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Virginia Invests $890K in Rural Large Animal Veterinary Services

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Rural communities across Virginia are about to see a boost in veterinary availability for their livestock, poultry and horses. Seven veterinarians have been awarded grants totaling $890,000 to expand critical services that keep farms running and rural economies thriving.

Addressing a Critical Shortage

The shortage of large animal veterinarians isn’t just a Virginia problem—it’s a nationwide crisis affecting animal health, farm operations, food safety and agricultural economies from coast to coast, and Virginia is taking decisive action.

Through a newly launched partnership between the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) and the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission (TRRC), the commonwealth is making a strategic investment in the veterinary professionals who serve its agricultural backbone.

The Large Animal Veterinary Grant Program, which opened on July 1, 2025, attracted 43 applications from veterinarians across the state—clear evidence of both the demand for support and the commitment of practitioners to serve rural areas.

Making a Real Difference

VDACS awarded four grants of up to $110,000 each, while TRRC provided three grants of $150,000 to veterinarians serving Southern and Southwest Virginia. The funds will support everything from opening standalone clinics and haul-in facilities to purchasing equipment, hiring technicians and even paying down student loans.

“We are committed in the commonwealth to helping large animal veterinarians succeed, so they can continue providing such vital services to our farmers and rural communities,” said Dr. Charlie Broaddus, VDACS State Veterinarian.

The 2025 Grant Recipients

VDACS Large Animal Veterinary Grant Recipients:

  • Dr. Nathaniel Burke, Luray
  • Dr. James Cassell, Galax
  • Dr. Keagan Clevenger, Rockbridge Baths
  • Dr. Sherri Gard, Suffolk

TRRC Large Animal Veterinary Incentive Program Recipients:

  • Dr. Travis Gilmer, Scott County
  • Dr. Mary Tomlinson, Galax
  • Dr. Suzanne Newcombe, Gretna

Why This Matters

For farmers who depend on healthy livestock for their livelihoods, access to veterinary care isn’t a luxury—it’s essential. When animals get sick or injured, quick access to skilled veterinary care can mean the difference between a minor setback and a devastating loss.

TRRC Chairman Delegate Will Morefield emphasized the economic importance of this initiative: “Livestock, especially cattle, are the primary drivers of the agricultural economy of Southern and Southwest Virginia. This is a prime example of the Commission listening to our producers and the communities we serve and utilizing our unique flexibility to generate solutions that will make a real difference.”

A Collaborative Effort

The program reflects a truly collaborative approach to solving agricultural challenges. Recipients were selected by a diverse panel including representatives from TRRC, Virginia Farm Bureau, Virginia Board of Veterinary Medicine, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Academy of Food Animal Practitioners and the Virginia Veterinary Medical Association.

Virginia Farm Bureau President Scott Sink noted the organization’s role in bringing the program to life: “Farmers have long struggled with a shortage of large animal vets—and we’ve been working hard to change that. Partnering with Senator Travis Hackworth and Delegate Alfonso Lopez, we helped create a grant program to support these vital professionals.”

Looking Ahead

The grants will be distributed over multiple years, ensuring veterinarians can build sustainable practices and remain committed to their communities for the long term. This strategic approach recognizes that solving the rural veterinary shortage requires more than one-time funding—it requires creating conditions where practices can thrive.

As Virginia continues to support its agricultural sector, this investment in large animal veterinary services represents a crucial step toward ensuring farmers have the resources they need to keep their operations healthy and productive for generations to come.

Virginia’s AFID Infrastructure Grant Program: Fall Applications Now Open

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Virginia’s small-scale farmers and local food producers have a new opportunity to strengthen their operations through the Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development (AFID) Infrastructure Grant program. The fall application period opened on October 1 and runs through October 31, 2025, at 5 p.m.

Supporting Local Food Systems

Since its creation in 2021, the AFID Infrastructure Grant program has been a vital resource for communities looking to invest in their local agricultural infrastructure. Administered by the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS), the program focuses on supporting locally identified investments that help small farmers and food producers scale their businesses while benefiting the broader community.

What Projects Qualify?

To be eligible for funding, projects must directly support local food production and forestry while demonstrating clear community-wide benefits. The program prioritizes infrastructure investments in:

  • Food hubs (new and existing facilities)
  • Farmers markets
  • Commercial kitchens
  • Value-added processing facilities for meats, dairy, produce, and other Virginia-grown products
  • Packaging and processing infrastructure

Grant funds are intended primarily for capital expenditures, with a maximum award of $50,000 per project.

