Blog Archives

  • Virginia Farmers Share the Best Farming Technology

    As technology improves (and lowers in price) each year, more and more agricultural problems can be solved by adopting a new digital technology. For farmers, new technology can make their farm safer and more efficient with less work on their part. Many farmers are embracing technology that gives them data to make better decisions that make their farms more profitable and sustainable. The number of new digital products and services available can be overwhelming, so here are two of the top tried-and-true recommendations from Virginia farmers. Continue reading

  • Growing Up In The Summer Gardens

    As a child, I think Easter was probably my favorite holiday. No, I didn’t receive presents like I did on Christmas morning. No, I didn’t get a bagful of candy after trick or treating in several nearby neighborhoods. Continue reading

  • Farming Isn’t Just Dirt

    It’s true, farming isn’t just about dirt. If someone asks what you think about when you hear the word farm, the most likely mental images that first appear are flat fields of golden winter wheat, high corn stalks glistening in the morning dew, or cows lined up head deep in the feed trough. Farming is more than growing crops and raising livestock. Farming teaches you lifelong emotional, mental, and physical lessons to carry with you through all walks of your life. Continue reading

  • This Fall, Get Your Virginia Farm Ready for Winter

    While Virginia winters are mild compared to those in the northern United States, cold weather can nonetheless bring many dangers for farmers. As climate change increases the intensity of storms, Virginia farmers should prepare their farms for potential emergency weather conditions. Winterizing your farm will help protect you against costly winter accidents and can save you a lot of money on your energy bill.  Continue reading

  • Farming Grapes for Virginia Wineries

    Virginia’s soil and temperate climate are ideal for growing wine grapes, but since Virginia’s wine industry has taken off in local years, local wineries can’t seem to get enough fruit! Many farmers in Virginia looking for financial security are transitioning to growing wine grapes since the demand is only going to grow in the next few years. Wineries generally buy grapes by the ton, so farmers can easily sell off their entire harvest to a single buyer. Whether you’re considering buying a farm in Virginia for the first time or transitioning your current farm to wine grapes, consider this advice on finding the right winery to sell to and how to pick the best wine grape varieties for your farm. Continue reading

  • What You Need to Know When Starting an Organic, Sustainable, or Regenerative Farm

    While farmers are affected more than most by the extreme weather conditions caused by climate change, many farmers still use farming techniques that degrade the environment. In the face of rising temperatures, desertification, and declining soil and water quality, many farmers are choosing to fight for the health of their land and the local environment by choosing safer agricultural practices. Organic farming, sustainable farming, and regenerative farming involve environmentally-conscious practices that aim to preserve or improve the health of local ecosystems. Whether you have been farming for years but want to transition to organic, sustainable, or regenerative farming to protect the health of the community and ecosystems, or you’re new to farming and excited to adopt practices that can help combat global warming, these tips will start you on the right track to operating a successful farm.  Continue reading