture, postharvest handling, alternative pest management tools and suggestions, as well as many other topics.
Jan 16, 2026
AREC-66 (SPES-771NP)
Mark Reiter
Thomas P. Kuhar
Kemper Sutton
Laura K. Strawn
Doug Higgins
Steve Rideout
Vijay Singh
Soybean Insect Guide
Numerous kinds of insects can be found in soybeans. Most are beneficial
or harmless, but some can cause yield loss and even crop failure if not
controlled.
Mar 20, 2019
AREC-68NP
D. Ames Herbert
Sally V. Taylor
Virginia Cover Crops Fact Sheet Series No. 1: Beneficial Uses of Cover Crops
The general purpose of a cover crop is to improve the soil, the broader environment, or other crops in rotation, not for direct harvest. Cover crops, depending on which are selected, are capable of providing many diverse assets. This publication provides a short description of these main benefits.
Sep 23, 2020
CSES-120NP (SPES-241NP)
Cathy Fleming
Wade E. Thomason
Virginia Cover Crops Fact Sheet Series No. 2: Cover Crop Performance Evaluation in Field and Controlled Studies
Cover crops increase soil organic matter, reduce erosion, suppress weeds, forage for nutrients, and reduce fertilizer costs (Clark, 2007). Cover crop species vary greatly and provide varied benefits. Performance evaluation of cover crop species and mixtures is needed in Virginia.
Sep 23, 2020
CSES-121NP (SPES-240NP)
Cathy Fleming
Wade E. Thomason
Creating Silvopastures: Some Considerations When Thinning Existing Timber Stands
Creating Silvopastures: Some Considerations When Thinning Existing Timber Stands-PDF
(PDF)
Silvopastures intentionally integrate trees with forage
and livestock production in a rotational grazing
system. These systems have the potential to improve
animal comfort, increase farm resource use efficiency,
boost income, and mitigate environmental costs.
Apr 20, 2021
CSES-155P
J.H. Fike
Adam Downing
John F. Munsell
J.B. Daniel
Chris Teutsch
Kelly Mercier
Gabriel Pent
Soil Judging in Virginia
Soil Judging in Virginia
(PDF)
Soils are composed of solid mineral particles, organic matter, humus, living roots and organisms, and spaces holding air and water (pores). Soil is one of Virginia’s basic natural resources. We are dependent upon the soil as a primary resource of supporting food, fuel, and fiber production. Soils supply nutrients (elements or compounds) necessary for vigorous plant growth for plant growth. Soil moisture affects air pollution and vegetation cover that prevents erosion. Soils are necessary as a base for buildings and roads. Most new houses rely on onsite septic system drain fields to dispose of and treat septic waste through the soil nearby. Soils store carbon and water, clean the water of pollutants and excess nutrients, provide a rooting zone and structural support for plants, and offer habitat to microbes and animals.
Dec 5, 2022
CSES-183P (SPES-660P)
John M. Galbraith
Andy Seibel
Using a Summer Stockpiling System to Extend the Grazing Season
Nov 14, 2017
CSES-201NP
Matt Booher
John Benner
David A. Fiske
Virginia Soil Judging Scorecard
Virginia Soil Judging Scorecard
(PDF)
Jul 3, 2025
CSES- 202P (SPES-660P-B)
John M. Galbraith
Andy Seibel
A Lawn To Dye For - How to Create a Perfect Lawn: Soil Testing
Oct 10, 2024
CSES-34NP
Thomas L. Thompson
Michael Goatley
A Lawn To Dye For - How to Create a Perfect Lawn: Watering The Lawn
Oct 10, 2024
CSES-35NP
Michael Goatley
A Lawn To Dye For - How to Create a Perfect Lawn: Dethatching Your Lawn
Oct 10, 2024
CSES-36NP
Michael Goatley
A Lawn To Dye For - How to Create a Perfect Lawn: Lawn Composting
Oct 10, 2024
CSES-37NP
Michael Goatley
A Lawn To Dye For - How to Create a Perfect Lawn: Aerating Your Lawn
Oct 10, 2024
CSES-38NP
Thomas L. Thompson
Michael Goatley
A Lawn To Dye For - How to Create a Perfect Lawn: Mowing Your Lawn
Oct 10, 2024
CSES-39NP
Shawn Askew
Michael Goatley
A Lawn To Dye For - How to Create a Perfect Lawn: Fighting Weeds
Oct 10, 2024
CSES-40NP
Shawn Askew
Michael Goatley
A Lawn To Dye For - How to Create a Perfect Lawn: Choosing The Right Grass
Oct 10, 2024
CSES-41NP
Michael Goatley
A Lawn To Dye For - How to Create a Perfect Lawn: Fighting Lawn Pests
Oct 10, 2024
CSES-42NP
Michael Goatley
A Lawn To Dye For - How to Create a Perfect Lawn: Dealing With Lawn Disease
Oct 10, 2024
CSES-43NP
Michael Goatley
Importance of Farm Phosphorus Mass Balance and Management Options
Importance of Farm Phosphorus Mass Balance and Management Options
(PDF)
Phosphorus is a naturally occurring element that is one of 16 elements essential for plant growth and animal health. Research has documented that applying phosphorus in fertilizers or manure increases crop growth and yield on soils that are below critical agronomic levels, as measured during routine soil testing. Although the economic benefits of phosphorus fertilization on crop production are well-documented, too much of a good thing can be detrimental to the environment. Excessive soil phosphorus is a potential threat to water quality.
Jan 29, 2025
CSES-98P (SPES-178P)
Rory Maguire
Virginia Farm to Table: Healthy Farms and Healthy Food for the Common Wealth and Common Good
Aug 29, 2018
CV-3 (SPES-27P)
Eric S. Bendfeldt
Matthew C. Benson
Lisa Hightower
Crystal Tyler-Mackey
Kim Niewolny
Kudzu Bug, Megacopta cribraria, a pest of soybeans
Kudzu Bug, Megacopta cribraria, a pest of soybeans
(PDF)
The kudzu bug (Megacopta cribraria) is an invasive pest from Asia and first appeared in the U.S. in 2009 near Atlanta, Georgia. It has since spread to 18 additional states and the District of Columbia, threatening soybean crops. Recognizable by their mottled dark green and brown coloration, adult kudzu bugs are shield bugs that exude a pungent defensive substance when disturbed. Adults and nymphs feed on plant phloem, causing both direct and indirect damage to plants. Despite initial concerns, populations only occasionally reach damaging levels, but monitoring and management remain crucial. The kudzu bug has two generations per year, with adults emerging from overwintering in early spring. Management includes chemical control with pyrethroids and neonicotinoids, biological control with parasitoid wasps and the fungus Beauveria bassiana, and cultural control by reducing kudzu patches. Here we detail the bug's distribution, life cycle, pest status, and management strategies, highlighting the importance of ongoing vigilance and integrating management tactics.
Jul 12, 2024
ENTO-303NP (ENTO-597NP)
Kadie Britt
Sally V. Taylor
Ben Aigner
Katlyn Catron
Thomas P. Kuhar
What do I need to know to sell REFRIGERATED DIPS, SPREADS, DRESSINGS and SALADS, at the farmers market?
What do I need to know to sell REFRIGERATED DIPS, SPREADS, DRESSINGS, and SALADS at the farmers market?
(PDF)
Jun 2, 2020
FST-300P (FST-363P)
Renee Boyer
Joell Eifert
Emily Pomfrey Wells
Lily Yang
Lester Schonberger
Expanding Food Safety Protocols in an Evolving Landscape of COVID-19
Expanding Food Safety Protocols in an Evolving Landscape of COVID-19
(PDF)
On April 9, 2020, a webinar was presented on how the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV2, impacts food safety practices along the farm to fork continuum, focusing primarily on production and processing practices (Chase et al., 2020a,b,c,d). This factsheet provides answers to questions discussed and posed during the webinar. We will briefly look at what we know about SARS-CoV2 behavior, such as how it is transmitted, its viability, its inactivation, and then provide recommendations for food-based businesses.
Oct 1, 2025
FST-373NP
Joell Eifert
Robert Williams
Amber Vallotton
Melissa Chase
Laura K. Strawn
Goldenchain tree, Laburnum × watereri
Goldenchain tree, Laburnum × watereri
(PDF)
Goldenchain tree is a small tree that is primarily noted for its very showy pendulous flowers (16 inches plus in May). This species is best grown in zones 5 to 7 and generally requires afternoon shade. Plants in full sun are often stressed and succumb to pest problems. ‘Vossii’ is a long-flowered cultivar.
Feb 1, 2024
HORT-10NP
Alex Niemiera
Hinoki Falsecypress, Chamaecyparis obtusa
Hinoki Falsecypress, Chamaecyparis obtusa
(PDF)
Hinoki falsecypress is a medium to large conifer. There are numerous cultivars that are more popular and prevalent in the nursery trade than the species. However, the species is a very beautiful conifer and well worth the hunt in garden centers or mail order nurseries. In my opinion, the hinoki falsecypress (species, not a cultivar) is more desirable than the sawara falsecypress (Chamaecyparis pisifera species, not a cultivar) since hinoki falsecypress foliage is denser and brighter green, and the bark is a brighter red-brown color. Cultivars vary in size (growth rate), foliage size and color, and form.
Feb 1, 2024
HORT-11NP
Alex Niemiera
Japanese Cryptomeria, Cryptomeria japonica
Japanese Cryptomeria, Cryptomeria japonica
(PDF)
Japanese cryptomeria is a handsome medium to large conifer with a conical to narrow conical form. This species is fast growing and is relatively popular in the trade. If lower limbs are removed, one can observe a beautiful orange-brown bark (on most trees). The foliage tends to turn brownish on the south side of the plant in winter due to desiccation; however, foliage will turn green in spring. Japanese cryptomeria does have a few disease problems, although these are not considered a major issue at this point in time.
Feb 1, 2024
HORT-12NP
Alex Niemiera
Japanese Stewartia, Stewartia pseudocamellia
Japanese Stewartia, Stewartia pseudocamellia
(PDF)
Japanese stewartia is a strikingly beautiful small tree. It has very showy white flowers with gold-colored stamens in June; bright maroon-red fall foliage color; and with age develops bark with a patchwork of brown, orange-brown, and cream colors. Bark characteristics vary from tree to tree and some trees have lustrous bark.
Feb 1, 2024
HORT-13NP
Alex Niemiera
Japanese Zelkova, Zelkova serrata
Japanese Zelkova, Zelkova serrata
(PDF)
Japanese zelkova is a medium to large shade tree with a distinct vase shape. This species is quite drought and heat tolerant; its use as a street tree species is testimony to its toughness. Fall foliage colors range from fair to quite good (orange to bronze-red to maroon) and will vary from tree to tree (seedling-grown trees) or from cultivar to cultivar.
Feb 1, 2024
HORT-14NP
Alex Niemiera
Katsuratree, Cercidiphyllum japonicum
Katsuratree, Cercidiphyllum japonicum
(PDF)
Katsuratree is a magnificent medium to large shade tree. Its accolade-deserving qualities are its form, beautiful foliage, and bark. Seedling-grown trees have a variable form ranging from upright oval to pyramidal to wide spreading. This species has a tendency to develop major branches near ground level, and if one has ample space, such low slung trunks give the lower portion of the tree a majestic “octopus-like” appearance.
Feb 1, 2024
HORT-15NP
Alex Niemiera
Kousa Dogwood, Cornus kousa
Kousa Dogwood, Cornus kousa
(PDF)
Oct 1, 2018
HORT-16NP
Alex Niemiera
Lacebark Pine, Pinus bungeana
Lacebark Pine, Pinus bungeana
(PDF)
Lacebark pine is a medium (sometimes large) conifer species that has strikingly beautiful bark. Bark is a camouflage-like patchwork of greens, silvery-white, creams, browns, and red-browns. There is a great amount of tree to tree variation in bark color; patchwork of colors begins to appear on approximately 2 inch diameter branches.
Mar 5, 2024
HORT-17NP
Alex Niemiera
Leyland Cypress, Cupressocyparis leylandii
Leyland Cypress
(PDF)
Leyland cypress is a fast-growing conifer that is one of the most popular landscape conifers in the eastern U.S. In addition to its vigor, this species is relatively drought tolerant and can be pruned into a hedge.
Mar 5, 2024
HORT-18NP
Alex Niemiera
Vertical Gardening Using Trellises, Stakes, and Cages
Virginia Tech Letterhead
(PDF)
Dec 12, 2022
HORT-189NP (SPES-450NP)
Katie Settlage
Alex Hessler
Mike Andruczyk
Mimosa (Silk-tree or Albizia), Albizia julibrissin
Mimosa
(PDF)
Mimosa is a fast-growing small tree with very attractive pink pin cushion-like flowers in summer. This species has tropical-like foliage (bipinnately compound foliage with very small leaflets) that confers a very fine texture to the tree.
Mar 5, 2024
HORT-19NP
Alex Niemiera
Norway Spruce, Picea abies
Norway Spruce
(PDF)
Norway spruce is a medium to large conical conifer. When young (first 10 years or so), the plant is stiffly conical. With age, the secondary branches hang from the primary horizontal branches.
Mar 5, 2024
HORT-20NP
Alex Niemiera
Paperbark Maple, Acer griseum
Paperbark Maple
(PDF)
Paperbark maple is a small tree with exceptionally beautiful peeling cinnamon-colored bark. Most branches, those that have a diameter about one-half inch and larger, will have peeling (exfoliating) orange-brown bark.
Mar 7, 2024
HORT-21NP
Alex Niemiera
Red Buckeye, Aesculus pavia
Red Buckeye
(PDF)
Red buckeye is typically a multi-trunk small tree (large shrub). Its claim to fame is the red flowers that cover the plant in April/May. Flower stalks (panicles) are about 8 inches long with 2 inch long red tubular flowers. Flowers are pollinated by ruby-throated hummingbirds.
Mar 6, 2024
HORT-22NP
Alex Niemiera
Evaluation of Blackberry Varieties in Virginia
Evaluation of Blackberry Varieties in Virginia
(PDF)
May 6, 2022
HORT-226P (SPES-400P)
Mikel Ann Manchester
Jayesh Samtani
River Birch, Betula nigra
River Birch
(PDF)
River birch is a fast-growing shade tree species. As the common name implies, river birch trees tolerate wet soils and are a very suitable species for portions of the landscape that characteristically have moist soil, such as low areas or in poorly drained soils.
Mar 5, 2024
HORT-23NP
Alex Niemiera
Saucer Magnolia, Magnolia ×soulangeana
Saucer Magnolia, Magnolia ×soulangeana
(PDF)
Saucer magnolia is generally a small (occasionally medium) multi-stem tree that is known for its outstanding flower display in March (February in southern U.S. and April in northern U.S.). Flowers are about 8 inches in diameter; outer sides of petals (actually called tepals; about 9 tepals) are various shades of pink-purple while inner sides of tepals are white.
Mar 5, 2024
HORT-24NP
Alex Niemiera
Sawara Falsecypress (Japanese Falsecypress), Chamaecyparis pisifera
Sawara Falsecypress (Japanese Falsecypress),
(PDF)
Sawara falsecypress is a medium to large conifer. There are numerous cultivars that are more popular and prevalent in the nursery trade than the species. Cultivars vary in size (growth rate), foliage type and color, and form. Many of the cultivars are considered “dwarf” since they do not attain the mature size of the species.
Mar 5, 2024
HORT-25NP
Alex Niemiera
A Guide to the Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) Certification Process
Jan 24, 2018
HORT-252NP (HORT-285NP)
Laura K. Strawn
Amber Vallotton
Scotch Pine, Pinus sylvestris
Scotch Pine
(PDF)
Scotch pine is a medium tree. Like most pines, the first 20 or so years of its life it has a conical shape and with maturity it loses its lower limbs and has an irregular flat topped or oval shape. Scotch pine has a relatively showy orange colored bark (with the exception of the lower trunk). It is also relatively drought tolerant, thus it is suitable for landscape sites that tend to be dry.
Mar 6, 2024
HORT-26NP
Alex Niemiera
Mixed Infection of Strawberry Mottle Virus and Strawberry Mild Yellow Edge Virus in the Southeastern United States
Mixed Infection of Strawberry Mottle Virus and Strawberry Mild Yellow Edge Virus in the Southeastern United States
(PDF)
Apr 17, 2023
HORT 268P (SPES-488P)
Jayesh Samtani
Charles S. Johnson
Roy Flanagan
Keith Starke
Barclay Poling
Robert Martin
Sourwood, Oxydendrum arboreum
Sourwood
(PDF)
Sourwood is a small slow-growing tree although forest specimens exceed this small status. This species is certainly worthy to be a specimen plant (sufficient attributes to be featured as a focal point). Sourwood has beautiful lustrous foliage in the growing season which turns a bright maroon to pink-red in the fall.
Mar 6, 2024
HORT-27NP
Alex Niemiera
Shoppers Guide for Berry Plants in the Mid-Atlantic and the Carolinas
Shoppers Guide for Berry Plants in the Mid-Atlantic and the Carolinas
(PDF)
Apr 5, 2023
HORT-270NP (SPES-481NP)
Christle Moore
Sophia Gonzales
Jayesh Samtani
Star Magnolia, Magnolia stellata
Star Magnolia
(PDF)
Star magnolia is a small multi-stem tree that is known for its outstanding flower display in March (February in southern U.S. and April in northern U.S.). Flowers are about 3 to 4 inches in diameter and fragrant; outer sides of petals (actually called tepals; about 12 to 18 tepals) are white or blushed with pink while inner sides of tepals are white.
Mar 6, 2024
HORT-28NP
Alex Niemiera
Umbrella-Pine (Japanese Umbrella-Pine), Sciadopitys verticillata
Umbrella-Pine
(PDF)
Umbrella-pine is a beautiful slow-growing conical conifer. Its beauty is mostly derived from the unusual texture that is imparted by the glossy dark-green needles that occur in whorls along the stem.
Mar 6, 2024
HORT-29NP
Alex Niemiera
Washington Hawthorn, Crataegus phaenopyrum
Washington Hawthorn
(PDF)
Washington hawthorn is a small tree (single or multiple trunks) with showy white flowers in June. Trees produce an abundance of persistent glossy bright red fruit (about 0.25 inches in diameter) that result in a spectacular fruit display that persist into winter months.
Mar 6, 2024
HORT-30NP
Alex Niemiera
Selecting and Using Plant Growth Regulators on Floricultural Crops
Selecting and Using Plant Growth Regulators on Floricultural Crops
(PDF)
Plant growth regulators (PGRs) are chemicals that are designed to affect plant growth and/or development (figure 1). They are applied for specific purposes to elicit specific plant responses. Although there is much scientific information on using PGRs in the greenhouse, it is not an exact science. Achieving the best results with PGRs is a combination of art and science — science tempered with a lot of trial and error and a good understanding of plant growth and development.
good understanding of plant growth and development.
Jan 10, 2025
430-102 (SPES-653P)
Joyce Latimer
Brian Whipker
Eric Stallknecht
American Hornbeam, Carpinus caroliniana
American Hornbeam
(PDF)
American hornbeam, also called blue beech, musclewood, water beech, and ironwood, is a small to medium tree. In its youth, and even sometimes at maturity, this species tends be multi-trunked and densely branched. It also tends to develop major branches near ground level which can be a desirable or undesirable characteristic depending on how this species is intended to be used in the landscape.
Mar 6, 2024
HORT-5NP
Alex Niemiera
American (Fagus grandifolia) and European (Fagus sylvatica) Beeches
American (Fagus grandifolia) and European (Fagus sylvatica) Beeches
(PDF)
Beeches, both the American and European species, are large stately and noble trees. They have a smooth sensuous dark gray bark that is exceptionally attractive. Unfortunately, this feature often beckons graffiti practitioners to denigrate trees by carving their initials on trunks.
Mar 6, 2024
HORT-6NP
Alex Niemiera
Care Sheet for Sabal minor or “Dwarf Palmetto” in Virginia Landscapes
Care Sheet for Sabal minor or “Dwarf Palmetto” in Virginia Landscapes
(PDF)
Native to the Southern United States, the Sabal minor or Dwarf Palmetto is a smaller and much shorter cousin to the familiar Sabal palmetto that lines the streets and palisades of cities in the Deep South, where the fronds were once cut to make ladies’ hand fans. Part of the Dwarf Palmetto’s native range includes the extreme southeastern portion of Virginia. As a result, S. minor is one of the most cold-hardy palms that can be grown in the Commonwealth of Virginia.
Nov 6, 2024
HORT-60NP (SPES-695NP)
John Saia
Joseph W. Seamone
Susanne Richards
Edward Olsen
Therapeutic Gardening
Therapeutic Gardening
(PDF)
Dec 12, 2022
HORT-66NP (SPES-432NP)
Phyllis Turner
Chinese Elm (Lacebark Elm), Ulmus parvifolia
Chinese Elm
(PDF)
Chinese elm is a medium to large fast-growing shade tree. This species is quite tolerant of drought and poor soil; hence, it has been extensively used in urban situations. There are numerous cultivars; cultivar selection criteria include cold hardiness, form, growth rate, foliage characteristics, and bark showiness.
Mar 6, 2024
HORT-7NP
Alex Niemiera
Fooling Mother Nature: Forcing Flower Bulbs for Indoor Bloom
Have you ever wondered if it is possible to enjoy the beauty of bulbs in the middle of winter? The answer is definitely yes! Many people are familiar with the hourglass-shaped vase filled with water and topped with a hyacinth bulb, or a low bowl filled with several Paper White narcissus, and the popular boxed amaryllis bulb as a welcome winter holiday gift. Most bulbs can be forced but additional planning is required in order to have a successful period of blooms.
Apr 15, 2025
HORT-76NP (SPES-677NP)
George Graine
Edward Olsen
Chinese Pistache, Pistacia chinensis
Chinese Pistache, Pistacia chinensis
(PDF)
Chinese pistache is a medium-size shade tree. It is quite tolerant of full sun, hot, and dry conditions (once established). This species has separate male and female plants (dioecious); female plants (if male trees are present) will produce clusters of reddish pea-size fruit that are somewhat attractive.
Mar 7, 2024
HORT-8NP
Alex Niemiera
Selecting Plants for Virginia Landscapes: Showy Flowering Shrubs
Selecting Plants for Virginia Landscapes: Showy Flowering Shrubs
(PDF)
Selecting Plants for Virginia Landscapes: Showy Flowering Shrubs epub
(EPUB)
This publication features small, medium, and large flowering shrubs (five of each category) with photos. All photos are by the author. There are at least eight shrubs from each category noted in a table (without photos) at the end of this publication. All shrubs — featured or in the table — are landscape worthy and are especially suited to landscapes in Virginia and the Mid-Atlantic States.
Aug 6, 2025
HORT-84P
Alex Niemiera
Douglasfir, Pseudotsuga menziesii
Douglasfir, Pseudotsuga menziesii
(PDF)
Douglasfir is a large and stately narrow conical conifer that is native to the Pacific Northwest (P. menziesii var. menziesii) and Rocky Mountains (P. menziesii var. glauca). Trees in native habitats are often taller than 100 feet; however, landscape trees rarely exceed 50 feet.
Mar 8, 2024
HORT-9NP
Alex Niemiera
Weed Management in Small Fruit Crops
Weed Management in Small Fruit Crops
(PDF)
For small fruit growers, weed management is one of the greatest challenges they will face to successfully grow these crops. Factors such as climate, new weed species, weed species shifts, and years of agricultural activity have come together to select for weed species that are aggressive and persistent. Without management, weeds compete with crops for light, nutrients, and water, resulting in reduced vegetative growth of the crop plant, poor fruit quality and lower yield. Stressed crops are also more susceptible to disease and insect infestations, while excessive weed growth itself creates higher humidity in the crop foliage, enhancing disease spread and inviting unwanted insects. Weed management principles for the perennial small fruit crops are similar, with the exception of strawberries in the annual system. Grapes, brambles, blueberries and matted row strawberries are considered permanent plantings in which weed management must be addressed throughout the life of the planting. When compared to annual crops, perennial culture is a greater challenge, as weeds need to be managed through all seasons and perennial weed species increase in numbers and diversity. Understanding seasonal weed thresholds, and integrating cultural and chemical management becomes even more important in the year-round culture.
Aug 9, 2023
HORT-286NP (SPES-513NP)
Jayesh Samtani
Jeffrey Derr
Best Management Practices for Boxwood Blight in the Virginia Home Landscape
Best Management Practices for Boxwood Blight in the Virginia Home Landscape
(PDF)
Boxwood blight is a devastating disease of boxwood that results in defoliation and decline of susceptible boxwood. This best management practices factsheet provides guidelines for home growers of landscape boxwood to avoid introduction of the boxwood blight pathogen into a landscape or, if the disease is already present in a landscape, to manage to disease in the most effective manner and avoid spread of the disease to new locations.
Dec 19, 2023
PPWS-29NP (SPES-557NP)
Elizabeth Bush
Lina Rodriguez Salamanca
Chuan Hong
Adria Bordas
Mary Ann Hansen
T. Michael Likins
Best Management Practices for Boxwood Blight in Virginia Production Nurseries WITH Boxwood Blight
This Best Management Practice document is a set of guidelines for home growers of landscape boxwood to avoid introduction of the boxwood blight pathogen into a landscape or, if the disease is already present in a landscape, to manage the disease in the most effective manner and avoid spread of the disease to new locations.
Feb 16, 2021
PPWS-32NP (PPWS-87NP)
Norm Dart
Chuan Hong
Adria Bordas
Elizabeth Bush
Mary Ann Hansen
T. Michael Likins
Best Management Practices for Boxwood Blight in Virginia Production Nurseries WITHOUT Boxwood Blight Version 2, September 2016
This Best Management Practice document is a set of guidelines for home growers of landscape boxwood to avoid introduction of the boxwood blight pathogen into a landscape or, if the disease is already present in a landscape, to manage the disease in the most effective manner and avoid spread of the disease to new locations.
Jan 5, 2021
PPWS-33NP (PPWS-86NP)
Norm Dart
Chuan Hong
Adria Bordas
Elizabeth Bush
Mary Ann Hansen
T. Michael Likins
Best Management Practices for Boxwood Blight: Best Management Practices for Virginia Retail Nurseries WITH Boxwood Blight
Best Management Practices for Boxwood Blight: Best management practices for Virginia retail nurseries WITH boxwood blight
(PDF)
This Best Management Practice document is a set of guidelines for home growers of landscape
boxwood to avoid introduction of the boxwood blight pathogen into a landscape or, if the
disease is already present in a landscape, to manage the disease in the most effective
manner and avoid spread of the disease to new locations.
Jan 6, 2021
PPWS-34NP (PPWS-89NP)
Norm Dart
Chuan Hong
Adria Bordas
Elizabeth Bush
Mary Ann Hansen
T. Michael Likins
Best Management Practices for Boxwood Blight: Best management Practices for Virginia Retail Nurseries WITHOUT Boxwood Blight
Best Management Practices for Boxwood Blight: Best management practices for Virginia retail nurseries WITHOUT boxwood blight
(PDF)
This Best Management Practice document is a set of guidelines for home growers of landscape
boxwood to avoid introduction of the boxwood blight pathogen into a landscape or, if the
disease is already present in a landscape, to manage the disease in the most effective
manner and avoid spread of the disease to new locations.