Who Can Apply?

Applications must come from a political subdivision of the Commonwealth, including:

  • Counties
  • Cities
  • Towns
  • Industrial and economic development authorities
  • Planning district commissions

However, localities are strongly encouraged to collaborate with small farmers, food producers, local food systems advocates, and other stakeholders interested in building robust local food and farming infrastructure. This collaborative approach ensures that funded projects truly meet the needs of the communities they serve.

Matching Requirements

This competitive grant program requires an equal cash match from the applying locality. Recognizing the challenges faced by some communities, the program offers reduced matching requirements for economically distressed localities, making the grants more accessible across Virginia.

Application Timeline

The AFID Infrastructure Grant program operates on a bi-annual cycle with two funding rounds each fiscal year:

  • Fall Round: Applications due October 31; awards announced by December 31
  • Spring Round: Awards announced by June 30

With the fall deadline rapidly approaching, interested localities should begin coordinating with local agricultural stakeholders now to develop strong applications that showcase community need and impact.

Why This Matters

Virginia’s agricultural sector continues to be a cornerstone of the state’s economy and rural communities. By investing in infrastructure that helps small producers access processing facilities, reach customers through farmers markets, and add value to their products, the AFID program strengthens the entire local food system. These investments create jobs, keep food dollars circulating in local economies, and ensure that Virginia-grown products can reach consumers more efficiently.

Get Started

For more information about the AFID Infrastructure Grant program, eligibility requirements, or the application process, contact:

Joyce Blankenship
Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
Phone: 804.786.1906
Email: joyce.blankenship@vdacs.virginia.gov

Don’t miss this opportunity to invest in your community’s agricultural future. The October 31 deadline will be here before you know it.

Your Voice in Agriculture: Nominations Open for USDA Farm Service Agency County Committees

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Agricultural producers across the nation have a unique opportunity to shape how federal farm programs are delivered in their communities. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) is now accepting nominations for farmers and ranchers to serve on local county committees, and the deadline is approaching fast.

Why County Committees Matter

FSA county committees aren’t just administrative bodies; they’re the backbone of local agricultural decision-making. These committees have real power to influence how disaster recovery, conservation, commodity support, and price support programs are implemented in your area. They also make decisions about county office employment and tackle other pressing agricultural issues that directly affect your operation.

With more than 7,700 dedicated agriculture community members currently serving nationwide, these committees represent the voice of local producers in federal program administration. It’s democracy in action at the grassroots level of American agriculture.

Who Can Serve?

The eligibility requirements are straightforward and designed to be inclusive:

You can be nominated if you:

  • Participate in or cooperate with a USDA program
  • Live in a Local Administrative Area (LAA) that’s up for election this year

Don’t worry if you’ve never received program benefits—being a “cooperating producer” simply means you’ve provided information about your farming or ranching operation to FSA. This broad definition ensures that producers at all levels of engagement can participate.

The Nomination Process Made Simple

Getting involved is easier than you might think. Here’s what you need to know:

Who Can Nominate:

  • You can nominate yourself
  • You can nominate other qualified producers
  • Qualifying organizations can also submit nominations

Key Requirements:

  • Complete and sign FSA Form 669A
  • Ensure the form is postmarked or received by your local FSA office by August 1, 2025
  • Be registered with your local FSA office

The USDA actively encourages all eligible producers to participate—whether that’s nominating candidates, voting in elections, or serving in office themselves.

Understanding Local Administrative Areas

Local Administrative Areas (LAAs) are the electoral districts for FSA committees. These can cover:

  • Single counties
  • Multi-county jurisdictions
  • Urban or suburban focused areas

Not every LAA holds elections each year, so your first step should be contacting your local FSA office to determine if your area is up for election in 2025. You can also use the geographic information system locator tool at fsa.usda.gov/elections to find your specific LAA.

Urban and Suburban Agriculture Gets a Voice

The FSA recognizes that agriculture isn’t limited to rural areas. Urban county committees specifically focus on promoting urban, indoor, and other emerging agricultural production practices. These committees serve 27 cities nationwide and work to:

  • Provide outreach to urban producers about USDA programs
  • Serve as advocates for urban agricultural communities
  • Assist in implementing programs that meet the unique needs of urban farming operations

Urban producers elect their own committee members, ensuring that the specific challenges and opportunities of urban agriculture are properly represented.

What Committee Service Involves

Serving on an FSA county committee is a significant commitment that offers real influence over agricultural policy implementation. Committee members serve three-year terms on panels that range from three to 11 members, depending on the size and needs of the area.

