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.
The program was created to offer hands-on experience utilizing state-of-the art equipment and facilities, a practical education that enables you to “hit the ground running,” and gain industry experience with a required internship. Students who successfully complete the two-year program earn an associate’s degree, and they can specialize in applied agricultural management or landscape and turf management.
Ag Tech Program students use the same campus, labs, farms and other resources as students enrolled in four-year programs. Typically 95 percent of graduates find employment in their fields of interest within six months of earning their degrees.
The open house is 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m. at Litton Reaves Hall. A free lunch will be provided at West End Market (the first true marketplace-style dining operation on a university campus in the United States). More information can be found atwww.dining.vt.edu/centers/westend/west_end.html.
Please register at www.agtech.vt.edu or email agtech@vt.edu
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.
Farmers in Virginia have been dealing with an increasing regulatory burden from federal agencies, particularly in the Chesapeake Bay region. Arkansas Farm Bureau’s environmental issues committee traveled to Virginia recently to see first-hand how farmers and ranchers there are responding to the regulatory challenges. In this conversation, Wilmer Stoneman, associate director of Governmental Affairs for Virginia Farm Bureau explains how Arkansas farmers and ranchers may prepare in the event they face similar regulatory issues in the future. Click here to listen: 
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.
By Zippy Duvall
From the Field is an occasional column written by Mark Campbell, Farm Bureau Field Services Director for the Central District. He writes about Farm Bureau member benefits and County Farm Bureau activities.
In honor of the retirement of Virginia Farm Bureau’s Senior Agriculture Market Analyst Jonah Bowles, we are posting his collection of jokes that have started each Commodity Comments newsletter since its start in 2000.
Plows and Politics 