Jan 6, 2021
PPWS-35NP (PPWS-88NP)
Norm Dart
Chuan Hong
Adria Bordas
Elizabeth Bush
Mary Ann Hansen
T. Michael Likins
Best Management Practices for Boxwood Blight for Greenery Producers
Best Management Practices for Boxwood Blight for Greenery Producers
(PDF)
Best management practices for boxwood blight (also called “box blight”) for
greenery producers are practices recommended to avoid the introduction and
spread of boxwood blight, caused by the fungus Calonectria pseudonaviculata (syn. Cylindrocladium pseudonaviculatum). The recommendations in this document are designed to avoid spread of boxwood blight within a planting or to new locations when pruned tips are collected, sold and/or used for holiday greenery. These recommendations are relevant to anyone involved in the greenery (“tipping”) industry, including small and large-scale greenery producers, home growers who sell boxwood tips, and people who tip-prune boxwood on other people’s property.
Care must be taken at all levels of greenery production to prevent the spread of the boxwood blight pathogen and avoid economic losses associated with this disease.
Jan 6, 2021
PPWS-39NP (PPWS-95NP)
Mary Ann Hansen
Elizabeth Bush
Adria Bordas
Norm Dart
Chuan Hong
T. Michael Likins
Stormwater Management for Homeowners Fact Sheet 2: Rain Barrels
Stormwater Management for Homeowners Fact Sheet 2:Rain Barrels
(PDF)
An overview of rain barrels, one of the most common residential stormwater management practices.
Jun 12, 2024
SPES-10P (SPES-609P)
Laurie Fox
Daniel Robinson
David J. Sample
Gabrielle Nelson
USDA Edamame Project
Feb 15, 2019
SPES-104NP
Renata Carneiro
Susan Duncan
Haibo Huang
Thomas P. Kuhar
Song Li
Nick Lord
Clinton Neill
Jill Pollock
Mark Reiter
Steve Rideout
Kemper Sutton
Yun Yin
Dajun Yu
Bo Zhang
2018 Cotton Variety Testing and On-Farm Results
Feb 19, 2019
SPES-105NP
W. Hunter Frame
David N. Horton
Gail White
Results for the 2017 VSU Blueberry Variety Field Trial
Results for the 2017 VSU Blueberry Variety Field Trial
(PDF)
Mar 20, 2019
SPES-108NP
Reza Rafie
M. McClintock
Stormwater Management for Homeowners Fact Sheet 3: Permeable Pavement
Stormwater Management for Homeowners Fact Sheet 3: Permeable Paving
(PDF)
An overview of permeable paving, one of the most common residential stormwater management practices.
Jul 5, 2024
SPES-11P (SPES-610P)
Laurie Fox
Daniel Robinson
David J. Sample
Claire Wolford
Chemical Blossom Thinning in Virginia Apple Orchards
Feb 11, 2019
SPES-110NP
W. Chester Allen
Sherif M. Sherif
Glyphosate Q & A Sheet
Feb 8, 2019
SPES-113NP
C. Bubl
Kaci Buhls
Rachel Parson
Tall Fescue, Endophytes and Alkaloids, and Fescue Toxicosis
Tall Fescue, Endophytes and Alkaloids, and Fescue Toxicosis
(PDF)
Fescue is the predominant forage in Virginia because of it is productive, high-quality forage across most of the state. However, the plant's positive agronomic traits are offset by toxins in the plant that cause significant reduction in animal performance and welfare. This article discusses fescue, the sources of toxins and their impacts, and provides some management strategies for addressing toxicosis.
Oct 16, 2024
SPES-114P (SPES-635P)
J.H. Fike
Gabriel Pent
Matt Poore
Soils, Science, and Stakeholders
Soils, Science, and Stakeholders
(HTML)
Climate change is documented by research data, yet some deny evidence of the causes, underestimate the impacts, or fail to adjust their activities and choices. Soil is tied to climate change in many ways. Presented on-line to a national professional meeting of soil scientists, this video discusses the way that Americans perceive climate change and the relationships between climate change and soil science.
Feb 6, 2024
SPES-115NP
Katharine Hayhoe
Directions for Establishing One Acre of Blackberries in Virginia
Feb 16, 2019
SPES-116NP
Reza Rafie
Virginia Soybean Performance Tests 2018
May 14, 2019
SPES-118 (SPES-130NP)
Michael Ellis
David Holshouser
Ed Seymore
William Taylor
Amy Pawlick
Stormwater Management for Homeowners Fact Sheet 4:Grass Swales
Stormwater Management for Homeowners Fact Sheet 4:Grass Swales
(PDF)
An overview of grass swales, one of the most common residential stormwater management practices.
Jun 11, 2024
SPES-12P (SPES-611P)
Laurie Fox
Daniel Robinson
David J. Sample
Gabrielle Nelson
Leaching Fraction: A Tool to Schedule Irrigation for Container-Grown Nursery Crops
Leaching Fraction: A Tool to Schedule Irrigation for Container-Grown Nursery Crops
(PDF)
Irrigation management of nursery crops grown in containers can be difficult since many factors influence the decision of when and how much to irrigate. These factors include weather, substrate properties, crop water use, crop canopy, irrigation system performance, and water quality. In making the decision to irrigate, many growers rely on their experience with the crop and the substrate in which it is grown, current weather conditions, or forecasts.
Jun 5, 2024
SPES-128P
James Owen, Jr.
Eric Stallknecht
Stormwater Management for Homeowners Fact Sheet 5: Rain Gardens
Stormwater Management for Homeowners Fact Sheet 5: Rain Gardens
(PDF)
An overview of rain gardens, one of the most common residential stormwater management practices.
Jun 10, 2024
SPES-13P (SPES-612P)
Laurie Fox
Daniel Robinson
David J. Sample
Changes to USDA GAP & GHP, Produce Harmonized GAP, and Harmonized GAP Plus+ Audit Billing and Scheduling
Jun 17, 2019
SPES-132NP (SPES-147NP)
Amber Vallotton
Eric Bowen
Crop Load Management in Commercial Apple Orchards: Chemical Fruit Thinning
Crop Load Management in Commercial Apple Orchards: Chemical Fruit Thinning
(PDF)
Chemical fruit thinning is commonly practiced in commercial apple orchards to manage and regulate the number of fruit per tree (crop load), which improves fruit quality and production. In this management practice, growers typically apply several sprays of chemical thinners to orchard blocks in the spring when the fruit is small and just beginning to develop. These thinning spray applications result in the abscission, or detachment, of some of the fruit. This intentional fruit abscission or shedding is commonly referred to as “thinning.”
Oct 1, 2024
SPES-134P
W. Chester Allen
Sherif M. Sherif
Harvest Weed Seed Control
Harvest Weed Seed Control
(PDF)
Combine harvesters can disperse weed seed, spreading them within a field and from field to field. Harvest Weed Seed Control (HWSC) is a method of weed control that concentrates, removes, or kills weed seeds that are retained on weed plants at the time of crop harvest. HWSC can be used to reduce the soil seedbank and thus future weed problems. It can also aid in herbicide resistance management, by killing or removing seeds produced by weeds that have escaped herbicidal control. This publication overviews current options to adopt HWSC and research results from Virginia.
Apr 21, 2025
SPES-135NP (SPES-680NP)
Michael Flessner
Eli Russell
2019 - 2020 Shenandoah Valley Buy Fresh Buy Local Guide
May 2, 2019
SPES-136NP
Eric S. Bendfeldt
French Price
Cyndi Marston
Catastrophic Livestock and Poultry Carcass Disposal
Jun 5, 2019
SPES-138NP
Bobby Clark
On Farm Mortality Disposal Options for Livestock Producers
Jun 3, 2019
SPES-139NP
Bobby Clark
Scott P. Greiner
Stormwater Management for Homeowners Fact Sheet 6: Buffers
Stormwater Management for Homeowners Fact Sheet 6: Buffers
(PDF)
An overview of buffers, one of the most common residential stormwater management practices.
Jun 12, 2024
SPES-14P (SPES-613P)
Laurie Fox
Daniel Robinson
David J. Sample
Most Troublesome Pumpkin Diseases in Virginia
Most Troublesome Pumpkin Diseases in Virginia
(PDF)
Disease is one of the biggest issues that producers face when growing pumpkins. The three biggest disease challenges for Virginia pumpkin growers are powdery mildew, downy mildew, and Phytophthora crown and fruit rot.
May 7, 2024
SPES-140NP
Sarah Sharpe
Holly L. Scoggins
David Langston
Steve Rideout
Soil Sampling Instructions for the Farm
Soil Sampling Instructions for the Farm
(PDF)
Correctly collecting a soil sample is one of the most important steps in a soil testing program! The reliability of a soil test can be no better than the sample submitted. For results that can be depended on, it is vitally important to take samples that accurately represent the soil in your fields. When one considers that a one pound soil sample must adequately represent millions of pounds of soil in the area being sampled, the importance of doing a good job of sampling becomes apparent.
Jun 3, 2024
SPES-141
Rory Maguire
Steven Heckendorn
Visioning a Preferred Future for Virginia's Food System for 2027
Visioning a Preferred Future for Virginia's Food System for 2027
(PDF)
Jun 3, 2019
SPES-142NP
Eric S. Bendfeldt
Common Ragweed (Ambrosia artemisiifolia) Control in Soybeans
Jun 6, 2019
SPES-143NP
Eric Scruggs
Shawn Beam
Michael Flessner
Facilitating Community, Local, and Regional Food Systems
Facilitating Community, Local, and Regional Food Systems
(PDF)
A food system describes all the components including production, processing, distribution, sales, purchasing, preparation, consumption, and waste disposal pathways. A community-focused food system is a collaborative network that integrates and encourages sustainable food production, processing, distribution, consumption and waste management in order to enhance the environmental, economic and social health of a particular place.
Dec 2, 2024
SPES-144NP
Eric S. Bendfeldt
Martha Walker
Joyce Latimer
Kelli H. Scott
Kim Niewolny
Considerations for Producers Seeking Market Access to Schools
Jun 11, 2019
SPES-145NP
Amber Vallotton
Robert Williams
Laura K. Strawn
Renee Boyer
Considerations for School Nutrition Directors Seeking to Increase Farm to School Purchases
Jun 11, 2019
SPES-146NP
Amber Vallotton
Robert Williams
Laura K. Strawn
Renee Boyer
Invasive Tree-of-Heaven & Native Look-Alike Identification Photographs
Jun 24, 2019
SPES-148NP
Beth Sastre
Barbara Bailey
Rachel Brooks
A Survey of Strawberry Production Practices in Virginia
A Survey of Strawberry Production Practices in Virginia
(PDF)
This is the first survey conducted to assess strawberry production practices of commercial growers in the Commonwealth of Virginia. The objective of the survey was to ascertain certain strawberry production practices in Virginia and to determine grower needs for research and outreach.
Jan 23, 2025
SPES-150P (SPES-665P)
Jayesh Samtani
John Christman III
Mortality of Great Rhododendron (Rhododendron maximum) in Virginia
Since 2015, Extension specialists from Virginia Tech (VT) have visited and collected plant and soil samples from several large areas of dying great rhododendron (Rhododendron maximum) in Virginia’s mountainous regions. In 2016 VT specialists met with Virginia Department of Forestry, US Forest Service personnel, and other experts to revisit some of these sites. No consistent cause of this mortality has yet been identified. It is possible that a variety of factors are stressing the rhododendrons in these areas to a point where opportunistic pathogens or insects can successfully attack and kill them. The following information summarizes our observations and diagnostic results from four separate great rhododendron mortality sites in Virginia. This information is not equivalent to a research study, which would also include samples taken from healthy great rhododendron for comparison; however, we are confident that we have ruled out two diseases that are frequently mentioned both online and anecdotally as a cause of this mortality, specifically Phytophthora root rot and Botryosphaeria dieback.
Aug 21, 2019
SPES-151P
Rachel Brooks
Mary Ann Hansen
Elizabeth Bush
Jon Eisenback
Eric R. Day
2019-20 Virginia Turfgrass Variety Recommendations
Jul 22, 2019
SPES-154NP
Michael Goatley
Whitnee Askew
Thomas Hardiman
Strategies for Managing Endophyte-Infected Tall Fescue – A Whole-Farm Approach
Strategies for Managing Endophyte-Infected Tall Fescue – A Whole-Farm Approach
(PDF)
Tall fescue toxicosis is a major constraint on livestock production in Virginia. This publication provides information on how better management can help mitigate toxicosis.
Jun 3, 2025
SPES-163P
J.H. Fike
Gabriel Pent
Using Cover Crops to Suppress Horseweed
This publication discusses using cover crops to suppress horseweed, a widespread and problematic weed in Virginia. This weed is becoming more difficult to control because of herbicide resistance. This research shows that cover crops can be used as part of an integrated approach to control horseweed.
Sep 14, 2020
SPES-164P (SPES-202P)
Kara Pittman
Michael Flessner
Herbicide Options to Terminate Winter Cover Crops
Sep 18, 2019
SPES-167NP
Kara Pittman
Michael Flessner
Charlie Cahoon
Kevin Bamber
2020 Virginia Peanut Production Guide
May 6, 2020
SPES-177NP
Maria Balota
David Jordan
H. L. Mehl
Julie Shortridge
Sally V. Taylor
Adaptive Challenges
Adaptive Challenges video
(HTML)
This educational project aims to deepen community understanding of the importance of agriculture and soils to a sense of place, community, and culture. In this short video, Phil Witmer of Grazeland Dairy, Inc. talks about the farm's grazing system and the adaptive challenges of pasture-based dairy farming.
Jan 7, 2025
SPES-183NP
Eric S. Bendfeldt
Motivations of Farming: A Soil, Conservation and Place supplement video
SPES-184-video
(HTML)
Aug 12, 2020
SPES-184NP
Eric S. Bendfeldt
Drone Use in the Winter
Drone Use in the Winter
(PDF)
Nov 2, 2020
SPES-186NP
Dan Swafford
Morgan Paulette
Marshall Swafford
Fertilizer: The Many Forms You Can Use
Mar 18, 2020
SPES-187NP
Mark Reiter
Clara Ervin
Getting Started and Managing Resources
Getting Started and Managing Resources
(HTML)
Amy’s Garden has been growing and selling great organic produce and cut flowers since 1995. What began as an ambitious backyard garden quickly blossomed into a full-time farming career for husband and wife team Amy Hicks & George Ferguson. Nowadays, with the help of a dedicated team of seasonal employees they grow an amazingly diverse selection of specialty vegetables, small fruits and cut flowers on their organic farm in historic Charles City county, VA.
Jan 7, 2025
SPES-189NP
Eric S. Bendfeldt
Virginia Soybean Performance Tests 2019
VIRGINIA SOYBEAN PERFORMANCE TESTS 2019
(PDF)
Feb 12, 2020
SPES-191NP
David Holshouser
Amy Pawlick
Billy Taylor
Ed Seymore
Converting Pastures to Native Warm Season Grasses: Forage for Drought in Bedford County
Converting Pastures to Native Warm Season Grasses: Forage for Drought in Bedford County
(PDF)
Unlike cool-season grasses, which grow predominately in the spring and fall, warm-season grasses are most productive during summer months and have the potential to fill a large forage production gap in the southeastern US, known as the “summer slump.” Native warm season grasses (NWSG) are well-adapted to this region’s climate and soils, maintaining high productivity even in the summer months and with minimal inputs. Their deep rooting potential also has value for carbon sequestration.
Oct 2, 2025
SPES-196NP
Gabriel Pent
J.B. Daniel
Foliar Injury: Spring Nitrogen Applications to Small Grains
Spring nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S) applications to wheat in Virginia are imperative for high yielding systems. Questions often arise regarding the last Spring N and S application split (GS30) as temperatures rise and chances for wheat injury increase. Especially for S containing fertilizers, chances of foliar injury or “burn” may also increase. Does this foliar injury decrease yields? What management practice should a farmer utilize to reduce risks?
Apr 2, 2020
SPES-197NP
Mark Reiter
Wade E. Thomason
W. Hunter Frame
Common Fertilizers Used in Virginia: Nitrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium
Macro elements are used in large quantities by plants for optimal growth. Ensuring an adequate nutrient supply over the growing season and applied at proper timings with correct rates is imperative for efficient fertilizer use efficiency. For fertilizers, fully understanding what nutrient sources are available and some fertilizer basic characteristics is imperative for using nutrients economically in Virginia production systems.
Apr 7, 2020
SPES-199NP
Mark Reiter
Common Fertilizers Used in Virginia: Secondary and Micronutrients
Secondary macronutrients are used in relatively large quantities by plants for optimal growth and are sulfur (S), calcium (Ca), and magnesium (Mg). Micronutrients on the other hand are needed in much smaller quantities than both primary and secondary macronutrients; however, micronutrients are still essential for plant growth.
Apr 10, 2020
SPES-200NP
Mark Reiter
Conversion Factors Needed for Common Fertilizer Calculations
Conversion Factors Needed for Common Fertilizer Calculations
(PDF)
Apr 29, 2020
SPES-201NP
Mark Reiter
Electric Fencing: Installing and Testing a Proper Grounding System
An adequate grounding system is essential for an effective electric fence. Unfortunately, poor grounding is a leading cause of problems with electric fencing. This publication will discuss how to install and test a proper grounding system.
Jan 27, 2021
SPES-204NP (SPES-300NP)
Matt Booher
Expanding Food Safety Protocols in an Evolving Landscape of COVID-19 - Part 1
SPES-205-video
(HTML)
In Part 1 of a four part series, we will provide a brief context related to the Farm to Fork continuum, then look at the characteristics of SARS-CoV-2, how it is transmitted, and what we know about preventing its spread. Presented by Virginia Cooperative Extension specialists, Melissa Chase, Joell Eifert, Laura Strawn, Rob Williams, and Amber Vallotton. This webinar was conducted on April 9, 2020.
Apr 20, 2020
SPES-205NP
Amber Vallotton
Melissa Chase
Joell Eifert
Laura K. Strawn
Robert Williams
Expanding Food Safety Protocols in an Evolving Landscape of COVID-19 - Part 2
SPES-206-video
(HTML)
In Part 2 of a four part series, we will take a look at expanding practices and policies related to worker health and hygiene in the environment of prevention and mitigation of COVID-19.. Presented by Virginia Cooperative Extension specialists, Melissa Chase, Joell Eifert, Laura Strawn, Rob Williams, and Amber Vallotton. This webinar was conducted on April 9, 2020.
Apr 20, 2020
SPES-206NP
Amber Vallotton
Melissa Chase
Joell Eifert
Laura K. Strawn
Robert Williams
Expanding Food Safety Protocols in an Evolving Landscape of COVID-19 - Part 3
SPES-207-video
(HTML)
In Part 3 of this four-part series, we will look at cleaning, sanitizing, and disinfecting practices to prevent and mitigate COVID-19 spread, as well as packaging, storage, and delivery concerns, and the importance of recordkeeping. We will then briefly discuss some of the COVID-19 myths that have been circulating since the pandemic began, in order to dispel misinformation. Presented by Virginia Cooperative Extension specialists, Melissa Chase, Joell Eifert, Laura Strawn, Rob Williams, and Amber Vallotton. This webinar was conducted on April 9, 2020.
Apr 20, 2020
SPES-207NP
Amber Vallotton
Melissa Chase
Laura K. Strawn
Joell Eifert
Robert Williams
Expanding Food Safety Protocols in an Evolving Landscape of COVID-19: Part 4
SPES-208-video
(HTML)
In Part 4 of this four-part series, we will discuss answers to various questions raised during our webinar on food safety and COVID-19. Presented by Virginia Cooperative Extension specialists, Melissa Chase, Joell Eifert, Laura Strawn, Rob Williams, and Amber Vallotton. This webinar was conducted on April 9, 2020.
Apr 20, 2020
SPES-208NP
Amber Vallotton
Melissa Chase
Joell Eifert
Laura K. Strawn
Robert Williams
Floor Management Strategies for Virginia Vineyards
Floor Management Strategies for Virginia Vineyards
(PDF)
We describe the various floor management strategies commonly used in Mid-Atlantic vineyards and weigh the pros and cons of such systems. Particular attention is focused on the role of perennial cover crops used both in row middles (interrows) and in vine rows (under-trellis or intrarows) for mitigating soil erosion, but also for exerting intentional competition with vines for water and nutrients in situations where a reduction in vine capacity is sought. Cover crop species selection, establishment practices, perennial management, as well as potential hazards associated with perennial cover crops are discussed. Physical, chemical and biological weed control options are also described. We conclude with a “Frequently asked questions” section based on industry questions about cover crop use.
Dec 12, 2025
SPES-209P
Tony K. Wolf
Gill Giese
Drew Harner
Sampling Tall Fescue for Endophyte Infection and Ergot Alkaloid Concentration
Sampling Tall Fescue for Endophyte Infection and Ergot Alkaloid Concentration
(PDF)
Endophyte-infected tall fescue is the dominant forages in Virginia. As such, it is imperative to manage this important forage resource wisely. Ergot alkaloids produced by fescue’s fungal endophyte create challenges to accomplishing this. Tests for endophyte presence and alkaloid levels are important management tools that producers can use to minimize alkaloid consumption and the negative impacts of on animal performance. Consistent testing methods are important for adequately assessing alkaloid levels and for making comparisons among pastures over time. These results then can be used to develop a custom grazing strategy to avoid severe incidences of fescue toxicosis. Repeated testing during a grazing season can help determine possible benefits to pasture renovation or addition of legumes. Similar to testing forages for nutrient concentrations and devising a winter feeding and supplement plan, testing fescue-based pastures for endophyte infection level and for ergot alkaloid concentrations at various times during the year can facilitate management to reduce alkaloid consumption and also help determine if further mitigation is needed.
Feb 1, 2024
SPES-21P
J.H. Fike
John Benner
Matt Booher
Soil, Conservation, and Place -- Janet Aardema and Dan Gagnon of Broadfork Farm
SPES-214-video
(HTML)
Broadfork Farm is a small diversified certified naturally grown vegetable farm owned by Janet Aardema and Dan Gagnon in Chesterfield County, Virginia. Their farm is an expression of their civic duty and environmental activism. In establishing Broadfork Farm, Janet and Dan spent time cultivating relationships in the community, sharing their agricultural, environmental and community values, continually building soil health, and refining their management and production system. Broadfork Farm utilizes only ecological methods in their growing practices: compost, cover crops, organic fertilizer, and minerals are used to feed the soil that feeds our plants. Janet and Dan use raised beds to prevent soil-compaction, which allows for happier plant roots and healthier growth. Certified Naturally Grown is a national standard and a third-party verified designation.
Jun 4, 2025
SPES-214NP
Eric S. Bendfeldt
Soil, Conservation and Place -- Ira Wallace of Southern Exposure Seed Exchange
SPES-215-video
(HTML)
In this interview, Ira Wallace of Southern Exposure Seed Exchange (SESE) shares about the history of the worker-owned cooperative in Louisa County, Virginia. Ira explains the importance of narratives, nourishing ourselves, caring for history, and how care of the land and growing food is a noble profession. Southern Exposure Seed Exchange is located on a 72-acre farm which includes goats, chickens, hayfields, an herb garden, and extensive vegetable gardens for seed production, trialing, and eating. The cooperative offers 800 plus varieties of vegetable, flower, herb, grain and cover crop seeds that will perform well in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast but also can be adapted to other regions of the country. As of 2017, over 60% of the varieties SESE offer are Certified Organic, and over 60% are grown by small and mid-sized farmers. Ira and her colleagues continue to keep economic and environmental justice at the forefront of their farming and business structure.
Jun 4, 2025
SPES-215NP
Eric S. Bendfeldt
Soil, Conservation and Place -- C.J. Isbell of Keenbell Farm
SPES-216-video
(HTML)
Keenbell Farm is a third-generation family farm located in western Hanover County, VA that was established in 1951. Keenbell Farm specializes in grass-fed beef, pasture raised pork, free range poultry, eggs, and specialty non-GMO grains, which are available at their on-farm store. The Isbell family strives make their farm a part of the community and have the community be part of the farm. Therefore, they work to be environmentally conscious, sustainable, and socially acceptable. They take pride in conservation and preservation of their land and natural resources. Keenbell Farm has been recognized for their soil health building practices, multi-species grazing, grain production, and soil and water conservation as they work at direct marketing and serving local and regional food markets, while ensuring resources are available for the next generation and beyond.
Jun 4, 2025
SPES-216NP
Eric S. Bendfeldt
Expanding Food Safety Protocols in an Evolving Landscape of COVID-19
Expanding Food Safety Protocols in an Evolving Landscape of COVID-19
(PDF)
May 28, 2020
SPES-217NP
Joell Eifert
Robert Williams
Amber Vallotton
Melissa Chase
Laura K. Strawn
Kitchen Garden Presentation by Henrico Master Gardeners
Jul 14, 2020
SPES-225NP
Ed Olsen
How To Plant A Tree
SPES-226-video
(HTML)
This is a short video demonstrating how to properly plant a tree.
Jul 14, 2020
SPES-226NP
Cyndi Wyskiewicz
Mike Andruczyk
Best Septic System Management During the Covid-19 Pandemic
With the advent of the Covid-19 pandemic many people are spending more time at home. For those with septic systems, the additional home water use can put strain on their systems that could result in failure. This publication outlines ways that homeowners may be able to reduce the stress on their system and avoid a costly failure.
Aug 5, 2020
SPES-229NP
Philip Brown
Steve Thomas
Fusarium Wilt of Mimosa (Albizia julibrissin)
Fusarium Wilt of Mimosa (Albizia julibrissin)
(PDF)
Fusarium wilt is a common and lethal disease of mimosa (Albizia julibrissin), also commonly known as silktree. In the United States this disease occurs in the east from New York southward and also in Louisiana, Arkansas and California. Fusarium wilt is caused by the fungus Fusarium oxysporum forma specialis perniciosum. Albizia spp. are the only known host of F. oxysporum'' f.sp. ''perniciosum''. Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. perniciosum colonizes and clogs the tree’s vascular (water-conducting) tissue, and interferes with the movement of plant sap. This results in relatively rapid tree death.
Feb 11, 2026
SPES-230NP
Elizabeth Bush
Alex Niemiera
2020-21 Virginia Turfgrass Variety Recommendations
Feb 25, 2021
SPES-237NP (SPES-301NP)
Michael Goatley
Whitnee Askew
Thomas Hardiman
2020 Virginia On-Farm Wheat Test Plots
2020 Virginia On-Farm Wheat Test Plots
(PDF)
Aug 19, 2020
SPES-238NP
Mike Broaddus
Taylor Clarke
Paul H. Davis
Lindy Fimon
Rachel Henley
Trent Jones
Robby Longest
Stephanie Romelczyk
Nicole Shuman
Carl Stafford
Skylar Swann
Wade E. Thomason
A Virginia Producer-Buyer Networking Event Toolkit: Facilitating Value Chain Connections
A homegrown economy can be aided by the idea of value chain coordination where supporters of the local food system can facilitate relationships through matchmaking, relationship building, convening, and educating. One example of a value chain coordination activity is the organization of networking events between producers, buyers, and consumers to increase exposure and market access for small and midsize food businesses. These authentic experiences can lead to long-lasting buying relationships across the value chain that builds wealth and capacity.
Aug 19, 2020
SPES-242NP
French Price
Eric S. Bendfeldt
Identification of Virginia’s Noxious Weeds
Identification of Virginia’s Noxious Weeds
(PDF)
May 17, 2023
SPES-244NP (SPES-502NP)
Spencer Michael
Michael Flessner
Jacob Barney
Applied Research on Field Crop Disease and Nematode Management 2017
This publication provides a summary of applied research conducted in 2017 on disease and nematode management in wheat, corn, cotton, peanut, and soybean.