The role involves regular meetings, program oversight, and serving as a liaison between local producers and federal agricultural agencies. It’s an opportunity to directly impact how programs are administered in your community while gaining valuable insights into agricultural policy and program management.

Take Action Now

With the August 1 deadline approaching, interested producers should act quickly. Here’s your action plan:

  1. Contact your local FSA office to confirm your LAA is holding elections this year
  2. Register with FSA if you haven’t already
  3. Obtain and complete FSA Form 669A
  4. Submit your nomination before the August 1 deadline

Remember, election ballots will be mailed to eligible voters in November 2025, so the nomination period is your chance to ensure qualified candidates are on the ballot.

More Resources

For additional information about FSA county committee elections, nomination forms, and to access the LAA locator tool, visit fsa.usda.gov/elections. Urban agriculture information is also available at farmers.gov/urban.

Your local USDA Service Center can provide personalized guidance about the nomination process and answer questions about serving on county committees.

The Bottom Line

Agricultural producers have a voice in how federal farm programs are administered—but only if they choose to use it. Whether you’re interested in serving yourself or know someone who would make an excellent committee member, the nomination process is your opportunity to strengthen agricultural representation in your community.

Don’t let this chance pass by. Get involved, nominate qualified candidates, and help ensure that local agricultural voices are heard in federal program administration.

Virginia Farm Bureau statement on MAHA Commission initial assessment

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The following is a statement from Virginia Farm Bureau President Scott Sink, regarding the release of the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) Commission initial assessment on May 22, 2025.

Virginia’s farmers share the White House’s vision for a healthier America, and we recognize that healthy meals start with healthy farms. However, we’re troubled by the MAHA Commission’s initial opinion-based findings and their potential impact on our farm families who have fed this nation for generations.

Our farmers don’t just grow food—they grow their legacies. They live on the land they farm, raise their children there, and work every day to pass healthy soil and thriving operations on to the next generation. Their livelihood depends on growing nutritious food sustainably. While the MAHA Commission questions some aspects of modern farming practices, farmers have the strongest incentive to protect both their land and their families’ health. They wouldn’t use tools or methods that jeopardize either their family’s safety or their farm’s future productivity.

As a farmer, I can confidently say that farmers share the goal of improving health outcomes in America. They’re dedicated to continuous improvement, guided by sound agricultural and livestock practices and technological advancements that keep our food supply safe, abundant and affordable.

Any policy changes must consider real-world consequences for food affordability and availability. Well-meaning, yet misguided, restrictions could reduce crop yields, drive up grocery costs and increase hunger in America—outcomes none of us want. Virginia’s farmers stand ready to be partners in building a healthier nation, but solutions must be practical and account for farming’s complexities. We need a seat at the table for discussions that include farmers’ voices and recognize that sustainable agriculture requires balancing environmental stewardship, economic viability and food security for all Americans.

Virginia Farm Bureau statement on USDA funding, staffing

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The following is a statement from Virginia Farm Bureau President Scott Sink, regarding recent funding and staffing changes at the U.S. Department of Agriculture and its affiliated agencies.

Virginia Farm Bureau has been actively following announcements from USDA related to availability of conservation funding to farmers, and staffing changes at the agency. We are engaging with USDA leadership, elected officials, and partners to advance Farm Bureau policy and priorities in this area.

Most recently, U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced USDA will release certain funds for conservation program contracts that the agency entered into with farmers and ranchers.

We are thankful the administration recognized the importance of making good on the first tranche of agreements, and we look forward to future announcements about fulfilling previously signed contracts. The freezing of funds created uncertainty for farm families who have invested in projects and practices on their farms based on USDA contracts and financial commitment from the federal government. They need to know the government will hold up its end of the bargain.

Regarding staffing, reports are still coming in about staff reductions at USDA, which we know are causing concern in rural and farming communities. We support the goal of efficient government; however, we urge the administration to be strategic in how they address staffing. USDA staff play a critical role in both the safety and reliability of our food and other products. Vital USDA functions range from food inspectors and animal disease experts to loan officers and disaster recovery experts, and they all help ensure that we continue to have a safe and stable food supply.

Last week, I traveled to Washington with a delegation of farmers from Virginia and other mid-Atlantic states to meet with Secretary Rollins. We conveyed concerns over funding and staffing issues, discussed other concerns and opportunities facing farmers, and shared priorities we hope to see this administration tackle. We were pleased to hear from Secretary Rollins about her commitment to listening to farmers and tackling the industry’s challenges. We stand ready to work with her.

