Media inquiries: Please contact Dave Neudeck, dave.neudeck@dcr.virginia.gov, 804-786-5053.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: May 02, 2023
Contact: Rebecca Jones, Senior PR and Marketing Specialist, 804-786-2292, rebecca.jones@dcr.virginia.gov
Michelle Burchett, Senior Editor, Marketing and Communications, Virginia State University College of Agriculture Mburchett@vsu.edu 804-524-6966
Small farm field days offer resources, funding to farmers statewide
(Editors: Follow this link to download an image. Photo caption: Owners and operators of small farms will discover ways to improve soil and animal health and how to access major funding at four small farm field days this month. Pictured: farmer Joe Gray and conservation specialist Steven Jones. Photo courtesy of DCR.)
Owners and operators of small farms throughout the state can discover ways to improve soil and animal health and gain information on major funding opportunities at four field days this month.
The field days will take place in May on privately owned small farms in Fauquier, Louisa, Franklin and Surry counties. These free events are sponsored by the Virginia State University Small Farm Outreach Program.
Attendees will participate in farmer-led tours and demonstrations highlighting conservation best management practices such as nutrient management, cover crops, grazing-land management, continuous no-till and split nitrogen applications. These practices help reduce the cost of inputs and improve farm productivity while also safeguarding Virginia’s stream and river water quality.
Specialists from the Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation and Soil and Water Conservation Districts will be on hand to share information about programs that offer farmers free technical assistance and up to $300,000 per year in cost-share to implement best management practices on their farms. They will also highlight programs and resources available only to small farms.
Farmers may register for one or more of the following at https://www.ext.vsu.edu/sfop-events:
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