Jun 18, 2018
SPES-26NP
H. L. Mehl
Biofortification: Creating a Healthier Food Supply
Biofortification: Creating a Healthier Food Supply
(PDF)
Humans and livestock require a broad range of nutrients to maintain a healthy diet. However, the lack of diversity in diets due to price, geography, and availability makes it difficult to create a well-rounded food supply from staple crops. Biofortification is the process of improving the nutritional quality of food and feed through management practices, plant breeding, and genetic modification. The history, types, and implications of biofortification are discussed with an emphasis on producer, livestock, and human health considerations.
Nov 6, 2025
SPES-267P
William Singer
David Holshouser
Bo Zhang
Strawberry Variety Evaluation, Opportunities, and Challenges of High Tunnel Production
Strawberry Variety Evaluation, Opportunities, and Challenges of High Tunnel Production
(PDF)
Feb 9, 2021
SPES-273P
Jayesh Samtani
The Right Answer: How to Find Unbiased, Research-Based Answers Horticultural Questions
The Right Answer: How to Find Unbiased, Research-Based Answers Horticultural Questions
(PDF)
Feb 19, 2021
SPES-275P
Megan Tierney
Inga Haugen
Laurie Fox
Managing Phosphorus Balance on Virginia Dairy Farms
Managing Phosphorus Balance on Virginia Dairy Farms
(PDF)
Virginia dairy farms can maintain milk production and improve their long-term sustainability by balancing their whole farm phosphorus imports and exports. The annual phosphorus mass balance is the difference in the quantity of phosphorus imported onto the farm (such as purchased feed, fertilizer, etc.), and exported from the farm (such as crops, milk sold, etc.) during a year.
Mar 15, 2021
SPES-278NP
Rory Maguire
Sapana Pokhrel
Stockpile Grazing in Autumn
Nov 2, 2023
SPES-29P
Timothy Mize
Lime: Common Soil Additives to Raise Soil pH in Virginia
Lime: Common Soil Additives to Raise Soil pH in Virginia
(PDF)
Feb 16, 2021
SPES-298NP
Mark Reiter
Rory Maguire
Using Grazing Charts
This is a Graze 300 Virginia video which is part of an Extension initiative to enable Virginia farmers to achieve 300 days of livestock grazing by facilitating better pasture management and environmental stewardship. In this video clip, Tim Mize, Extension Agent with Virginia Cooperative Extension, and Norman Bower, a cooperating farmer, share how a grazing chart can be a roadmap for communicating and planning a farm's grazing plan. For more information about Graze 300 VA and Virginia Cooperative Extension, please visit Graze 300. Funding for the video was generously provided by the Agua Fund to encourage sustainable resilient agriculture and the conservation of important natural resources.
Nov 2, 2023
SPES-30P
Timothy Mize
Virginia Soybean Performance Tests 2020
The purpose of this publication is to provide performance data of the many soybean varieties offered for sale in Virginia. These data should be of benefit to producers and agribusinesses in making selections of varieties for their use. It is realized that not all varieties that are offered for sale in Virginia are included in these tests. There is no implication that varieties not included are inferior in any way, but only that they have not been tested.
Feb 19, 2021
SPES-303NP
David Holshouser
Amy Pawlick
Billy Taylor
Converting pastures to native warm season grasses: Summer forage and wildlife habitat in Caroline County
Converting pastures to native warm season grasses: Summer forage and wildlife habitat in Caroline County
(PDF)
Native grasses can provide forage for cattle and habitat for wildlife. This publication provides a farmer's perspective on converting a tall fescue pasture to native warm season grasses.
Mar 5, 2026
SPES-308NP
Gabriel Pent
J.B. Daniel
Stockpile Grazing with Horses
This is a Graze 300 Virginia video which is part of an Extension initiative to enable Virginia farmers to achieve 300 days of livestock grazing by facilitating better pasture management and environmental stewardship. In this video clip, Carrie Swanson, Extension Agent with Virginia Cooperative Extension, discusses and demonstrates the benefits of stockpile grazing with horses. For more information about Graze 300 VA and Virginia Cooperative Extension, please visit Graze 300. Funding for the video was generously provided by the Agua Fund to encourage sustainable resilient agriculture and the conservation of important natural resources.
Nov 2, 2023
SPES-31P
Carrie Swanson
2021 Virtual Eastern Shore Agricultural Conference and Trade Show
Mar 12, 2021
SPES-312NP
Theresa Pittman
Ursula T. Deitch
Mark Reiter
Vijay Singh
John Mason
Keren Duerksen
Joseph Haymaker
Helene Doughty
David Holshouser
David Langston
Michael Flessner
Steve Rideout
Wade E. Thomason
Christopher McCullough
Kemper Sutton
Kyle M. Bekelja
Thomas P. Kuhar
Bruce Richardson
Robert Harper
Brett Richardson
Bill Shockley
How to Evaluate a Tree
How to Evaluate a Tree
(PDF)
May 19, 2021
SPES-313P
Megan Tierney
Meghan Mulroy-Goldman
Andrea Davis
Fungicide Spray Guidelines for Non-bearing Vineyards
Fungicide Spray Guidelines for Non-bearing Vineyards
(PDF)
Jul 14, 2021
SPES-315NP
Mizuho Nita
Alson H. Smith Jr
Edible Landscape Species – Trees
Selecting Plants for Virginia Landscapes: Edible Landscape Species - TreesEdible Landscape Species – Trees
(PDF)
Oct 21, 2021
SPES-316
Alex Niemiera
Michael McConkey
Edible Landscape Species – Shrubs, Vines, and Groundcovers
Selecting Plants for Virginia Landscapes: Edible Landscape Species - Shrubs, Vines, and Groundcover Edible Landscape Species – Shrubs, Vines, and Groundcovers
(PDF)
Oct 21, 2021
SPES-317
Alex Niemiera
Michael McConkey
Does Land Application of Biosolids Pose Health Concerns for Grazing Livestock?
Does Land Application of Biosolids Pose Health Concerns for Grazing Livestock?
(PDF)
Aug 3, 2021
SPES-318P
Greg Evanylo
Assessing On-Farm Risks and Documenting Food Safety Practices to Meet Farm to School Requirements
Assessing On-Farm Risks and Documenting Food Safety Practices to Meet Farm to School Requirements
(PDF)
May 7, 2021
SPES-319NP
Amber Vallotton
Laura K. Strawn
Benefits of a Dry Lot for Horses
This is a Graze 300 Virginia video which is part of an Extension initiative to enable Virginia farmers to achieve 300 days of livestock grazing by facilitating better pasture management and environmental stewardship. In this video clip, Carrie Swanson, Extension Agent with Virginia Cooperative Extension, discusses the benefits of a dry lot as a horse and pasture management strategy. For more information about Graze 300 VA and Virginia Cooperative Extension, please visit Graze 300. Funding for the video was generously provided by the Agua Fund to encourage sustainable resilient agriculture and the conservation of important natural resources.
Nov 2, 2023
SPES-32P
Carrie Swanson
Maintenance Calendar for Bermudagrass
Maintenance Calendar for Bermudagrass Athletic Fields in Virginia
(PDF)
Jun 21, 2021
SPES-329NP
Michael Goatley
Shawn Askew
David McCall
Using a Grazing Muzzle
This is a Graze 300 Virginia video which is part of an Extension initiative to enable Virginia farmers to achieve 300 days of livestock grazing by facilitating better pasture management and environmental stewardship. In this video clip, Carrie Swanson, Extension Agent with Virginia Cooperative Extension, discusses the benefits of a dry lot as a horse and pasture management strategy. For more information about Graze 300 VA and Virginia Cooperative Extension, please visit Graze 300. Funding for the video was generously provided by the Agua Fund to encourage sustainable resilient agriculture and the conservation of important natural resources.
Nov 2, 2023
SPES-33P
Carrie Swanson
Beetlemania
Beetlemania
(PDF)
Jul 7, 2021
SPES-333NP
Michael Goatley
Alejandro Del-Pozo
Small Grain Forage Variety Testing, 2021
Small Grain Forage Variety Testing, 2021
(PDF)
Jun 28, 2021
SPES-335NP
Wade E. Thomason
Greg Lillard
Elizabeth Rucker
4 The Soil Live Kickoff
Video
(HTML)
Jul 23, 2021
SPES-339NP
Mary Sketch
Eric S. Bendfeldt
Grazing Through Snow
Grazing Through Snow
(HTML)
Nov 1, 2023
SPES-34P
Carl Stafford
Hurricane Preparedness for Turfgrass Systems
Hurricane Preparedness and Recovery Tips for Turfgrass Managers
(PDF)
Jul 20, 2021
SPES-340NP
Michael Goatley
Shawn Askew
Jeffrey Derr
David McCall
Adam Nichols
Cool-Season Turfgrass Sports Field Maintenance Calendar
Maintenance Calendar for Cool-Season Athletic Fields in Virginiaa
(PDF)
Jul 22, 2021
SPES-341NP
Michael Goatley
Shawn Askew
David McCall
Alejandro Del-Pozo
2021-22 Virginia Turfgrass Variety Recommendations
2021-22 Virginia Turfgrass Variety Recommendations
(PDF)
Jul 21, 2021
SPES-343NP
Michael Goatley
Whitnee Askew
Thomas Hardiman
Driving Homeowners ‘Nuts’: Sedge in the Lawn
Driving Homeowners ‘Nuts’: Sedge in the Lawn
(PDF)
Jul 23, 2021
SPES-344NP
Michael Goatley
Jeffrey Derr
Shawn Askew
Small Grains in 2021
Small Grains in 2021
(PDF)
Aug 3, 2021
SPES-348NP
Nicholas Santantonio
Wade E. Thomason
Caleb Bishop
Elizabeth Rucker
Grazing Summer Annuals
This is a Graze 300 Virginia video which is part of an Extension initiative to enable Virginia farmers to achieve 300 days of livestock grazing by facilitating better pasture management and environmental stewardship. In this video clip, Jason Thurman of Lazy Acre Angus, in cooperation with Chris Brown Extension Agent with Virginia Cooperative Extension, explains his farm’s rotational grazing system and how he has incorporated summer annuals such as Sorghum-Sudangrass in the system to improve cow performance during the hot summer months. For more information about Graze 300 VA and Virginia Cooperative Extension, please visit Graze 300. Funding for the video was generously provided by the Agua Fund to encourage sustainable resilient agriculture and the conservation of important natural resources.
Nov 2, 2023
SPES-35P
Chris Brown
Katie Payne
2021 Virginia On-farm Wheat Test Plots
2021 VIRGINIA ON-FARM WHEAT TEST PLOTS
(PDF)
Sep 8, 2021
SPES-352NP
Robby Longest
Mike Broaddus
Paul H. Davis
Trent Jones
Nicole Shuman
Carl Stafford
Stephanie Romelczyk
Wade E. Thomason
Cool Season Lawn Renovation
Cool-season Lawn Recovery Following Sumer Stress
(PDF)
Sep 16, 2021
SPES-353NP
Michael Goatley
Protective Agriculture Production Series: Fundamentals
Protective Agriculture Production Series: Fundamentals
(PDF)
Sep 16, 2021
SPES-355NP
Emmanuel Torres Quezada
Managing Fall Armyworms on Lawns
Managing Fall Armyworms on Lawns
(PDF)
Aug 31, 2021
SPES-357NP
Michael Goatley
Thomas P. Kuhar
Alejandro Del-Pozo
2021 Eastern Shore AREC Interactive Research Field Day
2021 Eastern Shore AREC Interactive Research Field Day
(PDF)
Oct 8, 2021
SPES-359NP
Mark Reiter
Lorena Lopez
Emmanuel Torres Quezada
Thomas P. Kuhar
Keren Brooks
Bo Zhang
John Mason
Joyce Zuchel
Helene Doughty
Joseph Haymaker
Jenny Templeton
Chris Lawrence
David Holshouser
Billy Taylor
Daniel L. Goerlich
Measuring Forage with a Falling Plate Meter
This is a Graze 300 Virginia video which is part of an Extension initiative to enable Virginia farmers to achieve 300 days of livestock grazing by facilitating better pasture management and environmental stewardship. In this video clip, Jeanie Layton-Dudding, Extension Agent with Virginia Cooperative Extension, demonstrates how to use a falling plate meter measure the amount of forage available in a pasture and to plan your winter feeding management. For more information about Graze 300 VA and Virginia Cooperative Extension, please visit Graze 300. Funding for the video was generously provided by the Agua Fund to encourage sustainable resilient agriculture and the conservation of important natural resources.
Nov 2, 2023
SPES-36P
Jeannie Layton-Dudding
Katie Payne
Specialty Small Grains in 2021
Specialty Small Grains in 2021
(PDF)
Sep 24, 2021
SPES-360NP
Wade E. Thomason
Nicholas Santantonio
Wynse Brooks
Caleb Bishop
Elizabeth Rucker
Tom Custis
Karl Jones
Joseph Oakes
Mark Vaughn
Ned Jones
Jon Light
Virginia Corn Silage Hybrid Trials in 2021
Virginia Corn Silage Hybrid Trials in 2020
(PDF)
Dec 16, 2021
SPES-364NP
Wade E. Thomason
Caleb Bishop
Elizabeth Rucker
David Yutzy
Doug Horn
Greg Lillard
Ned Jones
Philip Blevins
Virginia Corn Hybrid and Management Trials in 2021
Virginia Corn Hybrid and Management Trials in 2020
(PDF)
Dec 17, 2021
SPES-365NP
Wade E. Thomason
Caleb Bishop
Elizabeth Rucker
Phillip Browning
Doug Horn
Jason Stutz
Karl Jones
Ned Jones
Greg Lillard
Brooks Saville
2026 Virginia Peanut Production Guide
2026 Virginia Peanut Production Guide
(PDF)
This guide describes peanut production practices including cultivars, planting, management, and harvest. Under management, information is provided on the optimum time for nutrient and irrigation applications; describes rotations effect on yield; soil preparation, etc. It also identifies major pests for the region including weeds, insects and disease, and how those should be controlled.
Jan 12, 2026
SPES-367NP (SPES-759NP)
Maria Balota
Tim Bryant
Jacob Forehand
David Jordan
David Langston
Julie Shortridge
Vijay Singh
Sally V. Taylor
2021 Virginia On-Farm Soybean Research
Jan 28, 2022
SPES-377NP
Scott Reiter
Stephanie Romelczyk
Taylor Clarke
Roy Flanagan
Josh Holland
Bruce Jones
Joanne Jones
Trent Jones
Watson Lawrence
Frank Long
Robby Longest
Mike Parrish
Sara Rutherford
Rebekah Slabach
Carl Stafford
David Holshouser
Caring for Our Communities and Land: A Story of Healthy Relationships and Trust
Caring for Our Communities and Land: A Story of Healthy Relationships and Trust
(HTML)
Feb 15, 2022
SPES-381NP
French Price
Eric S. Bendfeldt
Peanut Variety and Quality Evaluation Results I. Agronomic and Grade Data
Feb 18, 2022
SPES-382NP
Maria Balota
Jeffrey Dunne
Dan Anco
2021 Virginia On-Farm Corn Test Plots
Feb 18, 2022
SPES-383NP
Trent Jones
Robby Longest
Mike Broaddus
Stephanie Romelczyk
Scott Reiter
Watson Lawrence
Roy Flanagan
Carl Stafford
Frank Long
Taylor Clarke
Sara Rutherford
Josh Holland
Bruce Jones
Joanne Jones
Glenn F. Chappell
John Townsend
Robert Grammar
Landon West
Wade E. Thomason
2021 Cotton Variety Testing and On-Farm Results
The official cotton variety testing program (OVT) seeks to evaluate commercial and experimental lines across a wide range of locations in Southeast Virginia to determine performance of varieties based on yield and lint quality.
Feb 17, 2022
SPES-385NP
W. Hunter Frame
David Horton
Marie Schirmacher
2021 Virginia Soybean Performance Tests
Feb 21, 2022
SPES-386NP
David Holshouser
Billy Taylor
Consider Your Whole System: Nitrogen and Sulfur Leaching Potential in Virginia
Jun 25, 2018
SPES-39NP
Mark Reiter
Wade E. Thomason
W. Hunter Frame
Consider Your Whole System: Nitrogen and Sulfur Leaching Potential in Virginia
Consider Your Whole System: Nitrogen and Sulfur Leaching Potential in Virginia
(PDF)
Early summer often means locally heavy and sporadic rainfall as thunderstorms deliver intense rains, and 2018 appears to be no different with many areas in eastern Virginia receiving 3+ inches of rain in a few days (Figure 1). These storms also often coincide with the timing of sidedress nitrogen (N) and sulfur (S) applications on corn. While some rainfall after sidedress is very beneficial to facilitate N movement into soil, heavy rain (2+ inches) often leaves us wondering how much, if any, of that recently-applied N remains and if additional N is needed.
Jan 31, 2024
SPES-39NP
Mark Reiter
Wade E. Thomason
W. Hunter Frame
Consider Your Whole System: Nitrogen and Sulfur Leaching Potential in Virginia
Consider Your Whole System: Nitrogen and Sulfur Leaching Potential in Virginia
(PDF)
Jun 25, 2018
SPES-39NP
Mark Reiter
Wade E. Thomason
W. Hunter Frame
Planted Hardwood Silvopasture: Producer Perspective From Rockingham Co. VA
Planted Hardwood Silvopasture: Producer Perspective From Rockingham Co. VA
(HTML)
Jul 26, 2022
SPES-410NP
J.H. Fike
John F. Munsell
Adam Downing
Planted Hardwood Silvopasture: Producer Perspective From Wythe Co. VA
Planted Hardwood Silvopasture: Producer Perspective From Wythe Co. VA
(HTML)
Jul 26, 2022
SPES-411NP
J.H. Fike
John F. Munsell
Adam Downing
Silvopasture Best Management Practices
Silvopasture Best Management Practices
(HTML)
Jul 26, 2022
SPES-412NP
J.H. Fike
John F. Munsell
Adam Downing
Silvopasture Challenges: Producer Perspectives
Silvopasture Challenges: Producer Perspectives
(HTML)
Jul 26, 2022
SPES-413NP
J.H. Fike
John F. Munsell
Adam Downing
Thinned Hardwood Silvopasture: Producer Perspective From Nelson Co. VA
Thinned Hardwood Silvopasture: Producer Perspective From Nelson Co. VA
(HTML)
Jul 27, 2022
SPES-414NP
J.H. Fike
John F. Munsell
Adam Downing
Thinned Hardwood Silvopasture Producer Perspective From Rockbridge Co. VA
Thinned Hardwood Silvopasture Producer Perspective From Rockbridge Co. VA
(HTML)
Jul 28, 2022
SPES-415NP
J.H. Fike
John F. Munsell
Adam Downing
Thinned Pine Silvopasture Producer: (#1) Perspective From Charlotte Co. VA
Thinned Pine Silvopasture Producer: (#1) Perspective From Charlotte Co. VA
(HTML)
Jul 28, 2022
SPES-416NP
J.H. Fike
John F. Munsell
Adam Downing
Thinned Pine Silvopasture Producer: (#2) Perspective From Charlotte Co. VA
Thinned Pine Silvopasture Producer: (#2) Perspective From Charlotte Co. VA
(HTML)
Jul 28, 2022
SPES-417NP
J.H. Fike
John F. Munsell
Adam Downing
Thinned Pine Silvopasture: Producer Perspective from Orange Co. VA
Thinned Hardwood Silvopasture: Producer Perspective From Nelson Co. VA
(HTML)
Jul 28, 2022
SPES-418NP
J.H. Fike
John F. Munsell
Adam Downing
Thinned Pine Silvopasture: Producer Perspective From Pender Co. NC
Thinned Pine Silvopasture: Producer Perspective From Pender Co. NC
(HTML)
Jul 28, 2022
SPES-419NP
J.H. Fike
John F. Munsell
Adam Downing
Fresh Hops Harvesting and Handling Tips
Jun 29, 2018
SPES-43NP
Laura Siegle
Holly L. Scoggins
Amber Vallotton
Small Grain Forage Variety Testing - 2018
Jul 20, 2018
SPES-45NP
Wade E. Thomason
Elizabeth Rucker
Small Grains in 2018
Jul 20, 2018
SPES-46NP
Wynse Brooks
Bee Khim Chim
Tom Custis
C.A. Griffey
Doug Horn
Ned Jones
Brad Lael
David Langston
Jon Light
Joseph Oakes
Robert Pitman
Elizabeth Rucker
Mark Vaughn
Giant Hogweed: Identification and Control
Giant Hogweed: Identification and Control
(PDF)
This publication provides information on giant hogweed identification, including how to distinguish between look alike species, and what to do if you think you have found giant hogweed.
Jul 10, 2023
SPES-48NP (SPES-245NP)
Michael Flessner
Jordan Metzgar
Frost/Freeze Protection in Strawberry
Aug 27, 2018
SPES-56NP
Jayesh Samtani
Fescue Toxicosis and Some Strategies to Mitigate Alkaloids
Fescue Toxicosis and Some Strategies to Mitigate Alkaloids
(PDF)
May 3, 2023
SPES-6
J.H. Fike
A Spreadsheet-Based Soil Test Converter for Turfgrass Professionals and Nutrient Management Planning in Virginia
A Spreadsheet-Based Soil Test Converter for Turfgrass Professionals and Nutrient Management Planning in Virginia
(PDF)
Nutrient management involves controlling the rate, timing, placement, and application of plant nutrients to grow high-quality plants while protecting the environment. Nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K) are a few elements essential for plant growth. When fertilizer, organic materials, or other compounds containing N and P are applied improperly to agricultural crops, turfgrass, or other landscape plants, these nutrients can be harmful to lakes, streams, or other water resources.
Dec 5, 2023
SPES-60
Michael Goatley
Chantel Wilson
A Spreadsheet-Based Soil Test Converter for Turfgrass Professionals and Nutrient Management Planning in Virginia - Workbook
A Spreadsheet-Based Soil Test Converter for Turfgrass Professionals and Nutrient Management Planning in Virginia
(XLSX)
Dec 5, 2023
SPES-60A
Michael Goatley
Chantel Wilson
Animal Performance on Toxic Tall Fescue During the Summer
Sep 19, 2018
SPES-62NP
J.H. Fike
Gabriel Pent
Virginia Fresh Produce Food Safety Website
This comprehensive website is intended to provide information about the efforts of the Virginia Fresh Produce Food Safety Team, as well as timely and science-based resources geared to reducing fresh produce contamination risks, beginning at the farm level, progressing through the marketplace to the final end-user, the consumer. The site also includes a blog that highlights our research and extension work on many fronts.
Oct 18, 2024
SPES-626NP
Amber Vallotton
Sarah Gugercin
Laura K. Strawn
Alexis Hamilton
Lester Schonberger
Melissa Wright
Glyphosate: Health Controversy, Benefits and Continuing Debate
Sep 20, 2018
SPES-63NP
Jeffrey Derr
Penelope Fenner-Crisp
Ralph Morini
Virginia Tech Corn Silage Trials, 2023
Virginia Tech Corn Silage Trials, 2023
(PDF)
The annual summary of corn silage hybrids testing in Virginia.
Jan 23, 2025
SPES-651NP
Caleb Bishop
Aarati Khulal
Sheetal Kumari
Jitender Rathore
Matthew J. Wright
Olga Walsh
2018-2019 Virginia Turfgrass Variety Recommendations
Oct 8, 2018
SPES-66NP
Whitnee Askew
Michael Goatley
Thomas Hardiman
Peanut Variety and Quality Evaluation Results 2024: Agronomic and Grade Data
Peanut Variety and Quality Evaluation Results 2024
(PDF)
The Peanut Variety and Quality Evaluation (PVQE) program was created in 1968 as a multi-state program for the evaluation of Virginia-type cultivars and breeding lines. The PVQE is the official “pipeline” for Virginia-type peanut cultivar development for the Virginia-Carolina region. The objectives of the PVQE are: 1) to determine yield, grade, quality, and disease response of commercial cultivars and advanced breeding lines at various locations in Virginia and the Carolinas, 2) develop a database for Virginia-type peanut to allow research-based selection of the best genotypes by growers, industry, and the breeding programs, and 3) to identify the most-suited peanut genotypes for various regions that can be developed into varieties. This report contains agronomic and grade data of the PVQE tests in 2024.
Mar 27, 2025
SPES-681NP
Jacob Forehand
Dan Anco
Peppers
Peppers
(PDF)
A fact sheet on growing peppers in the Virginia home garden.
Mar 24, 2025
SPES-684NP
P. Diane Relf
Alan McDaniel
Edward Olsen
Eggplant
Eggplant
(PDF)
A factsheet on growing eggplant in the Virginia home garden.
Mar 25, 2025
SPES-686NP
P. Diane Relf
Alan McDaniel
Edward Olsen
Virginia Tech Corn Silage Testing 2018
Nov 6, 2018
SPES-69NP
Harry D. Behl
Elizabeth Rucker
Wade E. Thomason
Safety and Risk Management for Virginia Extension Master Gardeners
Safety and Risk Management for Virginia Extension Master Gardeners
(PDF)
Everything that Virginia Extension Master Gadeners do involves some sort of risk. It could be risk to their own health and safety, risk to the health and safety of participants in the programs they lead, risk to property (like those new pollinator plants they are planting), risk to natural resources, or risk to the reputation of the volunteers, chapters, program, Virginia Tech, Commonwealth of Virginia, and local partners with whom they are volunteering. “Risk management” is the sum of all the strategies we use to try to reduce the likelihood that an action we take will cause harm. Risk management is the responsibility of every Virginia Extension Master Gardener (EMG). In this publication, we describe the common categories of risk EMG volunteers may encounter as part of their learning and service in the program. We give examples of specific risks in each category, and we describe recommended strategies for EMG volunteers to follow.
Jul 25, 2025
SPES-699NP
Edward Olsen
Extension Master Gardener Project Guidelines and Proposals
Extension Master Gardener Project Guidelines and Proposals
(PDF)
Very often, EMG projects and activities “spontaneously generate,” whether from a community request or from a volunteer who has an idea that meets a local need. Because the projects may or may not integrate with the planned educational programming to be implemented by EMGs, the opportunities that arise should be evaluated to see if they are appropriate Extension activities, whether they are feasible, and if there is sufficient commitment to ensure completion. New projects should be evaluated to determine how they fit into Extension program areas, such as sustainable landscape management, the unit’s Situation Analysis and the agent’s plan of work. If EMG projects and activities are planned outside of the educational program plan designed with local VCE agents and staff, then a Project Proposal and Authorization Form should be completed.
Jul 25, 2025
SPES-700NP
Edward Olsen
Naphthaleneacetic Acid: A Key Tool for Reducing Preharvest Fruit Drop and Sustaining Apple Red Coloration
Naphthaleneacetic Acid: A Key Tool for Reducing Preharvest Fruit Drop and Sustaining Apple Red Coloration
(PDF)
Pre-harvest fruit drop (PFD) causes significant yield losses in 'Honeycrisp' apples. This study evaluated naphthaleneacetic acid (NAA), aminoethoxyvinylglycine (AVG), and their combined application for PFD management, assessing fruit retention and quality for two growing seasons. All treatments generally reduced PFD compared to controls, with AVG often showing the greatest reduction. However, AVG consistently impaired red fruit color development. In contrast, NAA effectively controlled PFD without negatively impacting color or firmness and improved fruit sweetness. These findings highlight that while both can reduce drop, NAA provides a better balance for 'Honeycrisp' growers by mitigating PFD while preserving or enhancing key quality attributes like color and sweetness compared to AVG.