In 2025, we face the need for a new, modernized farm bill that ensures animal health in the face of growing disease pressure, expands global trade, and addresses other priority challenges. Virginia Farm Bureau stands ready to advocate on farmers’ behalf and to ensure the Virginia agriculture and forestry industries have the policies, tools, services and opportunities they need to be successful.

Farmer Resources for Potential U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

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There have been recent reports of increased U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Patrol activity across the country and in Virginia. Agricultural employers are encouraged to act immediately to ensure your farm and employees are as prepared as possible for any immigration enforcement.

Employers who fail to comply with U.S. immigration laws and regulations may face fines, including I-9 violations up to $2,789 per form and undocumented worker violations up to $27,894 per worker. Employers could also face criminal charges and, if convicted, up to 10 years in prison and fines up to $250,000 for actions considered “harboring” or concealing undocumented workers

As you prepare, please consider the following resources:

The National Employment Law Project is an employee-centric organization that has also published guidance for employers and employees in “Employer Guide: What to Do If Immigration Comes to Your Workplace,” available in multiple languages.

Please take time to review the resources above and speak with your legal counsel to ensure you are complying with immigration and labor laws, appropriately train employees, and have a response plan in the event of an ICE audit or raid.

Cattle Traceability Rule Becomes Effective in November

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A new USDA- APHIS rule for animal disease traceability begins November 5 regarding what type of identification is used for transporting certain classes of cattle across state lines. This new rule covers the same classes of cattle that have been required to have some type of visual identification since 2013. Those classes of cattle are breeding cattle that are sexually intact over 18 months of age, all female dairy cattle of any age, male dairy cattle born after March 11, 2013; and all cattle used for rodeo, recreational events, showing or exhibitions.

The former “official identification” included metal ear tags, RFID tags, tattoos and, in some cases, brands. The new 2024 rule requires that the “official identification” be both visually and electronically readable. The only approved electronic identification will be an 840-RFID tag. Cattlemen can currently order the 840-RFID tags at no cost by contacting the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) Office of Veterinary Services- Richard Odom at 804-692-0600 or richard.odom@vdacs.virginia.gov.

This rule does not apply to feeder cattle, cattle of any age going directly to slaughter or cattle being transported within the state and not crossing state lines. For example, if you sold bred heifers into another state or purchased bred heifers from another state, those heifers would have required some type of visual permanent identification. The change this year will require that the identification be visually and electronically readable, which will be the 840-RFID tag.

More detailed information and frequently asked questions can be found here:

V5 FAQs for ProducersDownload

Drought watch advisory lifted for 15 counties and cities in Virginia

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Drought drought warning advisory expanded to 60 counties and cities

The Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), in coordination with the Virginia Drought Monitoring Task Force, has expanded the drought warning advisory to now include 60 counties and cities, and has maintained a drought watch advisory for 32 counties and cities. Due to improving conditions related to recent precipitation, the drought watch advisory previously issued for the Chowan and Southeast Virginia drought evaluation regions has been lifted. All other regions within the Commonwealth remain affected by drought. Continued precipitation deficits in combination with sustained increased temperatures have resulted in rapid intensification of drought throughout the majority of the Commonwealth.
The following regions have been lifted from a drought watch advisory:

  • Chowan: Lunenburg, Nottoway, Brunswick, Dinwiddie, Greensville, Sussex, Prince George, Southampton and Surry counties
  • Southeast Virginia: Suffolk, Isle of Wight, Chesapeake, Virginia Beach, Portsmouth and Norfolk

A drought warning advisory indicates a significant drought is imminent and is in effect for the following areas:

  • Big Sandy: Lee, Wise, Buchanan, Dickenson, Scott, Russell, Tazewell, Washington and Smyth counties
  • Middle James: Albemarle, Amherst, Appomattox, Buckingham, and Nelson counties and the cities of Charlottesville and Lynchburg
  • New River: Grayson, Wythe, Bland, Carroll, Floyd, Pulaski, Giles, and Montgomery counties
  • Northern Piedmont: Greene, Madison, Rappahannock, Orange, Culpeper, Louisa, Spotsylvania, and Stafford counties
  • Northern Virginia: Fauquier, Loudoun, Prince William, Arlington, and Fairfax counties
  • Roanoke River: Patrick, Franklin, Roanoke, Henry, Bedford, Pittsylvania, Campbell, Halifax, Charlotte, and Mecklenburg counties
  • Shenandoah: Augusta, Rockingham, Shenandoah, Frederick, Page, Warren, and Clarke counties
  • Upper James: Craig, Alleghany, Bath, Highland, Botetourt, and Rockbridge counties

