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
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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
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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
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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
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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
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Summer in the Soil
In most years, depending on the farm, the planting season is about a month long. By June, most of the crops are already in the soil, and many ask themselves, what next? Continue reading