Sep 17, 2025
SPES-717NP
Mohammad Monirul Hasan Tipu
Khalil R. Jahed
Sherif M. Sherif
Tar Spot of Corn
Tar Spot of Corn
(PDF)
Tar spot of corn, caused by Phyllachora maydis, is an emerging foliar disease in the United States. The disease was first confirmed in Shenandoah County, Virginia, in 2022, with the pathogen being detected in multiple counties across the state. This publication provides an overview of tar spot symptoms and signs, conducive environmental conditions, and current management strategies.
Aug 29, 2025
SPES-726NP
Kamal Chhetri
David Langston
Yuan Zeng
Virginia Corn Hybrid and Management Trials in 2018
Nov 5, 2018
SPES-73NP
Wade E. Thomason
Harry D. Behl
Elizabeth Rucker
Virginia Corn Silage Trials, 2024
Virginia Corn Silage Trials, 2024
(PDF)
The annual summary of corn silage hybrids testing in Virginia.
Dec 16, 2025
SPES-740NP
Caleb Bishop
Aarati Khulal
Sheetal Kumari
Jitender Rathore
Matthew J. Wright
Olga Walsh
Virginia Home Vegetable Variety Trials: 2025 Results
Virginia Home Vegetable Variety Trials: 2025 Results
(PDF)
The 2025 Virginia Home Vegetable Variety Trials engaged over 200 participating gardeners statewide to evaluate eight commonly grown crops under real‑world conditions. Trialers compared two cultivars per crop for germination, vigor, yield, appearance, and flavor. Most participants used organic or no fertilizers, avoided chemical pesticides, and relied on raised beds or in‑ground gardens. These citizen‑science results provide updated, research‑based recommendations to support home gardeners and inform revisions to Virginia Cooperative Extension resources.
Feb 18, 2026
SPES-782NP
Edward Olsen
Cotton Variety Selection Tool
Cotton Variety Selection Tool
(HTML)
The official cotton variety trial (OVT) and on-farm variety trials are conducted in multiple locations across Southeast Virginia each year. At each site, in-season harvest data is collected and analyzed to provide cotton producers and industry partners with reliable performance data for each variety. This tool has been divided into three main pages: OVT Yield, OVT Lint Quality, and On-Farm Yield.
- OVT Yield: Data from small-plot trials replicated on the Tidewater AREC station and multiple farms across the region. Includes lint yield, lint percentage, and relative yield.
-OVT Lint Quality: Includes important lint characteristics: color and leaf grades, micronaire, strength, length, staple, HVI trash, reflectance, and yellowness.
-On-Farm Yield: Data from large strip plots on farms across the region. Includes lint yield, lint percentage, and rankings by site and year. Can view individual years or averaged over all site years.
Mar 13, 2026
SPES-790NP
W. Hunter Frame
Janessa Fiorenza
Chris Mitchell
Stormwater Management for Homeowners Fact Sheet 1: Rooftop Redirection (Disconnection)
Stormwater Management for Homeowners Fact Sheet 1:Rooftop Redirection (Disconnection)
(PDF)
Overview of rooftop redirect, one of the most common residential stormwater management practices.
Jun 12, 2024
SPES-9P (SPES-608P)
Laurie Fox
Daniel Robinson
David J. Sample
Claire Wolford
Irrigation Considerations for Commercial Hop Producers
Irrigation Considerations for Commercial Hop Producers
(PDF)
SPES-95 (SPES-622NP)
Daniel Jackson
Laura Siegle
Holly L. Scoggins
Julie Shortridge
2018 Virginia On-Farm Soybean Research
Jan 16, 2019
SPES-96NP
Mike Broaddus
Taylor Clarke
Roy Flanagan
David Holshouser
Trent Jones
Bruce Jones
Watson Lawrence
Mike Parrish
Scott Reiter
Stephanie Romelczyk
Laura Siegle
Carl Stafford
Lindy Tucker
For the Love of the Chip
For the Love of the Chip video
(HTML)
For the Love of the Chip video highlights the working relationships and values of Route 11 Potato Chips, Valley Farming, LLC., Valley Pike Farm Market, and J.Q. Dickinson Salt-Works as an example of a food value chain.
Jan 7, 2025
SPES-179NP
Eric S. Bendfeldt
French Price
Specialty Small Grains in 2019
Specialty Small Grains in 2019
(PDF)
Jan 21, 2020
SPES-185NP
Wade E. Thomason
C.A. Griffey
H. L. Mehl
Harry D. Behl
Elizabeth Rucker
Michael Swiosh
Luke Boyd
Tom Custis
David Langston
Karl Jones
Linda Byrd-Masters
Steve Byrum
Naviot Kaur
Joseph Oakes
Mark Vaughn
Ned Jones
Wynse Brooks
Jon Light
Robert A. Clark
Greg Lillard
The Story of the Food Value Chain
The Story of the Food Value Chain
(HTML)
The Story of the Food Value Chain video -- Do you know where your food comes from? The food value chain is often not very transparent or easy to define. This short food value chain video about the potato chip explains the relationships and values needed and aligned to make a full circle farm-to-table connection.
Jan 7, 2025
SPES-188NP
Eric S. Bendfeldt
French Price
Weed Management Planner - Before Planting
Aug 2, 2023
SPES-268NP (SPES-506NP-A)
Michael Flessner
Kevin Bamber
Rakesh Chandran
Thomas E. Hines
Quintin Johnson
Dwight Lingenfelter
Claudio Rubione
Lovreet Shergill
Mark VanGessel
Kurt Vollmer
Vijay Singh
Weed Management Planner - After Planting
Weed Management Planner - After Planting
(PDF)
Feb 13, 2024
SPES-268NP (SPES-570NP-B)
Michael Flessner
Kevin Bamber
Rakesh Chandran
Thomas E. Hines
Quintin Johnson
Dwight Lingenfelter
Claudio Rubione
Lovreet Shergill
Mark VanGessel
Kurt Vollmer
Vijay Singh
Small Scale Perennial Production Using Iris as an Example Crop
Small Scale Perennial Production Using Iris as an Example
(PDF)
Apr 20, 2022
SPES-354P
Ross B. Eagles
Laurie Fox
Jeffrey Derr
Holly L. Scoggins
Blackberry Fruit: Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits
Blackberry Fruit: Nutrition Facts and Health Benefits
(PDF)
Mar 16, 2022
SPES-366P
Tianyou Xu
Yun Yin
Jayesh Samtani
What Happens If My Septic System Fails?
What Happens If My Septic System Fails?
(PDF)
Apr 29, 2022
SPES-379P
Philip Brown
Steve Thomas
Septic System Best Management Practices
Septic System Best Management Practices
(PDF)
Apr 29, 2022
SPES-380P
Philip Brown
Steve Thomas
Your Soil Test Report Simplified A Guide for Homeowners
Your Soil Test Report Simplified A Guide for Homeowners
(HTML)
Mar 10, 2022
SPES-384NP
Thomas Bolles
Container Production of Herbaceous Peonies: Information for Greenhouse and Nursery Operators
Container Production of Herbaceous Peonies: Information for Greenhouse and Nursery Operators
(PDF)
Oct 26, 2022
SPES-388P
Dongfang "Emily" Zhou
Holly L. Scoggins
Joyce Latimer
Gardening for Health: Benefits for Adults
Gardening for Health: Benefits for Adults
(PDF)
May 11, 2022
SPES-389NP
Molly Beardslee
Kimberly Hoffman
2021 Peanut Variety and Quality Evaluation Results - Quality Data
Mar 24, 2022
SPES-395NP
Maria Balota
Jeffrey Dunne
Dan Anco
Fitz Cherry
Chemical Options for Defruiting Young Apple Trees
Chemical Options for Defruiting Young Apple Trees
(PDF)
Apple trees can produce plenty of fruits in the first two years of planting. If kept on the tree until harvest, these fruits would have a negative effect on tree growth and structure. Defruting newly planted and young apple trees (e.g., 2nd and 3rd leaf), particularly those on dwarfing rootstocks, allows the trees to fill their allotted bearing space and become structurally capable of bearing a decent crop by the fourth and fifth year. Although defruting can be achieved manually by removing flower clusters and small fruitlets, several chemical options can make defruting much faster and less labor-intensive. This publication aims to provide information about the rates and application timing of chemical materials apple growers can use to effectively defrut young trees.
Apr 14, 2022
SPES-396NP
Sherif M. Sherif
Fertilizing Landscape Trees and Shrubs - Basic
Fertilizing Landscape Trees and Shrubs - Basic
(PDF)
May 12, 2022
SPES-397P
Laurie Fox
Rootstock Effects on Tree Growth and Yield of ‘Honeycrisp’ Apple under Virginia State Climatic Conditions
Rootstock Effects on Tree Growth and Yield of ‘Honeycrisp’ Apple under Virginia State Climatic Conditions
(PDF)
May 4, 2022
SPES-398NP
Sherif M. Sherif
A Spreadsheet-Based Calculator for Lawn Fertilizer and Lime Applications in Virginia
A Spreadsheet-Based Calculator for Lawn Fertilizer and Lime Applications in Virginia
(PDF)
Fertilizing a lawn can seem like a difficult and confusing task, especially for a new homeowner or individuals without turfgrass management experience. When fertilizers and lime are used properly, they can help to remedy nutrient deficiencies, improve plant appearance, stimulate plant growth, and improve stress tolerance in lawns.
Dec 5, 2023
SPES-40P
Michael Goatley
Chantel Wilson
How to develop a planting plan for vegetables in Virginia: A sample spreadsheet
Jan 23, 2025
SPES-401NP
Shawn Jadrnicek
Emmanuel Torres Quezada
Bringing Apples to Life: A Story of Perseverance, Collaboration, and Innovation
Bringing Apples to Life: A Story of Perseverance, Collaboration, and Innovation
(HTML)
Jun 8, 2022
SPES-405NP
Eric S. Bendfeldt
French Price
Small Grain Forage Variety Testing, 2022
Small Grain Forage Variety Testing, 2022
(PDF)
Jun 24, 2022
SPES-406NP
Wade E. Thomason
Greg Lillard
Joshua Mott
Against the Grain, Beyond the Grind
Jul 7, 2022
SPES-407NP
French Price
Eric S. Bendfeldt
Ernie Didot
Building Healthy Soil with Best Management Practices
Building Healthy Soil with Best Management Practices
(PDF)
Oct 18, 2022
SPES-408P
Sapana Pokhrel
Rory Maguire
Wade E. Thomason
A Spreadsheet-Based Calculator for Lawn Fertilizer and Lime Applications in Virginia - Workbook
A Spreadsheet-based Calculator for Lawn and Lime Applications in Virginia
(XLSX)
Dec 5, 2023
SPES-40A
Michael Goatley
Chantel Wilson
Small Grains in 2022
Aug 24, 2022
SPES-420NP
Wade E. Thomason
Nicholas Santantonio
Joshua Mott
Caleb Bishop
Elizabeth Rucker
Tom Custis
W. Hunter Frame
Karl Jones
Joseph Oakes
Mark Vaughn
Ned Jones
Wynse Brooks
Jon Light
Bobby Clark
Greg Lillard
2022-23 Virginia Turfgrass Variety Recommendations
2022-23 Virginia Turfgrass Variety Recommendations
(PDF)
Aug 17, 2022
SPES-421NP
Michael Goatley
Whitnee Askew
Thomas Hardiman
2022 Virginia On-Farm Wheat Test Plots
2022 Virginia On-Farm Wheat Test Plots
(PDF)
Aug 23, 2022
SPES-422NP
Robby Longest
Mike Broaddus
Carl Stafford
Stephanie Romelczyk
Taylor Clarke
Cynthia Gregg
Sara Rutherford
Forrest Hobbs
Trent Jones
Paul H. Davis
Anthony Ching
Joseph Oakes
Wade E. Thomason
Arbustos ideales para los paisajes de Virginia (Problem-free Shrubs for Virginia Landscapes)
Arbustos ideales para los paisajes de Virginia
(PDF)
Dec 5, 2022
SPES-429P
Mary Ann Hansen
Alex Niemiera
Eric R. Day
Managing Drought with Roy Boldridge
Managing Drought with Roy Boldridge
(HTML)
Nov 7, 2022
SPES-433NP
Carrie Swanson
Timothy Mize
Managing Spring Flush with Jim Manwaring
Managing Spring Flush with Jim Manwaring
(HTML)
Nov 7, 2022
SPES-434NP
Carrie Swanson
Tim Mize
Managing Spring Flush with Roy Boldridge
Managing Spring Flush with Roy Boldridge
(HTML)
Nov 7, 2022
SPES-435NP
Carrie Swanson
Tim Mize
Powering Electric Fences with Steve Jones
Powering Electric Fences with Steve Jones
(HTML)
Nov 7, 2022
SPES-436NP
Carrie Swanson
Tim Mize
Springwood Farm Profile with Will Hueston
Springwood Farm Profile with Will Hueston
(HTML)
Nov 7, 2022
SPES-437
Carrie Swanson
Tim Mize
Temporary Electric Fencing for Small Ruminants with Tim Mize
Temporary Electric Fencing for Small Ruminants with Tim Mize
(HTML)
Nov 7, 2022
SPES-438NP
Carrie Swanson
Tim Mize
“Lost in the Weeds” part 1
“Lost in the Weeds” part 1
(HTML)
Nov 28, 2022
SPES-441NP
Michael Goatley
Shawn Askew
Dan Sandor
David McCall
Whitnee Askew
“Lost in the Weeds” part 2
“Lost in the Weeds” part 2
(HTML)
Nov 28, 2022
SPES-442NP
Michael Goatley
Shawn Askew
Dan Sandor
David McCall
Whitnee Askew
“Let the Clips Fall Where they May”
“Let the Clips Fall Where they May”
(HTML)
Nov 28, 2022
SPES-443NP
Michael Goatley
Shawn Askew
Dan Sandor
David McCall
Whitnee Askew
"Don't Guess, Do the Test"
“Don’t Guess, Do the Test"
(HTML)
Nov 28, 2022
SPES-444NP
Michael Goatley
Shawn Askew
Dan Sandor
David McCall
Whitnee Askew
“Application Without Calibration"
“Application Without Calibration"
(HTML)
Nov 28, 2022
SPES-445NP
Michael Goatley
Shawn Askew
Dan Sandor
David McCall
Whitnee Askew
"Fungus Among Us"
“Fungus Among Us”
(HTML)
Nov 28, 2022
SPES-446NP
Michael Goatley
Shawn Askew
Dan Sandor
David McCall
Whitnee Askew
"PPE and Me"
"PPE and Me"
(HTML)
Nov 28, 2022
SPES-447NP
Michael Goatley
Shawn Askew
Dan Sandor
David McCall
Whitnee Askew
"Don't Waste Water"
"Don't Waste Water"
(HTML)
Nov 28, 2022
SPES-448NP
Michael Goatley
Shawn Askew
Dan Sandor
David McCall
Whitnee Askew
Virginia Corn Hybrid and Management Trials in 2022
Virginia Corn Hybrid and Management Trials in 2022
(PDF)
Dec 9, 2022
SPES-453NP
Joshua Mott
Caleb Bishop
Wade E. Thomason
Edamame in Virginia I: Products and Marketing
Edamame in Virginia I: Products and Marketing
(PDF)
Mar 29, 2023
SPES-454NP
Xiaoying Li
Yun Yin
Laura K. Strawn
Steve Rideout
Thomas P. Kuhar
Greg Welbaum
Song Li
Kathryn Liu
Kayla Weckworth
Bo Zhang
Edamame in Virginia II. Producing a High-Quality Product
Edamame in Virginia II: Producing a High-Quality Product
(PDF)
Apr 13, 2023
SPES-455P
Xiaoying Li
Steve Rideout
Laura K. Strawn
Greg Welbaum
Thomas P. Kuhar
Song Li
Pengyin Chen
Mark Reiter
Bo Zhang
Edamame in Virginia III. Handling and Processing from Harvest to Package
Edamame in Virginia III: Handling and Processing from Harvest to Package
(PDF)
Apr 14, 2023
SPES-456P
Xiaoying Li
Laura K. Strawn
Haibo Huang
Yun Yin
Steve Rideout
Greg Welbaum
Susan Duncan
Rebekah J. Miller
Song Li
Bo Zhang
Virginia Corn Silage Hybrid Trials in 2022
Virginia Corn Silage Hybrid Trials in 2022
(PDF)
Dec 16, 2022
SPES-457NP
Joshua Mott
Caleb Bishop
Wade E. Thomason
2022 Virginia On-Farm Soybean Research
Jan 6, 2023
SPES-460NP
Scott Reiter
Stephanie Romelczyk
Mike Broaddus
Taylor Clarke
Elizabeth Cooper
Roy Flanagan
Bruce Jones
Joanne Jones
Trent Jones
Frank Long
Robby Longest
Mike Parrish
Sara Rutherford
Nathan Sedghi
Rebekah Slabach
Carl Stafford
Sally V. Taylor
C.A. Wilkinson
Yuan Zeng
David Holshouser
Hydroponic Production of Edible Crops: Planning for the Market
Hydroponic Production of Edible Crops: Planning for the Market
(PDF)
According to the 2017 Census of Agriculture, U.S. greenhouse vegetable farms more than doubled from 2012 (USDA 2019). Virginia fell within the top 10 states for acreage of vegetables and berry crops grown under protected culture. Protected culture includes greenhouses and structures like high tunnels. With close to two and a half million square feet devoted mostly to tomatoes, vegetables, herbs, and strawberries, the value of Virginia greenhouse sales in 2017 was over 31 million dollars! A lot of this increase in square footage was due to the addition of large operations coming into Virginia.
Jul 27, 2023
SPES-461NP
Amber Vallotton
Toni Sperry
Joyce Latimer
Chris Mullins
Holly L. Scoggins
Hydroponic Production of Edible Crops: Management Basics
Hydroponic Production of Edible Crops: Management Basics
(PDF)
Jul 21, 2023
SPES-462NP
Joyce Latimer
Amber Vallotton
Toni Sperry
Chris Mullins
Holly L. Scoggins
Hydroponic Production of Edible Crops: Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) Systems
Hydroponic Production of Edible Crops: Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) Systems
(PDF)
With the increasing number of controlled environment agriculture farms, Virginia Cooperative Extension is working closely with specialty crop growers to address the challenges of establishing and managing hydroponic greenhouse operations. Growers interested in producing food crops in controlled environments can use several different types of hydroponic systems. One of the most common types of hydroponic systems is called nutrient film technique (NFT).
Jul 24, 2023
SPES-463NP
Chris Mullins
Amber Vallotton
Joyce Latimer
Toni Sperry
Holly L. Scoggins
Hydroponic Production of Edible Crops: Deep Water Culture (DWC) Systems
Hydroponic Production of Edible Crops: Deep Water Culture (DWC) Systems
(PDF)
Jul 19, 2023
SPES-464NP
Chris Mullins
Amber Vallotton
Joyce Latimer
Toni Sperry
Holly L. Scoggins
Hydroponic Production of Edible Crops: System and Crop Comparisons
Hydroponic Production of Edible Crops: System and Crop Comparisons
(PDF)
This factsheet is part of a series of seven factsheets targeting beginning farmers growing edible crops using hydroponic greenhouse systems. There are also five videos that are related to the factsheets and included in the numbering sequence.
Jul 26, 2023
SPES-466NP
Toni Sperry
Amber Vallotton
Chris Mullins
Joyce Latimer
Holly L. Scoggins
Hydroponic Production of Edible Crops: Food Safety Considerations
Hydroponic Production of Edible Crops: Food Safety Considerations
(PDF)
Jul 20, 2023
SPES-467NP
Amber Vallotton
Laura K. Strawn
Toni Sperry
Joyce Latimer
Chris Mullins
Holly L. Scoggins
Farming Foundations in Hydroponics: Targeting the Marketplace
Farming Foundations in Hydroponics: Targeting the Marketplace
(HTML)
Jul 12, 2023
SPES-468NP
Toni Sperry
Amber Vallotton
Joyce Latimer
Chris Mullins
Farming Foundations in Hydroponics: Crop and System Types
Farming Foundations in Hydroponics: Crop and System Types
(HTML)
Jul 12, 2023
SPES-469NP
Toni Sperry
Amber Vallotton
Joyce Latimer
Chris Mullins
Farming Foundations in Hydroponics: Planning Your Production
Farming Foundations in Hydroponics: Planning Your Production
(HTML)
Jul 12, 2023
SPES-470NP
Toni Sperry
Amber Vallotton
Joyce Latimer
Chris Mullins
Local, Community Focused Hydroponics: Endless Summer Harvest
Local, Community Focused Hydroponics: Endless Summer Harvest
(HTML)
Jul 12, 2023
SPES-471NP
Toni Sperry
Amber Vallotton
Joyce Latimer
Chris Mullins
High Tech for Small-Scale Hydroponics: Schuyler Greens Company
High Tech for Small-Scale Hydroponics: Schuyler Greens Company
(HTML)
Jul 12, 2023
SPES-472NP
Toni Sperry
Amber Vallotton
Joyce Latimer
Chris Mullins
Specialty Small Grains in 2022
Specialty Small Grains in 2022
(PDF)
Jan 17, 2023
SPES-473NP
Joshua Mott
Wade E. Thomason
Nicholas Santantonio
Caleb Bishop
Protective Agriculture Production Series: Plant density recommendations
Protective Agriculture Production Series: Plant density recommendations
(PDF)
Feb 2, 2023
SPES-474NP
Emmanuel Torres Quezada
Lorena Lopez
Peanut Variety and Quality Evaluation 2022 I. Agronomic and Grade Data
In 2022, PVQE included 25 genotypes: 5 commercial varieties, including ‘Bailey II’,’ Emery’, ‘NC 20’, ‘Sullivan’ and ‘Walton’; and 20 advanced breeding lines developed by the North Carolina State University peanut breeding program (Table 1). All breeding lines have the ‘high oleic acid’ characteristic. Cultivars and lines were planted from May 11 through May 24 at five locations: Tidewater AREC in Suffolk, VA, Slade Farm near Williamston, Martin Co., NC, the Upper Coastal Plain Research Station (UCPRS) near Rocky Mount, NC, McDuffie Farm near Council, Bladen County, NC, and the Edisto Research and Education Center (EREC) in Blackville, SC.
Feb 22, 2023
SPES-475NP
Maria Balota
Fitz Cherry
Dan Anco
Jeffrey Dunne
Tree Selection Guide for Mid-Atlantic Silvopastures
Tree Selection Guide for Mid-Atlantic Silvopastures
(PDF)
This guide provides key information for selecting trees suitable for silvopasture operations in the Mid-Atlantic region of the U.S. – states include Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. This guide includes species native to North America with an emphasis on those native to Mid-Atlantic states. Only woody plants over 25 feet tall at maturity that are primarily single stemmed were considered. Both deciduous and evergreens are included.
Oct 11, 2024
SPES-476NP (SPES-615NP)
J.H. Fike
Dana Beegle
John F. Munsell
Virginia On-Farm Corn Test Plots 2022
Jan 27, 2023
SPES-477NP
Trent Jones
Robby Longest
Mike Broaddus
Stephanie Romelczyk
Scott Reiter
Roy Flanagan
Frank Long
Taylor Clarke
Bruce Jones
Joanne Jones
Elizabeth Pittman
Rebekah Slabach
Forrest Hobbs
Glenn F. Chappell
Robert Grammar
Wade E. Thomason
Virginia Soybean Performance Tests 2022
The purpose of this publication is to provide performance data of the many soybean varieties offered for sale in Virginia. These data should be of benefit to producers and agribusinesses in making selections of varieties for their use. It is realized that not all varieties that are offered for sale in Virginia are included in these tests. There is no implication that varieties not included are inferior in any way, but only that they have not been tested.
Feb 13, 2023
SPES-478NP
David Holshouser
Billy Taylor
Ronald Daughtrey
Virginia Vegetable Specialist Team
Virginia Vegetable Specialist Team
(PDF)
Mar 31, 2023
SPES-480NP
Mark Reiter
Thomas P. Kuhar
Lorena Lopez
Chris Mullins
Theresa J. Nartea
Steve Rideout
Vijay Singh
Kaylee South
Laura K. Strawn
Emmanuel Torres Quezada
Amber Vallotton
Doug Higgins
Yuan Zeng
Arash Rashed
Zelalem Mersha
Sanjun Gu
Leonard Githinji
2022 Cotton Variety Testing and On-Farm Results
Mar 15, 2023
SPES-482NP
W. Hunter Frame
Sean Cummings
Billy Taylor
Vascular Streak Dieback: An Emerging Problem on Woody Ornamentals in the U.S.
Vascular Streak Dieback: An Emerging Problem on Woody
Ornamentals in the United States
(PDF)
Since 2022, nurseries in Virginia and other states have observed wilt and severe dieback on redbud, maple, and dogwood stock. In some cases, 90-100% of stock was unsellable due to the extent of damage. Early symptoms include leaf chlorosis, scorched leaf margins, and stunting and/or wilt of current year’s growth, eventually leading to death of individual branches and progression into the main stem. The fungus Ceratobasidium sp. has been consistently associated with vascular tissue of nursery stock showing the symptoms described above. This fungus has previously been reported as the cause of vascular streak dieback on cacao in Southeast Asia.
Mar 24, 2025
SPES-483P (SPES-666P)
Bily Devin
Lina Rodriguez Salamanca
Elizabeth Bush
Lessons learned from peanut variety testing in 2022
Apr 24, 2023
SPES-485NP
Maria Balota
Managing the Spring Pasture Flush
Managing the Spring Pasture Flush
(PDF)
May 8, 2023
SPES-486P
Matt Booher
Bobby Clark
Peanut Variety and Quality Evaluation Results 2022
Peanut Variety and Quality Evaluation Results 2022
(PDF)
Apr 21, 2023
SPES-499NP
Maria Balota
Jeffrey Dunne
Dan Anco
Virginia Cooperative Extension Gardener Handbook
Jun 8, 2023
SPES-504NP
Basic melon (Cucumis melo L.) physiology and morphology
Basic melon (Cucumis melo L.) physiology and morphology
(PDF)
Understanding the fundamental aspects of melon physiology and morphology is essential for optimizing its cultivation, improving yield, and enhancing fruit quality. This document provides a concise overview of the key physiological and morphological characteristics of the basic melon plant, highlighting its growth and development processes. The physiological aspects encompass various essential factors that influence melon growth, including photosynthesis, water relations, nutrient uptake and assimilation, and hormone regulation. Melon plants exhibit distinct physiological responses to environmental stimuli such as light, temperature, and water availability, which directly impact their growth, flowering, and fruiting. An understanding of these physiological processes aids in implementing appropriate cultivation practices and management strategies for maximizing melon productivity.
