Written by Amy Loeffler
Virginia Tech will host a Precision Agriculture Day on Oct. 12 at Kentland Farm in Blacksburg from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Participants will have the opportunity to get answers to common questions about the benefits of precision agriculture and learn how they can establish cost-effective technologies on their farms.
Precision agriculture is becoming increasingly utilized — and economical — in recent years as producers use technology such as iPads, GPS, and variable rate equipment to increase yields and inform management decisions.
Registration information for the event, which costs $10, can be found online. Kentland Farm is about 8 minutes from the Virginia Tech campus at 5250 Whitethorne Road.
Farm Bureau and America’s livestock and poultry producers got some great news late last week. A federal appeals court agreed with us in a lawsuit filed against EPA over the agency’s release of farmers’ and ranchers’ personal information—details such as home address, GPS coordinates, telephone numbers and email addresses. About three years ago, EPA released the information about farmers and ranchers in 29 states. The release was in response to a Freedom of Information Act request by three activist groups. Farm Bureau and the National Pork Producers Council objected and sued, calling the release “an unwarranted invasion of personal privacy.”
Virginia Farm Bureau Federation
Virginia Tech will hold an open house Oct. 29 for students interested in the Agricultural Technology Program in its College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
Governor Terry McAuliffe announced today that the Virginia Department of Forestry (DOF) will receive increased funding to support two vital forestry programs – the Reforestation of Timberlands (RT) program and the fire suppression program. Investments in both programs solidify Virginia’s commitment to the Virginia forestry industry which contributes more than $17 billion to the Commonwealth’s economy and supports more than 103,000 jobs in Virginia.
The new owners of an ethanol plant are convinced that the third time’s a charm.
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Today’s farmers and ranchers are accustomed to wearing a lot of hats, juggling a variety of roles to meet the demands of 21st-century agriculture. Mindy McCroskey of Bristol, Virginia, is a good example of this multi-tasking trend. To hear her tell it, she’s just doing what comes naturally.
Farmers’ Almanac, in partnership with AFBF, has announced its search for three farmers or ranchers to be recognized as “Farmers’ Almanac Farmer of the Year.” The contest, announced in the special 200th Collector’s Edition of the 2017 Farmers’ Almanac, seeks to recognize and share the dedication, hard work and contributions farmers make to our world and society. Stories of outstanding individuals who work hard to bring food to our tables are sought.