A drought watch advisory is intended to help Virginians prepare for a potential drought and remains in effect for the following areas:

  • Eastern Shore: Accomack and Northampton counties
  • Middle James: Fluvanna, Prince Edward, Cumberland, Goochland, Amelia, Powhatan, Chesterfield, Henrico and Hanover counties and the cities of Petersburg, Hopewell and Colonial Heights.
  • Northern Coastal Plain: Caroline, King George, King William, King and Queen, Essex, Richmond, Westmoreland, Gloucester, Mathews, Middlesex, Lancaster and Northumberland counties
  • York-James: Hampton, Newport News, James City, York, Charles City and New Kent counties

Several factors have contributed to the lifting of advisories, maintenance of drought watch advisories and the expansion of warning advisories in the affected regions. Precipitation over the past 7–14-day period showed localized heavy rainfall (1.5 – 4.0 inches) along the southeastern portion of the state resulted in improvements in soil moisture, stream flow and groundwater levels. Conversely, precipitation over the central and western part of the Commonwealth has been sparse leading to exceptional dryness within large portions of the Shenandoah, Upper James, New River, Roanoke and Big Sandy drought evaluation regions. Stream flows are currently below the 25th percentile of normal values for seven of the 13 drought evaluation regions with three of these regions currently below the fifth percentile (Big Sandy, Roanoke River and Shenandoah). Groundwater levels for monitoring wells in the Climate Response Network have shown continued declines within the central and western portion of the Commonwealth with nine regions currently below the 25th percentile. Of these, groundwater levels within six drought monitoring regions are currently below the fifth percentile including the Big Sandy, New River, Upper James, Shenandoah, Northern Virginia and York-James.

DEQ is working with local governments, public water works and water users in the affected areas to ensure that conservation and drought response plans and ordinances are followed. Localities and Virginians that are supplied water from the Potomac River should consult the Metropolitan Washington Water Supply and Drought Awareness Response Plan for specific triggers and actions to be taken. All Virginians are encouraged to protect water supplies by minimizing water use, monitor drought conditions and detect and repair leaks.

See the current drought status on the DEQ website.

Expansion of High-Tech Indoor Farm in Prince William County 

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Gov. Glenn Youngkin signs CEA legislation and announces expansion of high-tech indoor farm in Prince William County on June 6, 2024. Photo by Christian Martinez, Office of Gov. Glenn Youngkin.

Beanstalk Farms Inc. will build its second indoor farm and distribution facility in the Freedom I-66 Industrial Business Park in Manassas. The project includes 18 new jobs and a capital investment of $4.1 million. Beanstalk Farms expects to produce 2.1 million pounds annually of leafy greens and fresh-cut herbs. 

Following the announcement of the expansion, Gov. Youngkin signed House Bill 1429 and Senate Bill 483, which clarifies that the existing classification of farm machinery includes CEA machinery, allowing localities to exempt equipment from personal property taxes, or adopt a reduced tax rate. The same exemption provisions already exist for traditional agricultural operations. The legislation was patroned by Senator Lashrecse Aird, Senate District 13, and Delegate Amy Laufer, House District 55. This is the second year that Youngkin has signed agricultural technology tax exemption legislation. In 2023, legislation was signed to exempt items used in the construction of controlled environment agriculture facilities from sales taxes. 

“Congratulations to Beanstalk Farms for their investment in this community and in Virginia. I am pleased that the Commonwealth’s pro-business climate and partnerships continue to be a factor in securing and scaling up projects such as this,” said Gov. Glenn Youngkin. “The legislation I signed today reinforces Virginia’s position as a top state for the controlled environment agriculture industry.”

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services worked with Prince William County, the Prince William County Department of Economic Development and Tourism and the Industrial Development Authority of the County of Prince William to secure this new expansion project. Youngkin approved a $100,000 grant from the Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Fund, which Prince William County will match with local funds.  

“This is a great day for the future of controlled environment agriculture in Virginia. We are providing support for Beanstalk Farms expansion, encouraging investment in Prince William County, and creating high paying jobs to this area through the Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development Fund grant award. In addition, Governor Youngkin is helping to spur growth in this industry by expanding tax relief through the approval of the agricultural sales tax exemption legislation last year and his signature today on the tangible personal property tax relief legislation,” said Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Matthew Lohr.