Jun 9, 2023
SPES-507NP
Emmanuel Torres Quezada
Basic Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) Physiology and Morphology
Basic Tomato $Lycopersicon esculentum$ Physiology and Morphology
(PDF)
May 31, 2023
SPES-508NP
Emmanuel Torres Quezada
Ricardo Jose Gandini Taveras
Suam Perlaza Cruz
Apple Blotch Disease
Apple Blotch Disease
(PDF)
In this publication, we describe apple blotch disease, also known as Marssonina leaf blotch, an emerging apple disease in the Eastern United States. This disease leads to severe apple tree crown defoliation that indirectly affects the apple fruit size, color, yield and twig development. The causal gent of this disease is a fungus Diplocarpon coronariae (also known as Marssonina coronaria).
Jun 14, 2023
SPES-509NP
Matheus Correa Borba
Srdjan Acimovic
Converting pastures to native warm season grasses: Filling the summer forage slump in Orange County
Converting pastures to native warm season grasses: Filling the summer forage slump in Orange County
(PDF)
A farmer's experience of converting a tall fescue field into native warm season grasses for improved forage production in the summertime.
Aug 11, 2023
SPES-514NP
Gabriel Pent
J.B. Daniel
Aerial imagery to improve disease diagnosis and management in field crops
Aerial imagery to improve disease diagnosis and management in field crops
(PDF)
Aug 11, 2023
SPES-515NP
Abhilash Chandel
2023-24 Virginia Turfgrass Variety Recommendations
Aug 31, 2023
SPES-518NP
Whitnee Askew
Converting pastures to native warm season grasses: Alternative summer forage for cattle in Orange County
Converting pastures to native warm season grasses: Alternative summer forage for cattle in Orange County
(PDF)
A farmer's experience of converting a tall fescue field into native warm season grasses for improved forage production in the summertime.
Sep 7, 2023
SPES-519NP
Gabriel Pent
J.B. Daniel
2023 Potato Variety Evaluation for the Eastern Shore of Virginia
2023 Potato Variety Evaluation for the Eastern Shore of Virginia
(PDF)
The publication delves into the critical aspects of potato cultivar selection for Eastern Virginia. It highlights the importance of choosing cultivars well-suited to the region's climate and growing conditions. Factors like temperature fluctuations, precipitation patterns, tuber yield and quality are considered when making these selections. The evaluation process encompasses parameters such as yield potential, vegetative characteristics, and quality attributes like Specific Gravity and chip color. Moreover, the publication explores the use of metrics like NDVI and SPAD for assessing plant health. Detailed results for specific cultivars, such as 'Atlantic' and 'Chieftain,' among others, are provided, emphasizing data-driven decisions for optimal potato production in Eastern Virginia.
Oct 18, 2023
SPES-521NP
Emmanuel Torres Quezada
Alexis Suero Mirabal
Josue Alarcon Mendoza
2022 Potato Industry Status at the Eastern Shore of Virginia
2022 Potato Industry Status at the Eastern Shore of Virginia
(PDF)
This document provides an overview of the potato industry's status in 2022, including key statistics such as acreage, cultivar selection methods, planting practices, and pest control measures. The challenges faced by potato farmers in the region are also discussed, including issues related to fertilization, labor, pests, and market conditions. Additionally, the document outlines the research priorities identified by potato farmers, focusing on soil analysis, weather data accessibility, and irrigation management. It emphasizes the importance of research and innovation for the sector's future growth. Lastly, the document explores communication preferences among potato farmers, highlighting their preference for email and annual conferences as effective means of information exchange.
Oct 23, 2023
SPES-522NP
Emmanuel Torres Quezada
Alexis Suero Mirabal
Ursula T. Deitch
Theresa Pittman
2023 Virginia On-Farm Wheat Test Plots
2023 Virginia On-Farm Wheat Test Plots
(PDF)
This is the thirtieth year of this ongoing annual project. Further work is planned for the upcoming 2023-2024 growing season. The demonstration and research plot results discussed in this publication are a cooperative effort by eight Virginia Cooperative Extension ANR agents, one retired agent, and the EVAREC superintendent. We are proud to present this year’s on-farm small grain plot work to you. We hope the information in this publication will help farmers produce a profitable crop in 2024.
Oct 19, 2023
SPES-523NP
Robby Longest
Mike Broaddus
Stephanie Romelczyk
Taylor Clarke
Forrest Hobbs
Bruce Jones
Joanne Jones
Trent Jones
Paul Davis
Joseph Oakes
Aerial multispectral imagery for high-throughput mapping of spatial corn yield potentials.
Aerial multispectral imagery for high-throughput mapping of spatial corn yield potentials.
(PDF)
Drone-based spectral imaging is a nondestructive approach for estimating corn grain yield efficiently prior to harvest. Such spatial estimations if done early in the season could help growers to identify lower performing areas of the field. This will guide them to adopt prompt, precise and cost-effective crop management operations (e.g., irrigation, fertilizer or fungicide applications) in the same season or before/during next cropping season. Pre-harvest yield estimates would help in better planning and allocation of harvest, storage, and sales resources for higher profitability and crop value. This article summarizes a recent exploration on drone-based multispectral imagery to estimate grain yield potential of corn.
Oct 24, 2023
SPES-526NP
Abhilash Chandel
David Langston
Hops in Virginia: Quality Changes During Cone Ripeness
Hops in Virginia: Quality Changes During Cone Ripeness
(PDF)
This project studied how the harvest timing affect the aroma quality of Va hops, and shared some ideas using hop to make value-added products.
Nov 1, 2023
SPES-529NP
Jingsi Liu
Tiffany Nguyen
Xueqian Su
Laban Rutto
Yixiang Xu
Yun Yin
Planted Hardwood Silvopasture: Producer Perspective from Madison Co. GA
Planted Hardwood Silvopasture: Producer Perspective from Madison Co. GA
(HTML)
Dec 6, 2023
SPES-558NP
J.H. Fike
John F. Munsell
Thinned Pine Silvopasture: Producer Perspective from Russell Co. AL. (Early stage conversion)
Thinned Pine Silvopasture: Producer Perspective from Russell Co. AL. (Early stage conversion)
(HTML)
Dec 6, 2023
SPES-559NP
J.H. Fike
John F. Munsell
Planted Hardwood Silvopasture: Producer Perspective from Jefferson Co, TN (Establishment system)
Planted Hardwood Silvopasture: Producer Perspective from Jefferson Co, TN (Establishment system)
(HTML)
Dec 6, 2023
SPES-560NP
J.H. Fike
John F. Munsell
Thinned Pine Silvopasture: Producer (#1) Perspective from Oglethorpe Co., GA (Beef cattle)
Thinned Pine Silvopasture: Producer (#1) Perspective from Oglethorpe Co., GA (Beef cattle)
(HTML)
Dec 6, 2023
SPES-561NP
J.H. Fike
John F. Munsell
Native warm season grass variety trial, 2021-2023
Native Warm Season Grass Variety Trial, 2021-2023
(PDF)
Native warm season grasses may provide valuable forage resources for farmers in the summer months, while also providing habitat for wildlife, among other conservation benefits. This report provides the results of a three-year forage yield variety trial of 20 different cultivars and ecotypes of native warm season grasses at five different locations in Virginia.
Dec 1, 2023
SPES-562NP
Gabriel Pent
J.B. Daniel
Philip Blevins
Elizabeth Cooper
Kristine Ely
J.H. Fike
Tait Golightly
H. Winfield Harrison
Jim Hilleary
Scott Jessee
Patrick Kayser
Kathryn Payne
Carter Phillips
Sanjok Poudel
Tim Mize
Benjamin Tracy
Lee Wright
Thinned Pine Silvopasture: Producer (#2) Perspective from Oglethorpe Co., GA (Goats)
Thinned Pine Silvopasture: Producer (#2) Perspective from Oglethorpe Co., GA (Goats)
(HTML)
Dec 6, 2023
SPES-564NP
J.H. Fike
John F. Munsell
Stone Burier Implement
Stone Burier Implement
(HTML)
Demonstration and explanation of operation and use of a stone burier implement for tractor. The tool buries stones in a field and makes raised beds at the same time. Burying stones prevents cultivation and planting equipment from skipping and causing loss of production. The stone burier can also be used to bury cover crops allowing quicker field turnovers.
Feb 26, 2024
SPES-572NP
Shawn Jadrnicek
Alex Hessler
Demonstrating conversion of tall fescue pastures to native warm season grasses
Demonstrating conversion of tall fescue pastures to native warm season grasses
(PDF)
Native warm season grasses may provide farms with summer forage and improved animal performance, while also providing habitat for wildlife species. This paper describes the conversion process of a tall fescue-based pasture at the Southern Piedmont AREC to native warm season grasses. Subsequent beef cattle performance on this pasture was compared to cattle performance on nearby novel-endophyte tall fescue pastures, indicating the potential for good animal performance in the summer on these grasses.
Jan 4, 2024
SPES-573NP
Kathryn Payne
Gabriel Pent
J.B. Daniel
What to Expect When Getting Your Septic Tank Pumped
What to Expect When Getting Your Septic Tank Pumped
(PDF)
This publication will help homeowners understand how, why, and how frequently septic tanks are pumped. The publication covers the basics of how septic systems operate, both in the septic tank and the drainlines. The publication discusses why septic tanks need to be pumped and what is being pumped out of the tank. Information about who to contact regarding having a septic tank pumped is provided. Ways that the homeowner can help facilitate the pumping are included. The publication also provides a discussion of the consequences of not having septic tanks pumped.
Jan 26, 2024
SPES-574NP
Philip Brown
Steve Thomas
Septic Systems: What to Ask When Buying a House
Septic Systems: What to Ask When Buying a House
(PDF)
This publication is intended to let house buyers (and realtors) understand what questions they should be asking regarding septic systems when looking for and buying a house. The publication covers the basics of how septic systems operate, both in the septic tank and the drainlines. Questions addressed include: if the house is on the public sewer network or a septic system; what type of system is installed; what regulations must be followed to maintain the system; when the last time the system was pumped or inspected; has there been renovations to the property that would alter the septic system required, and if changes to reflect this have been made; has there been any previous failures with the system, or are there current visible failures to be seen; and does the property have a reserve field.
Jan 4, 2024
SPES-575NP
Philip Brown
Steve Thomas
2023 Virginia On-Farm Soybean Research
2023 Virginia On-Farm Soybean Research
(PDF)
These demonstration and research results are a collaborative effort of Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) Agents and Specialists, Virginia producers, and agribusiness. The purpose of this publication is to provide research-based information to aid in the decision-making process for soybean producers in Virginia. It provides an unbiased evaluation of varieties, management practices, and new technologies through on-farm replicated research using producer equipment and time. These experiments enable producers to make better management decisions based on research and provide greater opportunities to improve yields and profits, which improves quality of life for them and their families.
Jan 12, 2024
SPES-577NP
Scott Reiter
Taylor Clarke
Roy Flanagan
Bruce Jones
Joanne Jones
Trent Jones
Frank Long
Robby Longest
David Langston
Mackenzie Gunn
Spencer Irby
Carrie Ortel
Virginia On-Farm Corn Test Plots 2023
Virginia On-Farm Corn Test Plots 2023
(PDF)
These demonstrations and replicated studies provide information that can be used by Virginia corn growers to make better management decisions on their farm. These results should be used along with data from other replicated studies when making decisions. Refer to individual location results for additional detail.
Feb 14, 2024
SPES-579NP
Trent Jones
Robby Longest
Mike Broaddus
Stephanie Romelczyk
Scott Reiter
Roy Flanagan
Frank Long
Taylor Clarke
Bruce Jones
Elizabeth Cooper
Rebekah Slabach
Forrest Hobbs
Mike Parrish
Nathan Sedghi
Keith Balderson
Dwight Forrester
Control of Common Grassy Weeds in Pastures and Hayfields
Control of Common Grassy Weeds in Pastures and Hayfields
(PDF)
This publication reviews options for controlling common grassy weeds in grass forages including chemical and cultural management options. Specific weeds are discussed in detail including johnsongrass, Japanese stiltgrass, broomsedge, and foxtail species.
Jan 17, 2024
SPES-58P (SPES-563P)
Lucas Rector
Kara Pittman
Michael Flessner
What to Know About Septic Systems When Building a House
What to Know About Septic Systems When Building a House
(PDF)
This publication is intended to give those making initial plans about building a house an idea of what must be considered in regards to their septic system. The publication covers the basics of how septic systems operate, both in the septic tank and the drainlines. It also provides information about soil evaluations, including who can evaluate the soil and reasons that the soil must be evaluated. The publication includes information on how much space both the septic tank and the full septic system will take up. Finally, the publication discusses set-back distances that are required for the septic system, the home and various other features that may be found on the property.
Jan 31, 2024
SPES-580NP
Philip Brown
Steve Thomas
Prohexadione Calcium or Seed Aging?
Prohexadione Calcium or Seed Aging?
(PDF)
Peanut is a “cash” commodity for Virginians and most farmers grow this crop for certified seed. Seed quality and germination in particular are, therefore, very important. Even though the 2022 results were inconclusive, potential for prohexadione calcium to reduce germination and increase abnormal seedling production was clearly suggested by these data. The inconclusiveness could have been the result of a combination of factors, other than PC, affecting seed quality during storage. A differential response of the cultivars to both, seed aging and PC, was clearly suggested by our preliminary data. Evidence that PC may affect the seed quality, through seed weight, was also notable from the 2022 tests.
Feb 13, 2024
SPES-581NP
Maria Balota
Abhilash Chandel
Aerial Spectral Imagery to Determine Wheat Fertility Rate and Timing
Aerial Spectral Imagery to Determine Wheat Fertility Rate and Timing
(PDF)
An overview of how to use aerial spectral imagery to determine wheat fertility rate and timing.
Feb 22, 2024
SPES-582NP
Joseph Oakes
4 The Soil
4 The Soil
(HTML)
Feb 14, 2024
SPES-583NP
Eric S. Bendfeldt
Mary Sketch Bryant
Jeff Ishee
4 The Soil: A Conversation podcast
4 The Soil Podcast
(HTML)
Feb 14, 2024
SPES-584NP
Eric S. Bendfeldt
Mary Sketch Bryant
Jeff Ishee
2023 Cotton Variety Testing and On-Farm Results
2023 Cotton Variety Testing and On-Farm Results
(PDF)
Mar 13, 2024
SPES-588NP
W. Hunter Frame
Sean Cummings
William Taylor
Faba Bean: A Multipurpose Specialty Crop for the Mid-Atlantic USA
Faba Bean: A Multipurpose Specialty Crop for the Mid-Atlantic USA
(PDF)
Faba bean (Vicia faba L.), also known as fava bean, broad bean, horse bean, or Windsor bean, is a leguminous crop used as food, feed, forage, or cover crop in different parts of the world. This crop can be used for food, feed, and as a ground cover crop. It is highly nutritious and has high protein content, the second after soybean when comparing with the common grown legumes including, dry beans, lentils, peas, cowpeas, and chickpeas. The high protein content makes faba bean an excellent source for plant-based foods, like meat and milk. Compared to the other cool-season legumes such as pea and lupin, faba bean can attain and fix substantially more nitrogen from the atmosphere to soil. Because of temperature increase during summer, a winter crop can ensure cropping system diversification while minimizing the negative effects of summer heat on yield and economic return, and this crop can potentially be faba bean. A USDA-funded project at the Virginia Tech’ s Tidewater Agricultural Research and Extension Center (TAREC) in Suffolk, VA, is focused on introduction of faba bean as a winter seed crop with multiple benefits for the Mid-Atlantic cropping systems. The project includes collaborators from the University of Maryland, University of Delaware, North Carolina State University, and University of Georgia, in addition to the Virginia State University and Virginia Tech. Started in 2023 and lasting until 2027, the project will address objectives related to cultivar development through breeding, genetics and physiological strategies, identification of the best agronomic practices to maximize yield and economic return, economic and marketing logistics, and consumer acceptance. As the results became available, the PI will provide updates on this new crop for the region.
Mar 26, 2024
SPES-590NP
Rahul Raman
Maria Balota
Abhilash Chandel
Pius Jjagwe
Peanut Variety and Quality Evaluation Results 2023: Agronomic and Grade Data
Peanut Variety and Quality Evaluation Results 2023: Agronomic and Grade Data
(PDF)
In 2023, PVQE included 34 genotypes: 5 commercial varieties, including ‘Bailey II’,’ Emery’, ‘NC 20’, ‘Sullivan’ and ‘Walton’; and 25 advanced breeding lines developed by the North Carolina State University peanut breeding program and 4 advanced breeding lines developed by the University of Florida (Table 1). All breeding lines have the ‘high oleic acid’ characteristic. Cultivars and lines were planted from May 9 through June 15 at four locations: Tidewater AREC in Suffolk, VA, Slade Farm near Williamston, Martin Co., NC, the Upper Coastal Plain Research Station (UCPRS) near Rocky Mount, NC, and the Edisto Research and Education Center (EREC) in Blackville, SC.
SPES-591NP
Dan Anco
Jeffrey Dunne
Fitz Cherry
Virginia Farm to School Toolkit Webinar Series: Introduction and overview
Introduction and Overview (SPES-594NP)
(HTML)
This webinar series is designed to support and explain each chapter of the Virginia Farm to School Toolkit, which was developed to guide VCE Extension agents, school division administrators, school nutrition professionals, educators, school garden coordinators, and others toward using farm to school practices as a means to increase equitable access to fresh, healthy, Virginia grown food while providing hands-on learning opportunities in a variety of educational settings.

In this webinar, we define “farm to school”, provide an overview of Farm to School initiatives in Virginia, highlight the content of the Virginia Farm to School Toolkit and webinar series.
Jul 24, 2024
SPES-594NP
Stuart J. Vermaak
Amber Vallotton
Lenah Nguyen
Brittany Thorp
Jeanell Smith
Virginia Farm to School Toolkit Webinar Series: Growing a farm to school team
Growing a Farm to School Team (SPES-595NP)
(HTML)
This webinar series is designed to support and explain each chapter of the Virginia Farm to School Toolkit, which was developed to guide VCE Extension agents, school division administrators, school nutrition professionals, educators, school garden coordinators, and others toward using farm to school practices as a means to increase equitable access to fresh, healthy, Virginia grown food while providing hands-on learning opportunities in a variety of educational settings.

In this webinar, we are joined by several panelists who will share their experiences and processes for obtaining funds for farm to school projects and how to evaluate them.
Jul 29, 2024
SPES-595NP
Jeanell Smith
Joanne Jones
Amber Vallotton
Stuart J. Vermaak
Lenah Nguyen
Ann Vargo
Virginia Farm to School Toolkit Webinar Series: Funding and Evaluating Farm to School Initiatives
Funding and Evaluating Farm to School Initiatives (SPES-596NP)
(HTML)
This webinar series is designed to support and explain each chapter of the Virginia Farm to School Toolkit, which was developed to guide VCE Extension agents, school division administrators, school nutrition professionals, educators, school garden coordinators, and others toward using farm to school practices as a means to increase equitable access to fresh, healthy, Virginia grown food while providing hands-on learning opportunities in a variety of educational settings.

In this webinar, we are joined by several panelists who will share their experiences and processes for obtaining funds for farm to school projects and how to evaluate them.
Jul 29, 2024
SPES-596NP
Jeanell Smith
Lisa Homa
Amber Vallotton
Stuart J. Vermaak
Lenah Nguyen
Virginia Farm to School Toolkit Webinar Series: Telling the Farm to School Story
Telling the Farm to School Story (SPES-597NP)
(HTML)
This webinar series is designed to support and explain each chapter of the Virginia Farm to School Toolkit, which was developed to guide VCE Extension agents, school division administrators, school nutrition professionals, educators, school garden coordinators, and others toward using farm to school practices as a means to increase equitable access to fresh, healthy, Virginia grown food while providing hands-on learning opportunities in a variety of educational settings.

In this webinar, our panelists will discuss why it is important to share success stories with stakeholders, and will provide some examples of ways to do so.
Jul 30, 2024
SPES-597NP
Amber Vallotton
Stuart J. Vermaak
Lenah Nguyen
Jeanell Smith
Virginia Farm to School Toolkit Webinar Series: Procuring Local Foods for Schools and Child Nutrition Programs
Procuring Local Foods for Schools and Child Nutrition Programs (SPES-598NP)
(HTML)
This webinar series is designed to support and explain each chapter of the Virginia Farm to School Toolkit, which was developed to guide VCE Extension agents, school division administrators, school nutrition professionals, educators, school garden coordinators, and others toward using farm to school practices as a means to increase equitable access to fresh, healthy, Virginia grown food while providing hands-on learning opportunities in a variety of educational settings.

In this webinar, our panelists will share about how they have navigated through the process of procuring local foods for local schools.
Jul 30, 2024
SPES-598NP
Lenah Nguyen
Joanne Jones
Amber Vallotton
Stuart J. Vermaak
Jeanell Smith
Virginia Farm to School Toolkit Webinar Series: Procuring Safe Food, Assessing Risks, and Documenting Practices
Procuring Safe Food, Assessing Risks, and Documenting Practices (SPES-599NP)
(HTML)
This webinar series is designed to support and explain each chapter of the Virginia Farm to School Toolkit, which was developed to guide VCE Extension agents, school division administrators, school nutrition professionals, educators, school garden coordinators, and others toward using farm to school practices as a means to increase equitable access to fresh, healthy, Virginia grown food while providing hands-on learning opportunities in a variety of educational settings.

In this webinar, our panelists will look at the flow of food from farm to tray, associated food safety contamination risks, and helpful resources to consider.
Jul 30, 2024
SPES-599NP
Stuart J. Vermaak
Amber Vallotton
Lester Schonberger
Lenah Nguyen
Jeanell Smith
Virginia Farm to School Toolkit Webinar Series: Delivery and Distribution
Delivery and Distribution (SPES-600NP)
(HTML)
This webinar series is designed to support and explain each chapter of the Virginia Farm to School Toolkit, which was developed to guide VCE Extension agents, school division administrators, school nutrition professionals, educators, school garden coordinators, and others toward using farm to school practices as a means to increase equitable access to fresh, healthy, Virginia grown food while providing hands-on learning opportunities in a variety of educational settings.

In this webinar, we are joined by several panelists, who will highlight some tangible ways food is being delivered and distributed as part of the farm-to-school value chain in Virginia.
Jul 30, 2024
SPES-600NP
Amber Vallotton
Joanne Jones
Stuart J. Vermaak
Lenah Nguyen
Jeanell Smith
Virginia Farm to School Toolkit Webinar Series: Connecting School Gardens and Farms to Students and Cafeterias
Connecting School Gardens and Farms to Students and Cafeterias (SPES-601NP)
(HTML)
This webinar series is designed to support and explain each chapter of the Virginia Farm to School Toolkit, which was developed to guide VCE Extension agents, school division administrators, school nutrition professionals, educators, school garden coordinators, and others toward using farm to school practices as a means to increase equitable access to fresh, healthy, Virginia grown food while providing hands-on learning opportunities in a variety of educational settings.

In this webinar, we will consider how school gardens play an integral part of farm to school programs. Our panelists will share how they have developed and worked with school gardens and farms, and will offer some tips that can help in farm to school efforts.
Jul 30, 2024
SPES-601NP
Amber Vallotton
Jeanell Smith
Andrea Davis
Carol Haynes
Stuart J. Vermaak
Lenah Nguyen
Virginia Farm to School Toolkit Webinar Series: Sparking a Love of Local Food and Farming: Classrooms, Early Care Sites, and Summer Programs
Sparking a Love of Local Food and Farming: Classrooms, Early Care Sites, and Summer... (SPES-602NP)
(HTML)
This webinar series is designed to support and explain each chapter of the Virginia Farm to School Toolkit, which was developed to guide VCE Extension agents, school division administrators, school nutrition professionals, educators, school garden coordinators, and others toward using farm to school practices as a means to increase equitable access to fresh, healthy, Virginia grown food while providing hands-on learning opportunities in a variety of educational settings.

In this webinar, we will consider opportunities to extend classroom learning into early care settings, afterschool activities, and summer programs. Our panelists will share their stories of how they are doing so.
Jul 30, 2024
SPES-602NP
Amber Vallotton
Shawn Jadrnicek
LaWanda Wright
Stuart J. Vermaak
Lenah Nguyen
Jeanell Smith
Beth Jimenez
Virginia Farm to School Toolkit Webinar Series: Sparking a Love of Local Food and Farming: Afterschool Programs
Sparking a Love of Local Food and Farming: Afterschool Programs (SPES-603NP)
(HTML)
This webinar series is designed to support and explain each chapter of the Virginia Farm to School Toolkit, which was developed to guide VCE Extension agents, school division administrators, school nutrition professionals, educators, school garden coordinators, and others toward using farm to school practices as a means to increase equitable access to fresh, healthy, Virginia grown food while providing hands-on learning opportunities in a variety of educational settings.

In this webinar, our panelists will share their stories about how they have sparked a love of local food and farming through classroom and afterschool programs.
Jul 30, 2024
SPES-603NP
Amber Vallotton
Nicole Hollins
Meagan Dyer
Lenah Nguyen
Stuart J. Vermaak
Jeanell Smith
Using a Summer Stockpiling System to Extend the Grazing Season
Using a Summer Stockpiling System to Extend the Grazing Season
(PDF)
Fall stockpiling for winter grazing has been a common practice for many years to extend the grazing season in Virginia. Despite an abundance of spring pasture growth that is commonly harvested for hay, the need for fall forage often limits the acreage that can be set aside for winter grazing. A novel practice developed at the Shenandoah Valley Agricultural Research and Extension Center (SVAREC) called “summer stockpiling” enhances a producer’s ability to maximize fall stockpiled acreage and consistently extend the grazing season.
Oct 16, 2024
SPES-606P
Matt Booher
John Benner
Gabriel Pent
Apple Bitter Rot and Glomerella Leaf Spot Caused by Colletotrichum Species
Apple Bitter Rot and Glomerella Leaf Spot Caused by Colletotrichum species
(PDF)
Fungal species in the Colletotrichum genus are the causal agents of bitter rot on apples. In Virginia, six Colletotrichum species cause apple bitter rot: C. fructicola, C. chrysophilum, C. siamense and C. theobromicola from CGSC and C. fioriniae and C. nymphaeae from CASC. Over the past two decades, bitter rot infections have been increasing in the Mid-Atlantic region, where these pathogens are becoming more prevalent due to increasingly warm and wet weather conditions that favor Colletotrichum growth. The region produces approximately $500 million worth of a worth of apples every year. Losses to bitter range from 14% to 100% in commercial apple orchards. This publication describes causal pathogens, their biology and management approaches and has practical and scientific significance.
Aug 15, 2024
SPES-614P
Nathanial Boeckman
Matheus Correa Borba
Emmanuel Sempeles
Srdjan Acimovic
Tarping and Occultation Techniques in Gardening and Farming
Tarping and Occultation Techniques in Gardening and Farming
(PDF)
Tarping or occultation is used in farms and gardens to kill weeds and prepare areas for planting without the use of tillage or chemicals. This publication compares different tarping materials and how to use them effectively. Research is shown determining how long different weeds must remain under the tarping material to be killed.
Jan 28, 2025
SPES-616NP (SPES-667NP)
Shawn Jadrnicek
Heidi Wettig
Edward Olsen
2024-25 Virginia Turfgrass Variety Recommendations
2024-25 Virginia Turfgrass Variety Recommendations
(PDF)
The annual Virginia Turfgrass Variety Recommendation List details the best performing turfgrass varieties as determined over time by replicated field trials conducted by turfgrass scientists at Virginia Tech and the University of Maryland.
Aug 5, 2024
SPES-617NP
Michael Goatley
Whitnee Askew
Thomas Hardiman
2024 Mid-Atlantic Spray Drone Workshop
2024 Mid-Atlantic Spray Drone Workshop
(PDF)
The Eastern Shore Agricultural Research and Extension Center, Virginia Tech organized the Mid-Atlantic Spray Drone workshop on July 23-24, 2024 in Painter, VA. The workshop highlighted benefits of unmanned aerial systems (UAS), also known as aerial drones, emphasizing their role in crop protection and comparing efficacy and economics with traditional spraying methods. Over the two-day workshop, federal regulators, university researchers, industry personnel, and custom pesticide applicators (Figure 1) examined the current status of the technology, and debated drift issues, and management strategies. The workshop was attended by participants from Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, and New York.
Aug 28, 2024
SPES-619NP
Vijay Singh
Daniel L. Goerlich
Mark Reiter
Daniel Martin
Andrew Shelby
Shawn Askew
Akash Brar
Fatemeh Esmaeilbeiki
Steve Li
Simerjeet Virk
Dana Beegle
John McGee
Milos Viric
Rutvij Wamanse
Robert Cooley
Companion Planting in Gardening
Companion Planting in Gardening
(PDF)
Companion Planting is the art of growing two or more compatible plants in close proximity to attract beneficial insects, repel pests and generally improve the growth of some or all of the plants involved. This is best exemplified by the three plants - corn, pole beans, and squash, popularly known as “the Three Sisters”. When planted together, the Three Sisters work together to help one another thrive and survive. Among them, corn is referred to as “the supportive sister”, as it provides support to the bean plant that has a climbing habit. The bean plant itself is referred to as “the giving sister”, due to its ability as a legume to fix nitrogen that is helpful to all three plants. The last member, squash is referred to as “the protective sister” due to its ability to cover the soil and prevent soil moisture loss. In addition, the squash produces prickly vines that would keep pests such as rabbits away. Companion planting is used by farmers and gardeners in both industrialized and developing countries for many reasons. These include pest management, nitrogen fixation, providing support of one plant by another, enhancing nutrient uptake, and water conservation among other benefits. This may lead to increased crop productivity as well as enhancement of biodiversity.
Jan 8, 2026
SPES-620P
Leonard Githinji
Cicada Killers in Managed Turf
Cicada Killers in Managed Turf
(PDF)
Cicada killers (Sphecius speciosus) are quite large and menacing-looking ground nesting wasps that look very menacing to the general public, but are actually quite docile insects unless disturbed. As their name implies, they are a beneficial predator of cicadas. This publication details their identification and management strategies.
Sep 13, 2024
SPES-621NP
Michael Goatley
Alejandro Del-Pozo
Eric R. Day
Virginia Corn Hybrid Trials in 2023
Virginia Corn Hybrid Trials in 2023
(PDF)
The 2023 Virginia performance trials of commercial corn hybrids were conducted at six locations: Blacksburg, Holland, Blackstone, Orange, Shenandoah, and Mt. Holly. Corn was planted with a Wintersteiger PlotKing 2600 planter, and harvested at maturity with a Massey-Ferguson 8XP plot combine harvester. Plot grain weights (lb/ac), grain test weight (lb/bu), at grain moisture (%) were measured with a GrainGage® by HarvestMaster. Plot grain weights have been adjusted to a standardized moisture content of 15.5%. Statistical analysis was done to determine what differences were significant.
Oct 9, 2024
SPES-625NP
Caleb Bishop
Nicholas Santantonio
Joshua Mott
Aarati Khulal
Sheetal Kumari
Jitender Rathore
Olga Walsh
Neopestalotiopsis disease in strawberry starter material
Neopestalotiopsis disease in strawberry starter material
(PDF)
In 2019, a new species of Neopestalotiopsis was reported to cause significant damage in strawberry fields in Florida. Since then, this disease has been found in most southeastern states, including Virginia and Delaware. Molecular identification has revealed that more than one Neopestalotiopsis species is pathogenic to strawberry plants and can cause symptoms on leaves (leaf spot), fruit (fruit rot), and crown (crown rot) of strawberry plants. We would like to share the current knowledge on the biology of Neopestalotiopsis spp. and management practices that could partially suppress Neopestalotiopsis fruit rot in strawberries.
Oct 22, 2024
SPES-627NP
Yuan Zeng
Jayesh Samtani
Glenmary Farms: Virginia Cooperative Extension Mentors Growers in GAP Certification Preparation
Glenmary Farms: VCE Mentors Growers in GAP Certification Preparation (SPES-628NP)
(HTML)
Glenmary Farms: Virginia Cooperative Extension Mentors Growers in GAP Certification Preparation
(PDF)
Virginia Cooperative Extension Mentors Growers in GAP Certification Preparation is a series of six videos showcasing Virginia farmers and their stories of working with Virginia Cooperative Extension to have their farms become Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) certified. In this video, we speak with Michael Richard and Alex Fayler of Glenmary Farms, Bristol, VA, about their oscillating hydroponic system for growing strawberries and their culture of food safety.
Oct 16, 2024
SPES-628NP
Amber Vallotton
Mike Parrish
Bruce Jones
Joanne Jones
Toni Sperry
Greenswell Growers: Virginia Cooperative Extension Mentors Growers in GAP Certification Preparation
Greenswell Growers: VCE Mentors Growers in GAP Certification Preparation (SPES-629NP)
(HTML)
Greenswell Growers: Virginia Cooperative Extension Mentors Growers in GAP Certification Preparation
(PDF)
Virginia Cooperative Extension Mentors Growers in GAP Certification Preparation is a series of six videos showcasing Virginia farmers and their stories of working with Virginia Cooperative Extension to have their farms become Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) certified. In this video, we speak with Carl Gupton, CEO of Greenswell Growers, about their automated nutrient film technique (NFT) hydroponic system for growing lettuce and arugula, and how they have integrated food safety handling policies and practices as a central focus of their operation.
Oct 16, 2024
SPES-629NP
Amber Vallotton
Mike Parrish
Bruce Jones
Joanne Jones
Toni Sperry
Mark Sumner
Mor-Farms: Virginia Cooperative Extension Mentors Growers in GAP Certification Preparation
Mor-Farms: VCE Mentors Growers in GAP Certification Preparation (SPES-630NP)
(HTML)
Virginia Cooperative Extension Mentors Growers in GAP Certification Preparation is a series of six videos showcasing Virginia farmers and their stories of working with Virginia Cooperative Extension to have their farms become Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) certified. In this video, we speak with Deborah Morton of Mor-Farms, Halifax County, VA, and how she is revitalizing the family farm where her forebearers grew tobacco in 1906. Growing a diversity of vegetable crops with field and high tunnel production, we discuss food safety practices and how extension can assist growers with their audits.
Oct 16, 2024
SPES-630NP
Amber Vallotton
Mike Parrish
Bruce Jones
Joanne Jones
Puckette Farms: Virginia Cooperative Extension Mentors Growers in GAP Certification Preparation
Puckette Farms: VCE Mentors Growers in GAP Certification Preparation (SPES-631NP)
(HTML)
Puckette Farms: Virginia Cooperative Extension Mentors Growers in GAP Certification Preparation
(PDF)
Virginia Cooperative Extension Mentors Growers in GAP Certification Preparation is a series of six videos showcasing Virginia farmers and their stories of working with Virginia Cooperative Extension to have their farms become Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) certified. In this video, we speak with Aaron Puckette of Puckette Farms, Campbell County, VA, about his field-grown produce for his Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) and wholesale markets, and explain various aspects of assessing risks for a produce safety audit.
Oct 17, 2024
SPES-631NP
Amber Vallotton
Mike Parrish
Bruce Jones
Joanne Jones
Wildwood Berries and Produce: Virginia Cooperative Extension Mentors Growers in GAP Certification Preparation
Wildwood Berries and Produce: VCE Mentors Growers in GAP Certification Preparation (SPES-632NP)
(HTML)
Wildwood Berries and Produce: Virginia Cooperative Extension Mentors Growers in GAP Certification Preparation
(PDF)
Virginia Cooperative Extension Mentors Growers in GAP Certification Preparation is a series of six videos showcasing Virginia farmers and their stories of working with Virginia Cooperative Extension to have their farms become Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) certified. In this video, we speak with Lorrie Barron of Wildwood Berries and Produce, Charlotte, VA. Lorrie shares about her high tunnel and field-grown vegetables and berries sold through farmer's markets and a regional wholesaler, and highlights the food safety policies and practices she incorporates to reduce hazards.
Oct 17, 2024
SPES-632NP
Amber Vallotton
Mike Parrish
Bruce Jones
Joanne Jones
Wyndale Gardens: Virginia Cooperative Extension Mentors Growers in GAP Certification Preparation
Wyndale Gardens: VCE Mentors Growers in GAP Certification Preparation (SPES-633NP)
(HTML)
Wyndale Gardens: Virginia Cooperative Extension Mentors Growers in GAP Certification Preparation
(PDF)
Virginia Cooperative Extension Mentors Growers in GAP Certification Preparation is a series of six videos showcasing Virginia farmers and their stories of working with Virginia Cooperative Extension to have their farms become Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) certified. In this video, we speak with Scott and Becky Ramsey of Wyndale Gardens, Abingdon, VA, about their aquaponic system used for growing blue Nile tilapia and leafy greens. The first Harmonized GAP aquaponics farm certified within Virginia, Scott and Becky share their insights and commitment to providing the safest product they can to their retail and school markets.
Oct 17, 2024
SPES-633NP
Amber Vallotton
Mike Parrish
Bruce Jones
Joanne Jones
Toni Sperry
Mark Sumner
2024 Virginia On-Farm Wheat Test Plots
2024 Virginia On-Farm Wheat Test Plots
(PDF)
The On-Farm Variety and Research Publications are a collaboration between county agents, producers, crop specialists, and agribusinesses to provide research-based information on not only variety selection, but other management practices such as new cultivation, fertilization, planting, and harvesting practices of small grain. It is the intent of all the cooperators involved to provide an unbiased publication that provides assistance in variety selection as well as information related to other current small grain topics. This is the thirty-first year of this ongoing annual project. Further work is planned for the upcoming 2024-2025 growing season. The demonstration and research plot results discussed in this publication are a cooperative effort by eight Virginia Cooperative Extension ANR agents, one retired agent, and the Eastern Virginia AREC superintendent. We are proud to present this year’s on-farm small grain plot work to you. We hope the information in this publication will help farmers produce a profitable crop in 2025.
Dec 6, 2024
SPES-634NP
Robby Longest
Carl Stafford
Taylor Clarke
Bruce Jones
Joanne Jones
Trent Jones
Todd Scott
Turner Minx
Paul Davis
Joseph Oakes
Introduction to the Soil for Water Video Case Studies
Introduction to the Soil for Water Video Case Studies (SPES-636NP)
(HTML)
The purpose of this systems research project led by National Center for Appropriate Technology (NCAT) was to identify and promote practical ways of using regenerative grazing practices to improve soil health and catch and hold more rainwater in soil. Virginia Tech and Virginia Cooperative Extension’s project team conducted eleven semi-structured interviews and conversations across Virginia to learn and better understand farmers’ and ranchers’ agroecological motivations and overall values related to the protection and conservation of water resources. The project aimed to highlight distinct and diverse farms of Virginia’s agricultural community through a narrative inquiry framework.
Nov 5, 2024
SPES-636NP
Eric S. Bendfeldt
Kim Niewolny
Katie Trozzo
Ernie Didot
Bean Hollow Grassfed Farm: A Soil for Water Case Study
Bean Hollow Grassfed Farm: A Soil for Water Case Study (SPES-637NP)
(HTML)
Bean Hollow Grassfed Farm: A Soil for Water Case Study - Short Version (SPES-637-ANP)
(HTML)
Bean Hollow Grassfed Farm is a multi-generation farm located in the shadow of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Rappahannock County. A core belief for Michael and Bean Hollow Grassfed Farm is having and encouraging a healthy ecosystem where farm and land management reinforce natural processes because a farm cannot be healthy if the land is sick. Sheep and cattle are their primary livestock, but they also have layers for eggs. Most of their meat sales are sold through their on-farm store. In this video, Michael shares about his early career as a researcher and educator with the Rodale Institute but also tells how the gnawing in his gut led him into farming and the move toward more regenerative practices that strengthen biodiversity, build soil health, sequester carbon, and his family’s efforts to mitigate climate change. Farming for Mike is about continuous improvement; assessment of finances and hard to measure ecological metrics; and making management decisions that push forward the adoption of regenerative practices, while being mindful of farm transition and conservation planning.
Nov 6, 2024
SPES-637NP
Eric S. Bendfeldt
Kim Niewolny
Katie Trozzo
Ernie Didot
Bramble Hollow Farm: A Soil for Water Case Study
Bramble Hollow Farm: A Soil for Water Case Study (SPES-638NP)
(HTML)
Bramble Hollow Farm: A Soil for Water Case Study - Short Version (SPES-638-ANP)
(HTML)
Bramble Hollow Farm is owned and operated by Brent and Anna Wills and is located along the eastern foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Bedford County. Brent and Anna and their family raise pork and chicken on pasture. They have also raised other livestock and poultry through the years. Brett and Anna have and continue to use multiple market channels including farmers markets, on-farm sales, community supported agriculture (CSA) deliveries, participation in a food hub, and affiliation with the Edible Goose Creek farm alliance. Additionally, Bramble Hollow Farm invested in an on-farm commercial kitchen to diversify and add value to what they grow and offer. In this video, Brent shares who (i.e., writings of Gene Logsdon, Wendell Berry, and others) and what influenced him and helped form his vision for regenerative agriculture where soil health equates to plant health; plant health equates to livestock health; and ultimately equates to human and planetary health.
Nov 6, 2024
SPES-638NP
Eric S. Bendfeldt
Kim Niewolny
Katie Trozzo
Ernie Didot
Cattle Run Farm LLC.: A Soil for Water Case Study
Cattle Run Farm LLC.: A Soil for Water Case Study (SPES-639NP)
(HTML)
Cattle Run Farm LLC.: A Soil for Water Case Study - Short Version (SPES-639-ANP)
(HTML)
Cattle Run Farm LLC is a third-generation family operated and veteran owned farm located in Greene County and the central Piedmont region of Virginia. Sarah Morton and Ralph Morton seek to carry on the tradition of their family and expand the concept of an agrarian lifestyle and business to the community. Sarah shares about her families’ roots in farming and how asset mapping played a critical role when her father wanted to transition to the next generation. Sarah and Ralph raise cattle, chickens, produce, blackberries, hogs, cows, and more as they continue to look to add value and diversify their operation. Sarah and Ralph are active members in the Minority and Veteran Farmers of the Piedmont and work closely with several other community-focused organizations. Sarah emphasizes that Cattle Run Farm’s story is one of resilience, scale, diversification, and fortitude to keep farming and reaching towards sustainability and empowering others. Like many multi-generational family farms, sustainability, resilience, and viability are forged out of necessity. Sarah reiterates the critical importance of community in farm viability and similarly how farm viability strengthens community viability beyond the farm’s gate. Overall, the story gives a glimpse into Sarah’s and Ralph’s ecological and social consciences, and how reconnecting to the land instills passion and power.
Nov 6, 2024
SPES-639NP
Eric S. Bendfeldt
Kim Niewolny
Katie Trozzo
Ernie Didot
Ellett Valley Beef Company: A Soil for Water Case Study
Ellett Valley Beef Company: A Soil for Water Case Study (SPES-640NP)
(HTML)
Ellett Valley Beef Company: A Soil for Water Case Study - Short Version (SPES-640-ANP)
(HTML)
Gil Yearwood of Ellett Valley Beef Company reflects on his time raising beef since 1975. Ellett Valley Beef Company is in Montgomery County in southwest Virginia and specializes in South Poll cattle because they are excellent for grass-based grazing systems and have relatively small frames, easy dispositions, and are tender. Gil admits he has tried every variation of rotational grazing, and that rotational grazing is significantly better than continuous grazing. Gil took an interest in cattle and grazing as a teenager. He has been a mentor for many young and second career cattle farmers. Gil demonstrates that regenerative agriculture and grazing is a journey and an adaptive lifelong process. Gil openly shares his overarching goals, challenges, the lessons he has learned, and what gives him hope with soil health, water quality, and regenerative grazing adoption as he interacts with other farmers and visitors to his farm.
Nov 6, 2024
SPES-640NP
Eric S. Bendfeldt
Kim Niewolny
Katie Trozzo
Ernie Didot
Ember Cattle Company: A Soil for Water Case Study
Ember Cattle Company: A Soil for Water Case Study (SPES-641NP)
(HTML)
Ember Cattle Company: A Soil for Water Case Study - Short Version (SPES-641-ANP)
(HTML)
Becky Szarzynski is the owner and operator of Ember Cattle Company in Fairfield in Rockbridge County, Virginia. Becky as a grazier has honed her grazing management skills over the past 15 years in working with her father, attending conferences, being mentored by other farmers, and serving in a coordinator role of the farmer-to-farmer mentoring network with the Virginia Forage and Grassland Council. Becky raises South Poll cattle as a cow-calf operation, breeds replacement heifers, and sells seed stock on 160-acres of land. Becky practices rotational grazing with a diverse forage base that includes native warm season grasses, summer annuals, and cool season perennials. Becky tends to prefer the term adaptive grazing versus rotational grazing because conditions are constantly changing and you must be very observant of the interactions between soil health, plant diversity, livestock, pollinators, the weather, stocking density, and overall system. Becky shares her motivations, lessons learned, aspirations, and ongoing research and study of grazing and of course her fascination with dung beetles.
Nov 6, 2024
SPES-641NP
Eric S. Bendfeldt
Kim Niewolny
Katie Trozzo
Ernie Didot
Glade Road Growing: A Soil for Water Case Study
Glade Road Growing: A Soil for Water Case Study (SPES-642NP)
(HTML)
Glade Road Growing: A Soil for Water Case Study - Short Version (SPES-642-ANP)
(HTML)
Glade Road Growing is a small family farm within the town limits of Blacksburg in Montgomery County, Virginia. Sally Walker and Jason (JP) Pall started the farm operation in 2010, building on their experience with home gardening. Sally and Jason did not grow up on farms but have learned through internships, conferences, reading, YouTube videos, farm visits, and their own experiences as the farm has grown the past 14 years. Sally and Jason and their growing full-time and part-time staff raise certified naturally grown produce and pasture-raised organic-fed pork, poultry, and eggs. Sally and Jason have worked with the USDA-Natural Resource Conservation Services on several cost-shared soil and water conservation practices. Glade Road Growing started marketing their produce at the Blacksburg Farmers Market, but their sales now include a farm stand and a season-long farm share and community supported agriculture (CSA) subscriptions. Nutrition, health, and connections with community are critically important to Glade Road Growing’s mission and vision. Although JP and Sally are not quick to use the term regenerative for their vegetable production practices and livestock rotations, respect for their soil, water, animals, staff, and customers is always at the forefront of their thinking and that they are growing together with the community in mind.
Nov 7, 2024
SPES-642NP
Eric S. Bendfeldt
Kim Niewolny
Katie Trozzo
Ernie Didot
Heaven’s Hollow Farm: A Soil for Water Case Study
Heaven’s Hollow Farm: A Soil for Water Case Study (SPES-643NP)
(HTML)
Heaven’s Hollow Farm: A Soil for Water Case Study - Short Version (SPES-643-ANP)
(HTML)
Heaven’s Hollow Farm is a fourth-generation family farm that has been in operation since 1951. Jacob and his wife Jennifer and children operate the farm in Orange, Virginia. Jacob is a first-generation farmer. Jacob is thankful for the support of his parents and credits his involvement in 4-H showing cattle as a teenager for his career in farming and conservation. Jacob continues to learn and study through reading and visiting with other farmers. Heaven’s Hollow Farm is a commercial Black Angus cow-calf operation that also includes pastured poultry and pork. Most of their beef, poultry, pork, and eggs are marketed directly to consumers and local restaurants. Jacob and Jennifer take a holistic approach to managing their farm and seek to improve soil health, water quality, bird and wildlife habitat, and pollinator diversity as much as possible. Jacob describes their thinking about these processes and their rotations. Soil health, profitability, and quality of life must be balanced and should not be too complex. Being flexible and adaptable is important for Jacob and Jennifer, particularly with grazing, raising a family, and managing the farm holistically.
Nov 7, 2024
SPES-643NP
Eric S. Bendfeldt
Kim Niewolny
Katie Trozzo
Ernie Didot
Holsinger Homeplace Farms: A Soil for Water Case Study
Holsinger Homeplace Farms: A Soil for Water Case Study (SPES-644NP)
(HTML)
Holsinger Homeplace Farms: A Soil for Water Case Study - Short Version (SPES-644-ANP)
(HTML)
Holsinger Homeplace Farms is a family farm in Rockingham County in the central Shenandoah Valley. Buck and Amand ‘AJ’ Holsinger and their children are the tenth and eleventh generations to live on the farm. Buck and AJ started farming with the goal of feeding their family the healthiest food possible. Their animals are raised humanely and given the freedom to roam and obtain a nutritious diet from the forage base and their silvopasture system that includes black locust, black walnut, pine, cedar, and other mast, fodder, and shade producing trees. Holsinger Homeplace Farms now provides other families excellent grassfed beef and eggs from free-range laying hens. Buck and AJ share their motivations and how they have a generational perspective. J. Russell Smith’s book Tree Crops was an early influence and motivation for Buck, along with his experience visiting other countries as a veteran and pilot. AJ’s background in dietetics and nutrition has influenced her perspective on soil, plant, and animal health. Silvopasture management is a centerpiece of their farm as they seek a system that is multi-functional and provides multiple benefits across time. USDA and state conservation and cost-share programs have helped them financially in getting started and allowing them to set a pathway for transforming the farm and achieving their long-term holistic vision.
Nov 7, 2024
SPES-644NP
Eric S. Bendfeldt
Kim Niewolny
Katie Trozzo
Ernie Didot
Shamoka Run Farm: A Soil for Water Case Study
Shamoka Run Farm: A Soil for Water Case Study (SPES-645NP)
(HTML)
Shamoka Run Farm: A Soil for Water Case Study - Short Version (SPES-645-ANP)
(HTML)
Shamoka Run Farm is a modest family farm in northern August County operated by Leo and Judy Tammi. Leo grew up in Delaware on a small, diversified farm with a few milk cows, hogs, sheep, and poultry. Leo and Judy moved to the Shenandoah Valley region in 1981. Leo learned very early to farm with nature and what the land is best suited. Shamoka Run Farm is a sheep and lamb farm that includes about 240 acres of hay and pasture, along with 60 additional acres of rented land. Leo was a founder of the early Virginia Lamb Cooperative, is an active member of the Virginia Forage and Grassland Council and has worked with the USDA-Natural Resources Conservation Services and Headwaters Soil and Water Conservation District on a variety of best management practices like riparian buffers, bird and pollinator habitat, and native grass plantings. Leo shares several epiphanies and observations on rotational grazing, resilient, aesthetics, marketing, and wildlife habitat, and the need to educate people about the complexity of farming and the services farming and good land productivity provides to the broader community. Leo reminds us that regenerative and soil health-building principles must be internalized, require inquisitiveness, energy, resilience, and continual observation.
Nov 8, 2024
SPES-645NP
Eric S. Bendfeldt
Kim Niewolny
Katie Trozzo
Ernie Didot
Singing Spring Farm: A Soil for Water Case Study
Singing Spring Farm: A Soil for Water Case Study (SPES-646NP)
(HTML)
Singing Spring Farm: A Soil for Water Case Study - Short Version (SPES-646-ANP)
(HTML)
Adam Taylor and Elizabeth Spellman-Taylor co-operate Singing Spring Farm, which is in the Sinking Creek Valley in Craig County, Virginia. Adam and Elizabeth’s goal is to be a whole, complete diet farm that offers heirloom fruits and vegetables; goat milk, kefir, and cheese; culinary and medicinal herbs; eggs; and pastured, lamb, goat, and poultry. Agroforestry and permaculture are important themes on their farm as they seek to protect the Singing Spring on their farm, create community, and live out paradise gardening. Adam’s experience interning on a farm in southwest Virginia and being a Peace Corps volunteer in Zambia profoundly impacted how he views farming, while Elizabeth has a deep conservation ethic in agricultural land protection and agrarian commons. For each of them, Joe Hollis’s essays and musings on Paradise Gardening were instrumental for their vision of a family lifestyle that was balanced with everyday practices.
Adam Taylor and Elizabeth Spellman-Taylor co-operate Singing Spring Farm, which is in the Sinking Creek Valley in Craig County, Virginia. Adam and Elizabeth’s goal is to be a whole, complete diet farm that offers heirloom fruits and vegetables; goat milk, kefir, and cheese; culinary and medicinal herbs; eggs; and pastured, lamb, goat, and poultry. Agroforestry and permaculture are important themes on their farm as they seek to protect the Singing Spring on their farm, create community, and live out paradise gardening. Adam’s experience interning on a farm in southwest Virginia and being a Peace Corps volunteer in Zambia profoundly impacted how he views farming, while Elizabeth has a deep conservation ethic in agricultural land protection and agrarian commons. For each of them, Joe Hollis’s essays and musings on Paradise Gardening were instrumental for their vision of a family lifestyle that was balanced with everyday practices.
Nov 8, 2024
SPES-646NP
Eric S. Bendfeldt
Kim Niewolny
Katie Trozzo
Ernie Didot
Swisher Family Farm: A Soil for Water Case Study
Swisher Family Farm: A Soil for Water Case Study (SPES-647NP)
(HTML)
Swisher Family Farm: A Soil for Water Case Study - Short Version (SPES-647-ANP)
(HTML)
Jerry Swisher is a cattleman, farm consultant, and a retired Senior Extension Agent for dairy sciences. Jerry continues to own and operate his family’s farm in Fairfield and Brownsburg in Rockbridge County, Virginia. Throughout his career with Virginia Tech and Virginia Cooperative Extension, Jerry served in many capacities to support Virginia’s dairy farmers, 4-H youth, and industry. Jerry designed and developed the Dairy Rotational Loafing Lot System, which became a standard best management practice for dairy farms to prevent soil erosion, protect natural resources, and enhance cow comfort and performance. Jerry was instrumental and a key resource for Virginia and Mid-Atlantic dairy farmers who desired to transition to grass-based dairy systems. He led multiple educational tours regionally and internationally so farmers could learn from other grass-based farmers in Ireland, New Zealand, and Australia. Jerry provides an historical perspective and motivated farmers to transition to grazing systems rather than conventional confinement with limited access to pastures. Jerry documents farmers’ motivations for grazing in an era of high costs and frantic industrial change, the pushback from the dairy industry, and frequently asked questions about grass-based regenerative dairy farming.
Nov 8, 2024
SPES-647NP
Eric S. Bendfeldt
Kim Niewolny
Katie Trozzo
Ernie Didot
Peanut Variety and Quality Evaluation Results 2023 II. Quality
Peanut Variety and Quality Evaluation Results 2023 II. Quality
(PDF)
Along with agronomic and grade information, data on kernel and pod quality are essential for release of new peanut cultivars to ensure acceptability by the entire peanut trade. The present report contains the quality data collected on 5 Virginia-type cultivars that currently are on the market and 29 advanced breeding lines tested in the Peanut Variety and Quality Evaluation (PVQE) small plots in 2023
Nov 11, 2024
SPES-648NP
Dan Anco
Jeffrey Dunne
Fitz Cherry
Virginia Soybean Performance Tests 2024
Virginia Soybean Performance Tests 2024
(PDF)
Summary report of the 2024 official soybean variety trials conducted by the soybean agronomy program. Results include yield and seed quality for each of the four full-season and two double-crop trial locations.
Jan 10, 2025
SPES-649NP
Carrie Ortel
Christopher Buck
Erin Myers
Ronald Daughtrey
Virginia Small Grain Official Variety Trials, 2024
Virginia Small Grain Official Variety Trials, 2024
(PDF)
This report presents results from barley and wheat trials conducted in Virginia in 2023-2024. In Virginia, small grain cultivar performance trials are conducted each year by the Virginia Tech School of Plant and Environmental Sciences and the Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station. The trials provide information to assist Virginia Cooperative Extension Service agents in formulating cultivar recommendations for small grain producers and to companies developing cultivars and/or marketing seed within the state. Yield data are reported for individual locations, and across locations and years. Performance of a given variety often varies widely over locations and years which makes multiple location-year averages a more reliable indication of expected performance than data from a single year or location. Details about management practices for barley and wheat are listed for each experiment location.
Oct 15, 2025
SPES-650NP (SPES-745NP)
Nicholas Santantonio
Caleb Bishop
Aarati Khulal
Sheetal Kumari
Jitender Rathore
Matthew J. Wright
Olga Walsh
Solar Grazing: First Hand Experiences with Jess Gray (Crystal Hill, VA)
Solar Grazing: First Hand Experiences with Jess Gray (Crystal Hill, VA) SPES-654NP
(HTML)
This resources relates to sheep grazing at utility-scale solar sites from the Virginia region. The material discusses solar grazing forage management considerations and related experiences. This video highlights first-hand experiences from Jess Gray in Crystal Hill, VA.
Jan 21, 2025
SPES-654NP
J.H. Fike
Priya Jaishanker
John Ignosh
Solar Grazing: First Hand Experiences with Johnny Rodgers (Roxboro, NC)
Solar Grazing: First Hand Experiences with Johnny Rodgers (Roxboro, NC) (SPES-655NP)
(HTML)
This resources relates to sheep grazing at utility-scale solar sites from the Virginia region. The material discusses solar grazing forage management considerations and related experiences. This video highlights first-hand experiences from Johnny Rogers in Roxboro, NC.
Jan 21, 2025
SPES-655NP
J.H. Fike
Priya Jaishanker
John Ignosh
Solar Grazing: First Hand Experiences with John Campbell (Alta Vista, VA)
Solar Grazing: First Hand Experiences with John Campbell (Alta Vista, VA) SPES-656NP
(HTML)
This resources relates to sheep grazing at utility-scale solar sites from the Virginia region. The material discusses solar grazing forage management considerations and related experiences. This video highlights first-hand experiences from John Campbell in Alta Vista, VA.
Jan 21, 2025
SPES-656NP
J.H. Fike
Priya Jaishanker
John Ignosh
Septic System Management Tips
Septic System Management Tips
(HTML)
A short video highlighting best management practices for septic systems.A short video highlighting best management practices for septic systems.
Jan 17, 2025
SPES-659NP
Philip Brown
Mulching: Purpose, Benefits, and Essential Information
Mulching: Purpose, Benefits, and Essential Informatio
(PDF)
This document reviews the purpose and benefits of mulching in the landscape. The term “mulch” refers to materials spread or left on the soil surface as a protective layer (usually permeable), whether organic or inorganic, loose particles or sheets. We mulch to mimic the natural forest process. Mulches are used primarily as: Weed prevention, insulation, protection, erosion control etc. The publication goes in depth about the best practices to benefit plant and soil health.
Nov 24, 2025
SPES-661P
Meghan Garrity
Megan Tierney
2024 Virginia On-Farm Soybean Research
2024 Virginia On-Farm Soybean Research
(PDF)
These demonstration and research results are a collaborative effort of Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) Agents and Specialists, Virginia producers, and agribusiness. The purpose of this publication is to provide research-based information to aid in the decision-making process for soybean producers in Virginia. It provides an unbiased evaluation of varieties, management practices, and new technologies through on-farm replicated research using producer equipment and time. These experiments enable producers to make better management decisions based on research and provide greater opportunities to improve yields and profits, which improves quality of life for them and their families.
Feb 4, 2025
SPES-662NP
Scott Reiter
Stephanie Romelczyk
Taylor Clarke
Helene Doughty
Roy Flanagan
Mackenzie Gunn
Bruce Jones
Joanne Jones
Trent Jones
Robby Longest
Theresa Pittman
Nathan Sedghi
Megan Williams
David Langston
Carrie Ortel
Virginia On-Farm Corn Research 2024
Virginia On-Farm Corn Research 2024
(PDF)
The research and demonstration plots discussed in this publication are a cooperative effort by Virginia Cooperative Extension employees, Virginia Tech and Virginia State University, numerous producers, and many members of the Virginia agribusiness community. The fieldwork and printing of this publication are mainly supported by the Virginia Corn Check-Off Fund through the Virginia Corn Board. This is the forty-first year of this multi-county cooperative project. Further work is planned for 2025. Anyone who would like a physical copy of this publication should contact their local extension office, who can request a copy from the VCE Northumberland County Extension Office.
Jan 22, 2025
SPES-664NP
Trent Jones
Robby Longest
Stephanie Romelczyk
Scott Reiter
Roy Flanagan
Frank Long
Taylor Clarke
Bruce Jones
Joanne Jones
Elizabeth Cooper
Nathan Sedghi
Turner Minx
Andrea Slye
Selecting Pesticides for Sports Fields
Selecting Pesticides for Sports Fields
(PDF)
This publication provides a comprehensive listing and a summary of the strengths and weaknesses of the pesticides labeled for pest management in cool-season and warm-season turfgrass sports fields.
Apr 28, 2025
SPES-668NP
Michael Goatley
David McCall
Shawn Askew
Alejandro Del-Pozo
Jeffrey Derr
Wendell Hutchens
The Toll of Mid-Season Heat and Drought on Peanut Yield and Grade in Virginia
The Toll of Mid-Season Heat and Drought on Peanut Yield and Grade in Virginia
(PDF)
Mid-season heat and drought stress (HS+DS) severely impacts peanut growth, slashing yields by up to 50% and degrading kernel quality—key factors in market pricing. For Virginia-type peanuts, which command premium prices due to their large kernel size and superior grade (especially the "fancy" classification), HS+DS reduces both yield and percentage of total sound mature kernels (TSMK). This dual loss directly undermines profitability, as poor grades can offset gains from high productivity. With grade standards serving as a critical benchmark for growers and shellers, mitigating HS+DS is essential to preserving both yield and market value. This article discusses the effects of HS+DS on peanut yield and grade and highlights the importance of this combined stress.
SPES-672NP
Ranadheer Reddy Vennam
Maria Balota
Does Prohexadione Calcium Increase Peanut Yields?
Does Prohexadione Calcium Increase Peanut Yields?
(PDF)
Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) has a spreading growth habit with lateral branches completely covering the ground at harvest. The current Virginia-type cultivars Bailey II, Emery, Sullivan, N.C. 20, and Walton have shown abundant vine growth under Virginia climate. While this is a positive thing, e.g. more biomass production can support higher yields, growers that do not use RTK guidance may be unable to see the rows for efficient vine digging and inversion. In short, under pressure from inverter set off the rows, pods can shed from the vines and yield can be lost.
Mar 26, 2025
SPES-675NP
Maria Balota
2024 Cotton Variety Testing and On-Farm Results
2024 Cotton Variety Testing and On-Farm Results
(PDF)
This publication is the 2024 results for the Official Cotton Variety Testing Program and On-Farm Testing Program.
Mar 21, 2025
SPES-679NP
W. Hunter Frame
Brandt Tate
Billy Taylor
Potatoes
Potatoes
(PDF)
A fact sheet for growing potatoes in the Virginia home garden.
Mar 24, 2025
SPES-685NP
P. Diane Relf
Alan McDaniel
Edward Olsen
Electric Fencing: How Does an Electric Fence Work?
Electric Fencing: How Does an Electric Fence Work?
(PDF)
Understanding how electric fences work and the physics behind their operation is helpful when installing an electric fence system, and especially useful when troubleshooting performance issues. This publication, one of a series on Electric Fencing, provides a basic overview of how an electric fence works and how to train livestock to electric fencing
May 9, 2025
SPES-688P
Matt Booher
Electric Fencing: How to Select and Install an Energizer
Electric Fencing: How to Select and Install an Energizer
(PDF)
Proper selection and installation of an energizer is a critical component of a properly operating electric fence. This publication, one of a series on Electric Fencing, guides the reader through how to size and select an energizer to fit their operation, as well as how to place and install an energizer within the electric fence system.
May 12, 2025
SPES-689P
Matt Booher
Electric Fencing: Lightning Protection
Electric Fencing: Lightning Protection
(PDF)
Electric fencing energizers are commonly damaged by lightning, either directly by lightning strikes on the fence side, or indirectly on the utility side by power surges that are often caused by lightning strikes. This publication, one of a series on Electric Fencing, reviews how to protect the energizer in both cases.
May 12, 2025
SPES-690P
Matt Booher
Electric Fencing: How to Install a Grounding System
Electric Fencing: How to Install a Grounding System
(PDF)
An adequate grounding system is essential for an effective electric fence. Unfortunately, poor grounding is a leading cause of problems with electric fencing. This publication, one of a series on Electric Fencing, reviews how to size and install a grounding system to maximize the shocking potential of the electric fence.
May 12, 2025
SPES-691P
Matt Booher
Electric Fencing: Troubleshooting
Electric Fencing: Troubleshooting
(PDF)
While proper installation of an electric fence and grounding system will minimize problems, downed trees, heavy vegetation, broken components or other issues can lead to poor performance. This publication, one of a series on Electric Fencing, reviews how to troubleshoot issues with low fence voltage or a nonfunctioning fence.
May 13, 2025
SPES-692P
Matt Booher
Virginia Tech Soil Testing Laboratory Website
Apr 6, 2025
SPES-963NP
Steven Heckendorn
Evaluation of a modified Cordon pruning system on a Primocane-fruiting Blackberry
Evaluation of a modified Cordon pruning system on a Primocane-fruiting Blackberry
(PDF)
This publication describes a modified cordon pruning system and compares fruit yield and quality obtained from the cordon system to conventional pruning system in a primocane-fruiting blackberry variety.
May 23, 2025
SPES-694NP
Patricia Richardson
Baker Aljawasim
Enrique Hernandez
Jayesh Samtani
Management of Italian Ryegrass in Wheat
Management of Italian Ryegrass in Wheat
(PDF)
Italian ryegrass (Lolium perenne L. ssp. multiflorum) is the most common weed reported in wheat fields in Virginia. It is a winter annual weed and germinates when day/night temperatures range from 50/41°F to 77/41°F, which coincides with wheat germination. The emergence of this weed can occur both in fall as well as spring seasons. Controlling Italian ryegrass in wheat with herbicides becomes challenging as both are grass species, and limited herbicide options are available, especially when it is herbicide-resistant. In Virginia, Italian ryegrass populations are resistant to ALS-inhibitors (Group 2), and/or ACCase-inhibitors (Group 1) herbicides. Experiences from on-station and on-farm research indicate that postemergence herbicides alone cannot provide complete control of Italian ryegrass. A combination of preemergence and postemergence herbicides ensures effective control of this troublesome weed.
Jun 3, 2025
SPES-697NP
Vijay Singh
Milos Viric
Akash Brar
Michael Flessner
African Violets
African Violets
(PDF)
The African violet (Saintpaulia sp.) is an excellent flowering house plant which will grow and flower under low light intensities found in the average home. Where there is insufficient natural light, they can be grown and flowered successfully entirely under artificial light. Large numbers of varieties, types and colors are available, and the ease with which they can be propagated makes this an excellent plant for interior decoration of the home.
May 16, 2025
SPES-698NP
W. H. McCaleb,
Edward Olsen
Field Evaluation of AVG and 1-MCP for Managing Pre-Harvest Drop and Fruit Quality in ‘Gala’ Apples
Field Evaluation of AVG and 1-MCP for Managing Pre-Harvest Drop and Fruit Quality in ‘Gala’ Apples
(PDF)
This factsheet summarizes findings from four field trials conducted across Virginia between 2018 and 2021 to evaluate the effects of Aminoethoxyvinylglycine (AVG, marketed as ReTain) and 1-Methylcyclopropene (1-MCP, marketed as Harvista) on pre-harvest fruit drop and fruit quality in ‘Gala’ apples. The study examined different application rates, timings, and combinations with gibberellins to identify cost-effective strategies for maintaining fruit firmness, reducing stem-end splitting, and extending harvest windows. Results provide practical, research-based recommendations for growers to optimize fruit retention and postharvest quality.
May 22, 2025
SPES-701NP
Sherif M. Sherif
From the Ground Up: Seed Bank Growing Community Impact
From the Ground Up: Seed Bank Growing Community Impact
(HTML)
Ed Olsen and Wendy Silverman, New River Valley Extension Master Gardener Director, discuss how Virginia Extension Master Gardeners are growing community impact by providing seeds for educational programs and nonprofits through their innovative seed bank program!
Jun 4, 2025
SPES-706-1NP
Edward Olsen
From the Ground Up: Growing Garlic
From the Ground Up: Growing Garlic
(HTML)
A culinary staple used raw, cooked, sautéed or roasted—garlic is easier to grow than you might think. Virginia Cooperative Extension's Ed Olsen shares expert tips for cultivating this versatile ingredient.
Jan 6, 2026
SPES-706-11NP
Edward Olsen
Peter Coffey
From the Ground Up: Growing Figs in Colder Climates
From the Ground Up: Growing Figs in Colder Climates
(HTML)
Growing figs in marginal hardiness zones requires special care and technique. Virginia Cooperative Extension's Ed Olsen shares expert strategies for successfully cultivating these Mediterranean favorites in challenging climates.
Jan 6, 2026
SPES-706-12NP
Edward Olsen
From the Ground Up: Indoor Plants
From the Ground Up: Indoor Plants
(HTML)
Get ready to level up your indoor plant game as Ed Olsen from Virginia Cooperative Extension and Will Haas from Strange's Florist and Greenhouses share expert tips on helping your houseplants thrive in From the Ground Up.
Jun 4, 2025
SPES-706-2NP
Edward Olsen
From the Ground Up: Starting Seeds
From the Ground Up: Starting Seeds
(HTML)
Spring planting season is upon us as Virginia Cooperative Extension expert Ed Olsen and Henrico County Public Schools Horticulture teacher Heather Veneziano deliver essential seed-starting wisdom to help gardeners kickstart their growing season with confidence.
Jun 4, 2025
SPES-706-3NP
Edward Olsen
From the Ground Up: Winter Seed Sowing Using Recycled Containers
From the Ground Up: Winter Seed Sowing Using Recycled Containers
(HTML)
Looking for a simple way to get a head start on your garden? Try winter seed sowing! Virginia Cooperative Extension Specialist Ed Olsen and Extension Master Gardener Cathy Tignor discuss how you can use those recycled plastic beverage containers sitting in your recycling bin to start seeds! Milk jugs, iced tea containers and lemonade bottles make the perfect mini-greenhouses for this technique.
Jun 4, 2025
SPES-706-4NP
Edward Olsen
From the Ground Up: Foodscaping
From the Ground Up: Foodscaping
(HTML)
Discover how foodscaping blends beauty with functionality as Ed Olsen and Master Gardener Phaedra Hise from Virginia Cooperative Extension share expert tips for incorporating edible plants into your landscape design, creating gardens that please both the eye and the palate.
Jun 4, 2025
SPES-706-5NP
Edward Olsen
From the Ground Up: Growing Ginger
From the Ground Up: Growing Ginger
(HTML)
Explore the many culinary and beverage uses of the versatile ginger plant in this conversation between Ed Olsen and Dr. Sanjun Gu of Virginia Cooperative Extension, who shares expert tips on how to cultivate this prized rhizome in your own backyard garden.
SPES-706-6NP
Edward Olsen
Sanjun Gu
From the Ground Up: Three Sisters
From the Ground Up: Three Sisters
(HTML)
The Three Sisters growing technique maximizes your garden space by planting corn, beans and squash together. Ed Olsen and Extension Master Gardener Noel Talcott with Virginia Cooperative Extension demonstrate this traditional companion planting method for efficient gardening.
Jul 30, 2025
SPES-706-7NP
Edward Olsen
From the Ground Up: Drip Irrigation
From the Ground Up: Drip Irrigation
(HTML)
Drip irrigation is more efficient and better for your garden overall, delivering water directly to plant roots while conserving resources. Ed Olsen with Virginia Cooperative Extension shares essential tips for getting started with this water-saving gardening method.
Oct 3, 2025
SPES-706-8NP
Edward Olsen
From the Ground Up: Red Hibiscus
From the Ground Up: Red Hibiscus
(HTML)
Red hibiscus, sorrel or roselle—this vibrant plant goes by many names but serves as both a beautiful garden bloom and a staple ingredient in teas and traditional dishes worldwide. Ed Olsen with Virginia Cooperative Extension explores the science and stories behind this versatile garden favorite.
Oct 3, 2025
SPES-706-9NP
Edward Olsen
Designing a Flexible and Efficient Rotational Grazing System
Designing a Flexible and Efficient Rotational Grazing System
(PDF)
Labor requirements are sometimes cited as an obstacle to implementing managed rotational grazing. This publication, one of four in a series on rotational grazing, explores how to determine the intensity of management that would be required and provides information to help build an efficient and flexible grazing system.
Aug 5, 2025
SPES-707P
Matt Booher
Bobby Clark
Designing a Permanent Grazing Infrastructure
Designing a Permanent Grazing Infrastructure
(PDF)
It is a common misconception that managed grazing requires the use of temporary electric fencing, but this is not necessarily the case. Temporary electric fencing is especially useful for farms with limited capital, for limited-grazing (strip-grazing) pastures, or when experimenting with fence locations before building permanent fencing; however, it is not necessary for implementing managed grazing. Using permanent infrastructure as much as possible can dramatically reduce the labor requirements of managed rotational grazing. In many cases, financial assistance may be available through the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) or Virginia Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD) to install fencing and watering systems in support of rotational grazing.
Aug 6, 2025
SPES-708P
Matt Booher
Bobby Clark
Reducing Labor When Using Temporary Electric Fencing
Reducing Labor When Using Temporary Electric Fencing
(PDF)
One of the biggest drawbacks to using temporary electric fencing to intensify management in a grazing system is the amount of labor required. This publication, one of four in a series on rotational grazing, focuses on how to plan and use available tools and techniques to reduce much of the labor and hassle associated with temporary electric fencing.
Aug 8, 2025
SPES-709P
Matt Booher
Bobby Clark
Using Temporary Watering and Fencing in a Rotational Grazing System
Using Temporary Watering and Fencing in a Rotational Grazing System
(PDF)
Research has shown that pasture is poorly utilized beyond 800-1,000 feet from the watering source, and perhaps even less in steep terrain. Therefore, farms desiring a high level of management intensity (see Virginia Tech’s “Designing a Flexible and Efficient Rotational Grazing System,” SPES-707) may find temporary water troughs and electric fencing to be very useful. The use of temporary watering points can greatly enhance grazing management from spring through fall, whether it involves subdividing pastures paired with frequent livestock moves, utilizing large pastures more effectively, or bringing in new grazing acres. Temporary electric fencing is an excellent tool for intensifying management on an as-needed basis. This publication, one of four in a series on rotational grazing, focuses on considerations for designing these systems.
Aug 8, 2025
SPES-710P
Matt Booher
Bobby Clark
Field Performance of Rootstocks for Bitter Pit Reduction in ‘Honeycrisp’ Apples
Field Performance of Rootstocks for Bitter Pit Reduction in ‘Honeycrisp’ Apples
(PDF)
This publication summarizes a multi-year field trial evaluating 14 apple rootstocks for their effects on bitter pit (BP) incidence and fruit quality in ‘Honeycrisp’ apples. It provides practical, research-based guidance to growers and extension agents, highlighting how rootstock selection influences BP severity, fruit size, and mineral nutrient balance. The content is adapted from a peer-reviewed article (Islam et al., 2022) and presented in grower-friendly language to support orchard management decisions.
Jun 25, 2025
SPES-711NP
Sherif M. Sherif
Evaluation of ACC and AVG Combination as a New Tool for Managing Pre-Harvest Fruit Drop and Improving Red Color in ‘Honeycrisp’ Apples
Evaluation of ACC and AVG Combination as a New Tool for Managing Pre-Harvest Fruit Drop and Improving Red Color in ‘Honeycrisp’ Apples
(PDF)
This project evaluates a novel approach to managing pre-harvest fruit drop (PFD) and enhancing red coloration in ‘Honeycrisp’ apples by combining two plant growth regulators: aminoethoxyvinylglycine (AVG, marketed as ReTain) and 1-aminocyclopropane-1-carboxylic acid (ACC, marketed as Accede). Conducted over two seasons (2023–2024) in Virginia, the study compared six treatments—including ReTain, Accede, Motivate (ethephon), and their combinations—applied to mature ‘Honeycrisp’ trees. While ReTain effectively reduced fruit drop, it also suppressed color development. Conversely, Accede enhanced coloration but led to higher fruit drop. The combination of ReTain and Accede proved to balance these trade-offs, significantly reducing fruit drop while improving red color and maintaining desirable fruit quality traits. The findings offer a practical strategy to maximize both yield and marketability in ‘Honeycrisp’ apple production.
Jun 27, 2025
SPES-712NP
Mohammad Monirul Hasan Tipu
Khalil R. Jahed
Sherif M. Sherif
Considerations for Successful Tissue Testing in Soybeans
Considerations for Successful Tissue Testing in Soybeans
(PDF)
Tissue testing is an effective method for quantifying crop nutrient concentrations in-season and is becoming increasingly popular in soybeans as yield goals continue to rise. To ensure accurate nutrient analysis, it is critical to minimize errors associated with both tissue sample collection and resulting interpretation. Obtaining accurate results involves collecting the correct plant part under optimal field conditions with adequate soil moisture, while also considering nutrient mobility when interpreting the results. With these considerations, tissue testing can be a valuable tool in managing plant nutrition.
Aug 11, 2025
SPES-716P
Carrie Ortel
Mark Reiter
Joseph Haymaker
Lime Calibration for Soilless Media- A Tool for Greenhouse and Nursery Producers
Lime Calibration for Soilless Media- A Tool for Greenhouse and Nursery Producers
(PDF)
Soilless substrates are inherently acidic and typically need to be corrected for pH prior to plant production. This is because mineral nutrients are most available within certain pH ranges (5.0 - 6.5). The primary method to increase pH values of soilless media is to apply some form of lime (calcium carbonate base). However, this can become complicated since different soilless media and lime material types will require different rates and activate at different durations. Conducting a lime calibration can be a powerful tool and enable producers to target specific pH values for their plants. This article will guide growers how to properly determine optimal lime rates.
Jul 23, 2025
SPES-718NP
Kristopher S. Criscione
Considerations for the Mechanical Harvest of Edamame
Considerations for the Mechanical Harvest of Edamame
(PDF)
Vegetable soybean [Glycine max (L.) Merr.] is a popular component of Asian cuisine in the United States of America (USA). Vegetable soybean is better known by its Japanese name, “edamame,” where it has been cultivated and consumed for centuries, with the first written account of the word in 1275 AD. Increased financial, production, legal, labor, and market risks as a specialty vegetable crop, lack of processing infrastructure, labor expenses, market distribution, and challenges with mechanical harvesting have caused domestic production to lag behind market demand increases. This publication investigates mechanical harvest of this high-value edible soybean crop.
Jul 21, 2025
SPES-719NP
Thomas B. Badon
Scott Reiter
Bo Zhang
John E. Mason
Calculating and Using Daily Light Integral (DLI): An Introductory Guide
Calculating and Using Daily Light Integral (DLI): An Introductory Guide
(PDF)
Plants use energy from light to power photosynthesis, a process that converts light into sugars, serving as their primary source of energy. In turn, this captured energy supports nearly all life on Earth. That makes light one of the most important factors in agriculture, gardening, and life. Despite its importance, light is often misunderstood, overlooked, or poorly managed. Whether you are a homeowner tending a few houseplants or a professional grower, learning how to measure and harness light can be a powerful tool in growing healthy, productive plants.
Aug 13, 2025
SPES-720NP
Eric Stallknecht
Comparison of Tillage Equipment
Comparison of Tillage Equipment (SPES-722NP)
(HTML)
In this video Alex Hessler, expert farmer at Riverstone Organic Farm, compares the difference between tillage equipment he's used at his farm including a spader, offset disc harrow and stone burier. Alex talks about the benefits and downfall of each type of equipment.
Jul 15, 2025
SPES-722NP
Shawn Jadrnicek
Alex Hessler
Virginia Horticulture Production Trends: 2017-2022
Virginia Horticulture Production Trends: 2017-2022
(PDF)
The USDA agricultural census offers valuable insights into key agricultural commodities nationwide and by state. However, its data can be difficult to interpret directly. This publication provides a recent historical analysis of significant horticultural crops in Virginia, presenting USDA data in a more accessible, visual format for easier understanding and practical use.
Aug 15, 2025
SPES-723NP
Eric Stallknecht
Kaylee South
2025-26 Virginia Turfgrass Variety Recommendations
2025-26 Virginia Turfgrass Variety Recommendations
(PDF)
The turfgrass variety recommendation list provides the end user the most current varieties of named turfgrasses that have met all Virginia Crop Improvement Association requirements for turfgrass quality and have provided the best performance in field variety trials in Blacksburg, Virginia Beach, and College Park, MD. Commercially available varieties that have performed in the top statistical categories of field trials for a minimum of two years are designated as 'promising' and varieties that perform in the top statistical categories for 3 or more years receive the designation of 'recommended'.
Aug 29, 2025
SPES-727NP
Michael Goatley
Whitnee Askew
Thomas Hardiman
Selecting an Appropriate Planting Date for Winter Wheat
Selecting an Appropriate Planting Date for Winter Wheat
(PDF)
The planting date is a key component of winter wheat production in Virginia, as it can influence both early tiller development and susceptibility to damage resulting from freeze events later in the spring. Early leaf and tiller development is vital as the number of tillers per plant is a critical yield component. Developing healthy fall tillers is one of the most important aspects for high wheat yields since research has shown that tillers that develop in the fall before January 1 contribute approximately 87% of grain yield. These fall tillers produce spikes with large kernels. It takes approximately 300-400 growing degree days (GDD) for the wheat plant to produce its first tiller.
Sep 9, 2025
SPES-730NP
Joseph Oakes
Robby Longest
Limited Stream Access to Water Livestock
Limited Stream Access to Water Livestock
(HTML)
"Water Supply” was recently identified as a barrier limiting the adoption of managed grazing. This video showcases a novel method of supplying water to livestock using limited stream access. Using a combination of the location, physical layout and management of the stream access sites; cattle can drink from the streams while minimizing damage to the stream.
SPES-731NP
Bobby Clark
Darcey Bennett
Supplying Water to Livestock using Ponds
Supplying Water to Livestock using Ponds
(HTML)
"Water Supply” was recently identified as a barrier limiting the adoption of managed grazing. This video showcases a novel method of supplying water to livestock using Ponds to supply water to livestock. By using multiple ponds and managing pond access, this farmer is able to successfully use ponds to supply water to his livestock.
Sep 8, 2025
SPES-732NP
Bobby Clark
Darcey Bennett
Using Springs and Ponds to Fill Water Troughs
Using Springs and Ponds to Fill Water Troughs
(HTML)
"Water Supply” was recently identified as a barrier limiting the adoption of managed grazing. This video showcases a novel method of supplying water to livestock using Ponds and Springs to fill water toughs without the need of electricity.
Sep 8, 2025
SPES-733NP
Bobby Clark
Darcey Bennett
Does Dairy Manure Injection Affect Small-Grain Growth and Require Specialized Soil Sampling?
Does Dairy Manure Injection Affect Small-Grain Growth and Require Specialized Soil Sampling?
(PDF)
Adoption of dairy manure injection has increased recently due to cost share for the practice. Injection puts the manure in bands underneath the soil surface, leading to spatial variability in soil nitrate. This publication addresses 1) how this spatial variability impacts small grain growth, as there have been anecdotal reports of banding/ differential growth, and 2) how to take a representative soil sample for nitrate testing. This publication is based on recent Virginia research on these topics.
Oct 27, 2025
SPES-734NP
Rory Maguire
Derek Hilfiker
Preplant Control of Horseweed in Soybeans
Preplant Control of Horseweed in Soybeans
(PDF)
Horseweed (Erigeron canadensis), also known as marestail, is a troublesome weed commonly found in soybean crops in the mid-Atlantic region. This weed produces up to 200,000 seeds per plant, has become resistant to a variety of herbicides, and has a large germination window (Pittman, 2021). It is now more frequently encountered due to the increased implementation of no-till farming (Chahal & Jhala, 2019). Horseweed at 9 to 20 plants per square foot can result in a decrease in soybean yield by 71% to 98% (Bruce & Kells, 1990).
Sep 25, 2025
SPES-736NP
Jenna Beville
Michael Flessner
Virginia On-Farm Wheat Test Plots 2025
Virginia On-Farm Wheat Test Plots 2025
(PDF)
The On-Farm Wheat Variety and Research Test Plots results presented in this publication are a collaborative effort between Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) Agents and Specialists, producer-cooperators, and agribusinesses to provide research-based information and results on not only variety selection and performance, but other emerging management practices of interest through replicated on-farm trials to assist producers in making sound agronomic management decisions based on unbiased information. Introduction
Nov 7, 2025
SPES-737NP
Robby Longest
Trent Jones
Scott Reiter
Roy Flanagan
Bruce Jones
Joanne Jones
Turner Minx
Joseph Oakes
Virginia Small Grains Forage Trials, 2023
Virginia Small Grains Forage Trials, 2023
(PDF)
A forage production trial of commercial barley, oats, rye, triticale, and wheat cultivars has been conducted yearly since 1994 at the Northern Piedmont Center, Orange. Results from the 2022-23 crop season are presented in this report.
Oct 14, 2025
SPES-738NP
Caleb Bishop
Greg Lillard
Jitender Rathore
Matthew J. Wright
Olga Walsh
Virginia Small Grain Forage Trials, 2024
Virginia Small Grain Forage Trials, 2024
(PDF)
A forage production trial of commercial barley, oats, rye, triticale, and wheat cultivars has been conducted yearly since 1994 at the Northern Piedmont Center, Orange, VA. Results from the 2023-24 crop season are presented in this report.
Oct 9, 2025
SPES-739NP
Caleb Bishop
Greg Lillard
Jitender Rathore
Matthew J. Wright
Olga Walsh
Virginia Corn Hybrid Trials in 2024
Virginia Corn Hybrid Trials in 2024
(PDF)
The 2024 Virginia performance trials of commercial corn (Zea mays L.) hybrids were conducted at six dryland locations; Blacksburg, Montgomery Co., Holland, Nansemond Co. Blackstone, Nottoway Co., Orange, Orange Co., Mt. Holly, Westmoreland Co., Shenandoah, Page Co., and one irrigated location - Mt. Holly, Westmoreland Co. At all locations, corn was planted with a Wintersteiger PlotKing 2600 planter (Wintersteiger Inc., Salt Lake City, UT). At all locations, corn was harvested at maturity with a Massey-Ferguson 8XP plot combine harvester (Massey Ferugson, Duluth, GA). Plot grain weights (lb/ac), grain test weight (lb/bu), grain moisture (%) were measured with a GrainGage® by HarvestMaster (Juniper Systems, Logan, UT, USA). Plot grain weights have been adjusted to a standardized moisture content of 15.5%. Days to maturity provided by company; differences in maturity rating methods may exist between companies.
Dec 18, 2025
SPES-741NP
Caleb Bishop
Jitender Rathore
Aarati Khulal
Sheetal Kumari
Matthew J. Wright
Olga Walsh
Virginia Small Grain Official Variety Trials, 2023
Virginia Small Grain Official Variety Trials, 2023
(PDF)
This report presents results from barley and wheat trials conducted in Virginia in 2022-2023. In Virginia, small grain cultivar performance trials are conducted each year by the Virginia Tech School of Plant and Environmental Sciences and the Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station. The trials provide information to assist Virginia Cooperative Extension Service agents in formulating cultivar recommendations for small grain producers and to companies developing cultivars and/or marketing seed within the state. Yield data are reported for individual locations, and across locations and years. Performance of a given variety often varies widely over locations and years which makes multiple location-year averages a more reliable indication of expected performance than data from a single year or location. Details about management practices for barley and wheat are listed for each experiment location.
Nov 11, 2025
SPES-742NP
Nicholas Santantonio
Caleb Bishop
Limei Liu
John Seago
Felipe Sabadin
Aarati Khulal
Sheetal Kumari
Jitender Rathore
Matthew J. Wright
Olga Walsh
Temporary Grassing Options for Winter Soil Stabilization
Temporary Grassing Options for Winter Soil Stabilization
(PDF)
Soil disturbance in the winter often accompanies construction projects, resulting in an increased likelihood of soil erosion when turfgrasses cannot be established due to the low temperatures. However, small grains such as cereal rye, wheat, and barley provide the capability of establishing a vegetative canopy during the coldest times of the year, thus stabilizing soil and still allowing for the overseeding of perennial turfgrasses the following spring.
Nov 12, 2025
SPES-743NP
Michael Goatley
Virginia Small Grain Official Variety Trials, 2025
Virginia Small Grain Official Variety Trials, 2025
(PDF)
This report presents results from barley and wheat trials conducted in Virginia in 2023-2024. In Virginia, small grain cultivar performance trials are conducted each year by the Virginia Tech School of Plant and Environmental Sciences and the Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station. The trials provide information to assist Virginia Cooperative Extension Service agents in formulating cultivar recommendations for small grain producers and to companies developing cultivars and/or marketing seed within the state. Yield data are reported for individual locations, and across locations and years. Performance of a given variety often varies widely over locations and years which makes multiple location-year averages a more reliable indication of expected performance than data from a single year or location.
Dec 18, 2025
SPES-746NP
Nicholas Santantonio
Limei Liu
Alexis Perry
John Seago
Joseph Oakes
Caleb Bishop
Olga Walsh
How Drones (UAVs) Are Helpful in Today’s Agricultural Practices
How Drones (UAVs) Are Helpful in Today’s Agricultural Practices
(PDF)
UAVs, also called drones, are emerging as a significant asset in the agricultural sector, supporting a range of applications that can enhance productivity and streamline farm management. This publication outlines several key uses of drones in Virginia agriculture.
Nov 21, 2025
SPES-747NP
Jitender Rathore
Aarati Khulal
Sheetal Kumari
Olga Walsh
Selecting Turfgrass for Virginia
Selecting Turfgrass for Virginia
(PDF)
There is typically no such thing as a 'best' turfgrass for a lawn in Virginia. The challenge arises due to the extreme variability of our transition zone climate with hot summers and cold winters. However, considering your geographic location and its climate, your intended use of a lawn and expectations for its visual quality, and the relative strengths and weaknesses of the eight grasses that can be grown in the state, a homeowner can make an informed decision regarding the best grass selection for their particular site and use characteristics.
Oct 24, 2025
SPES-748NP
Michael Goatley
Adam Nichols
Identifying Water Stress in Container-Grown Plants
Identifying Water Stress in Container-Grown Plants
(PDF)
Nursery operations are diverse in that they produce a wide variety of species and cultivars. Despite this diversity, it is a standard practice for outdoor nurseries to use a single substrate composite or unique blend for most of their nursery stock grown. This can be problematic considering different nursery stock can contain a range of water-use requirements and are often placed within the same irrigation zone. Thus, water-related stress imposes challenges in production, resource use, and plant quality. Identifying water use and related stress across nursery stock is important in mitigating plant stress and to produce quality crops more efficiently.
Jan 13, 2026
SPES-749P
Kristopher S. Criscione
Measuring Nursery Plant Water Use in Containers
Measuring Nursery Plant Water Use in Containers
(PDF)
Nursery operations are diverse in that they produce a wide variety of species and cultivars. Despite this diversity, it is a standard practice for outdoor nurseries to use a single substrate composite or unique blend for most of their nursery stock grown. This can be problematic considering different nursery stock can contain a range of water-use requirements and are often placed within the same irrigation zone. Thus, water-related stress imposes challenges in production, resource use, and plant quality. Identifying water use and related stress across nursery stock is important in mitigating plant stress and to produce quality crops more efficiently.
Jan 13, 2026
SPES-750P
Kristopher S. Criscione
What is Controlled Environment Agriculture?
What is Controlled Environment Agriculture?
(PDF)
Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA) is a multidisciplinary and technology-based approach to crop production under targeted environmental conditions to optimize plant growth, quality, and resource efficiency. This article introduces the fundamentals of CEA, including its historical development, common structures, and soilless systems such as hydroponics. It explores key environmental factors managed in CEA, including light, temperature, humidity, irrigation, and CO₂, and highlights the diverse crops grown, from food and ornamentals to medicinal plants. Readers will gain insight into the advantages of CEA, including climate resilience, sustainability, and market opportunities, as well as challenges such as energy demand and high start-up costs. Finally, the article discusses future directions, emphasizing innovation, workforce development, and collaboration to ensure profitability and environmental stewardship in CEA systems.
Feb 6, 2026
SPES-751NP
Mitchell Doss
Kaylee South
Michael R. Evans
Michael R. Evans
When to Fly a Drone for Accurate Corn Yield Potential Prediction
When to Fly a Drone for Accurate Corn Yield Potential Prediction
(PDF)
Accurate yield potential prediction helps to understand crop responses to different environmental factors, supports informed decisions for farmers. Knowing anticipated yield levels enables growers to optimize resource allocation, improve management practices, and plan harvest. It helps to guide crop insurance and marketing activities, and aids in securing better financial opportunities. This publication provides guidance on using drones for yield potential prediction in corn.
SPES-752NP
Aarati Khulal
Olga Walsh
Virginia Soybean Variety Performance Tests 2025
Virginia Soybean Variety Performance Trials 2025
(PDF)
A summary of the soybean official variety trials (OVT) conducted by the Virginia Tech soybean agronomy team in 2025, providing unbiased performance data of commercially available soybean varieties.
Dec 15, 2025
SPES-753NP
Carrie Ortel
Erin Myers
Christopher Buck
Virginia Corn Silage Trials, 2025
Virginia Corn Silage Trials, 2025
(PDF)
This report presents an annual summary of corn silage hybrids testing in Virginia.
Dec 19, 2025
SPES-754NP
Caleb Bishop
Olga Walsh
European Apple Canker caused by Neonectria ditissima
European Apple Canker caused by Neonectria ditissima
(PDF)
European canker, caused by the fungal pathogen Neonectria ditissima (Tul. & C. Tul.), is one of the most destructive diseases of apple (Malus domestica) that has been a significant issue in Canada, Europe and New Zealand. The disease leads to branch dieback, reduced yields, and significant orchard losses in regions with cool, wet climates. In Virginia and across the Mid-Atlantic, conditions can favor the establishment of this pathogen, especially in high-density orchards and at higher altitudes. Despite decades of study, N. ditissima remains challenging to manage due to its long latent infection period, ability to infect a wide range of wounds and hosts, and production of multiple spore types throughout the year.
Jan 23, 2026
SPES-755NP
Matheus Correa Borba
Srdjan Acimovic
Introduction to Microgreen Production in Indoor Vertical Farms and Greenhouses
Introduction to Microgreen Production in Indoor Vertical Farms and Greenhouses
(PDF)
Microgreens are nutrient-dense, flavorful crops harvested between the sprout and baby green stages and are well-suited for production in controlled environment agriculture (CEA) systems such as indoor vertical farms and greenhouses. This publication outlines key production practices, including environmental management (light, temperature, humidity, CO₂), system and substrate selection, irrigation, fertilization, sanitation, and integrated pest management. It also provides a sowing-to-harvest, market considerations, economic planning for commercial production, and at-home gardening applications. Microgreens offer rapid crop cycles, high nutritional value, and diverse culinary applications, presenting opportunities for profitable production in CEA.
Jan 30, 2026
SPES-756NP
Kaylee South
Grayson Snead
John Roark
Michael R. Evans
Amy Turner
Virginia Corn Hybrid Trials in 2025
Virginia Corn Hybrid Trials in 2025
(PDF)
The 2025 Virginia performance trials of commercial corn (Zea mays L.) hybrids were conducted at six dryland locations; Blacksburg, Montgomery Co., Holland, Nansemond Co. Blackstone, Nottoway Co., Orange, Orange Co., Painter, Accomack Co., Mt. Holly, Westmoreland Co., Shenandoah, Page Co., and one irrigated location - Mt. Holly, Westmoreland Co.
Dec 22, 2025
SPES-758NP
Caleb Bishop
Jitender Rathore
Sheetal Kumari
Matthew J. Wright
Olga Walsh
Virginia On-Farm Soybean Research 2025
Virginia On-Farm Soybean Research 2025
(PDF)
These demonstration and research results are a collaborative effort of Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) Agents and Specialists, Virginia producers, and agribusiness. The purpose of this publication is to provide research-based information to aid in the decision-making process for soybean producers in Virginia. It provides an unbiased evaluation of varieties, management practices, and new technologies through on-farm replicated research using producer equipment and time. These experiments enable producers to make better management decisions based on research and provide greater opportunities to improve yields and profits, which improves quality of life for them and their families.
Jan 7, 2026
SPES-761NP
Scott Reiter
Stephanie Romelczyk
Taylor Clarke
Elizabeth Cooper
Helene Doughty
Roy Flanagan
Joanne Jones
Frank Long
Robby Longest
Nathan Sedghi
Joseph Oakes
Carrie Ortel
Soybean Variety Selection Tool
Soybean Variety Selection Tool
(HTML)
The relative yield data includes the official variety trials (OVT) and on-farm variety trials of the current year. OVT data is from replicated, small-plot research conducted on VT experiment stations across the state. On-farm variety trials are not replicated at each site but are grown in large strip plots on farmer fields across the state. Soybean Variety Selection Tool assists in choosing high-performing cultivars tailored to local conditions.
Jan 8, 2026
SPES-762NP
Carrie Ortel
Chris Mitchell
Erin Myers
Suzanne Pruitt
2025 Virginia On-Farm Corn Research
On Farm Corn Research 2025
(PDF)
The research and demonstration plots discussed in this publication are a cooperative effort by Virginia Cooperative Extension employees, Virginia Tech and Virginia State University, numerous producers, and many members of the Virginia agribusiness community. The fieldwork and printing of this publication are mainly supported by the Virginia Corn Check-Off Fund through the Virginia Corn Board. This is the forty-second year of this multi-county cooperative project. Further work is planned for 2026. Anyone who would like a physical copy of this publication should contact their local extension office, who can request a copy from the VCE Northumberland County Office.
Jan 22, 2026
SPES-763NP
Trent Jones
Robby Longest
Stephanie Romelczyk
Scott Reiter
Roy Flanagan
Frank Long
Taylor Clarke
Bruce Jones
Joanne Jones
Nathan Sedghi
Turner Minx
Andrea Slye
Greg Lillard
Joseph Oakes
Carrie Ortel
Makenzie VanLandingham
Caleb Bishop
W. Hunter Frame
Virginia Horticulture Specialist Team
Virginia Horticulture Specialist Team
(PDF)
The horticulture specialist team involves a state-wide network of individuals with expertise across multiple horticulture-related topics. We are committed to assisting the Virginia horticulture industry and homeowners in managing or producing high-quality horticultural products that are grown sustainably, efficiently, and safely. The team conducts applied research experiments that are industry-relevant, and we present this information to the industry in the form of extension articles, trade-magazines, workshops, and in-service trainings to homeowners, growers, and Agriculture and Natural Resource (ANR) Extension agents. Below is a complied resource of Virginia horticulture-related specialists separated by topic areas.
Feb 10, 2026
SPES-764NP
Kristopher S. Criscione
Eric Stallknecht
Kaylee South
From the Ground Up: Tips for Planning Your Spring Garden
From the Ground Up: Tips for Planning Your Spring Garden
(HTML)
Garden planting may begin in the spring, but garden planning starts in the winter. Virginia Cooperative Extension's Ed Olsen, along with Hanover Extension Master Gardener Josh Cosby, shares expert advice on how to prepare for successful spring planting in this From the Ground Up segment.
Feb 9, 2026
SPES-770-1NP
Ed Olsen
From the Ground Up: Building Raised Garden Beds
From the Ground Up: Building Raised Garden Beds
(HTML)
Cold weather slowing down your garden plans? Ed Olsen with Virginia Cooperative Extension and Noel Talcott, Extension Master Gardener, share a winter project: Building raised garden beds indoors so you’re ready for spring. It’s easy, affordable and a great way to stay connected to gardening during the colder months.
Feb 24, 2026
SPES-770-2NP
Edward Olsen
From the Ground Up: Integrated Pest Management
From the Ground Up: Integrated Pest Management
(HTML)
Spring gardening is here—but so are the pests. Ed Olsen and Alejandro Del Pozo with Virginia Cooperative Extension demonstrate how Integrated Pest Management can help you tackle insects. Learn simple steps to protect your garden and keep plants thriving, in From the Ground Up.
Mar 31, 2026
SPES-770-3NP
Edward Olsen
Tobacco Rattle Virus (TRV) on Ornamental Plants
Tobacco Rattle Virus (TRV) on Ornamental Plants
(PDF)
Tobacco rattle virus (TRV) is a plant virus with a large host range (>400 plant species), including many ornamental plants, vegetables, field crops and weed hosts (Table 1). TRV’s host range includes many popular ornamental plants, such as aster, bigleaf hydrangea, bleeding heart, hosta, peony, and petunia, which makes TRV a serious concern for ornamental plant growers and the horticulture industry.
Feb 16, 2026
SPES-774NP
Kameron Kilday
Lina Rodriguez Salamanca
Elizabeth Bush
Fire Blight of Rosaceous plants Caused by Erwinia amylovora
Fire Blight of Rosaceous plants Caused by Erwinia amylovora
(PDF)
Fire blight is one of the most damaging bacterial diseases that affects major pome fruit trees, causing high economic losses. It was first noticed in the Hudson Valley up-state New York in 1780 and has spread to the entire North American continent since then. It is endemic to Virginia consistently threatening apple and pear orchards across the state. The causal agent of this detrimental disease is a Gram-negative rod-shaped bacterium Erwinia amylovora. The most distinctive symptoms of the disease include wilting and blackening of flowers, shoots, twigs and foliage that appear as if it has been swept by fire, giving rise to the name ‘fire blight’. The principal pome fruits affected are from the Rosaceae family, such as apple (Malus x domestica), pear (Pyrus communis), Asian pear (P. pyrifolia), and quince (Cydonia oblonga). The fire blight pathogen overwinters primarily inside cankers on infected host plants, which are dead elliptical to irregular patches of bark on perennial wood of branches, central leader, trunk or rootstock. The bacteria spread from active symptoms on the plant or contaminated flowers through non-pollinating and pollinating insects, birds, wind and rain during the flowering and shoot growth periods. E. amylovora primarily enters host plants through nectarthodes (nectaries) of flowers, with mechanical openings like pruning wounds, breakage or abrasions serving as additional important infection pathway. Fire blight outbreaks significantly devalue the orchard, interrupts fruit production and/or reduces the crop yield and price, leading to severe economic losses. Several cultural and chemical management practices have been adopted to manage the pathogen. However, in the last 20 years, managing fire blight has been challenging due to frequently occurring favorable weather conditions during bloom and shoot growth, thus propelling multiple infection periods which are difficult to prevent.
Mar 19, 2026
SPES-778NP
Srdjan Acimovic
Matheus Correa Borba
Nathanial Boeckman
Shabneek Kaur
Kyle Miller
Calonectria blight of containerized nandina nursery stock
Calonectria blight of containerized nandina nursery stock
(PDF)
Calonectria diseases cause significant economic losses in the ornamental horticultural industry worldwide (Aiello et al. 2022). In 2024 and 2025, Calonectria spp. were isolated from leaf spots, stem cankers, stem dieback, and necrotic roots of containerized Nandina domestica (nandina/heavenly bamboo) nursery stock from 11 nurseries in 11 Virginia counties. The fungus was confirmed from 7 N. domestica cultivars: Blush Pink, Fire Power, Gulf Stream, Harbour Dwarf, Lemon Lime, Moon Bay, and Obsession.
Mar 6, 2026
SPES-784NP
Bily Devin
Chuanxue Hong
Lina Rodriguez Salamanca
Kameron Kilday
Herbicide Plant-Back and Postemergence Restrictions for Forage Crops
Herbicide Plant-Back and Postemergence Restrictions for Forage Crops
(PDF)
A series of charts summarizing label and manufacturer guidelines for plantback and early postemergence restrictions when establishing various forage crops.
Apr 20, 2026
SPES-786NP
Matt Booher
2025 Official Cotton Variety Testing and On-Farm Results
2025 Official Cotton Variety Testing and On-Farm Results
(PDF)
The official cotton variety testing program (OVT) evaluates the performance of commercial and experimental cotton varieties. This publication is the 2025 results for the Official Variety Testing Program and On-Farm Testing Program.
Mar 3, 2026
SPES-787NP
W. Hunter Frame
Guy “Allen” Savage, Jr.
Janessa Fiorenza
Brandt Tate
Weed Management Strategies in Potato
Weed Management Strategies in Potato
(PDF)
The Accomack and Northampton counties in the Eastern Shore of Virginia produce about 80% of Virginia’s total potato crop (Northampton County, 2023). Keeping the weeds under check is one of most important prerequisites in achieving satisfactory potato yields. Weed infestation and herbicide resistance are continuously haunting the growers owing to the lesser number of viable herbicide options than before. The menace of weeds in the upcoming season depends to a larger extent on the practices being followed over the previous years and can be prevented by certain practices planned well in advance.
Mar 18, 2026
SPES-791NP
Akash Brar
Vijay Singh
Corn Wireworms
Corn Wireworms
(PDF)
Wireworms are the larval stage of click beetles and major subterranean pests that damage crops including corn, potatoes, and small grains. Corn wireworms, including Melanotus communis, are common to the southeastern United States and feed on seeds, roots, and other underground portions of plants, causing poor plant establishment and reduced crop quality. Their multi-year larval stage and soil-dwelling behavior make monitoring and control difficult, though bait and pheromone traps can help to assess populations. Management relies on tillage practices, limited biological controls, and preventative insecticide treatments. Newer insecticide chemistries show promise, but their long-term effectiveness and risks are still being evaluated.
Apr 22, 2026
SPES-806NP
Hannah Swarm
Thomas P. Kuhar
No-Till Seeding of Forage Grasses and Legumes
No-Till Seeding of Forage Grasses and Legumes
(PDF)
No-till seeding has become accepted practice for establishing forage grasses and legumes for a number of reasons. Foremost among these is that no-till management helps keep soils in place. Tilling soils to create a seedbed for new forage stands greatly increases the risk of soil erosion during the establishment period.
Oct 3, 2024
SPES-92P
J.H. Fike
Michael Flessner
VCE AG Today: Soybean pest update
VCE AG Today: Soybean pest update
(HTML)
Feb 13, 2022
VCE-1027-57NP
Sally V. Taylor
David Langston
VCE AG Today: Small Grain Preplant Considerations
VCE AG Today: Small Grain Preplant Considerations
(HTML)
Feb 11, 2022
VCE-1027-58NP
Wade E. Thomason
VCE AG Today: Soybean Variety Selection Tool
VCE AG Today: Soybean Variety Selection Tool
(HTML)
Feb 10, 2022
VCE-1027-59NP
David Holshouser
VCE AG Today: Tips For Starting the Vegetable Season off Right
VCE AG Today: Tips For Starting the Vegetable Season off Right
(HTML)
Feb 10, 2022
VCE-1027-62NP
Emmanuel Torres Quezada
VCE Ag Today: Soil Amendments —Poultry Litter
Video
(HTML)
Apr 12, 2021
VCE-1027-29NP
Mark Reiter
Laura Maxey-Nay
Robby Longest
Stephanie Romelczyk
Trent Jones
Mike Broaddus
VCE Ag Today: Small Grains Update
Video
(HTML)
May 7, 2021
VCE-1027-41NP
Wade E. Thomason
Laura Maxey-Nay
Robby Longest
Stephanie Romelczyk
Trent Jones
Mike Broaddus
VCE Ag Today: Grow Award - Winning Hay
Video
(HTML)
May 5, 2021
VCE-1027-47NP
Katie Payne
Laura Maxey-Nay
Robby Longest
Stephanie Romelczyk
Trent Jones
Mike Broaddus
VCE Ag Today: Virginia Pesticide Collection Programs
Video
(HTML)
Nov 10, 2021
VCE-1027-52NP
Jeffrey Rogers
Robby Longest
Stephanie Romelczyk
Trent Jones
VCE Ag Today: Weed Control in Pastures
Video
(HTML)
Nov 10, 2021
VCE-1027-55NP
Michael Flessner
Stephanie Romelczyk
Robby Longest
Trent Jones
VCE Ag Today: Post-plant Strawberry Disease Management in Fall and Winter
Video
(HTML)
Nov 10, 2021
VCE-1027-56NP
Jayesh Samtani
Stephanie Romelczyk
Robby Longest
Trent Jones
Building Your Extension Career: Preparing for Applications and Interviews
Building Your Extension Career: Preparing for Applications and Interviews
(PDF)
Extension offers many paths to leadership at the district and state level. This publication is based on an online seminar with experienced Extension professionals sharing their insights, tips, and experiences applying and interviewing for various district and state roles. The information below is derived from that conversation and is intended to offer strategies and advice for district and state level applications and interviews.
Sep 5, 2025
VCE-1223NP
Sarah Baughman
Bethany Eigel
Daniel L. Goerlich
Jeremy Johnson
Lonnie Johnson
Morris White
Building Your Extension Career: Preparing for Opportunities
Building Your Extension Career: Preparing for Opportunities
(PDF)
Extension offers many paths to leadership at the district and state level. This publication is based on an online seminar with experienced Extension professionals sharing their insights, tips, and encouragement for exploring leadership opportunities in Extension. The information below is derived from that conversation and is intended to be a starting point for thinking about opportunities to stretch your leadership skills and potentially take on formal leadership roles.
Sep 3, 2025
VCE-1224NP
Sarah Baughman
Ed Olsen
Kathryn Strong
Alyssa Walden

Tags | VCE Publications | Virginia Tech