The Virginia Cooperative Extension at Virginia State University is offering a wide range of educational workshops and events in June for farmers and ranchers through its Small Farm Outreach Program (SFOP).
Pre-registration is required for all programs. To learn more about these workshops or to register,
visit the calendar at https://www.ext.vsu.edu/calendar and click on the event.
Small Farm Orientation (Virtual/Zoom)
Monday, June 14, 9 – 11 a.m. — If you’re a new or beginning farmer with five years or less experience, and you have questions about how to help your farm thrive, this workshop is for you. Participants will be guided through developing a productive and profitable operations plan by an instructor with over 40 years of experience in the agriculture industry.
Flower Field Walk and Demonstration (Virtual/Zoom)
Tuesday, June 15, 9 – 10 a.m. — Curious about growing cut flowers? Flowers brighten up any day, and the cut flower industry is booming. New and experienced flower growers and enthusiasts will learn tips from Susan Cheek, state program assistant with the Small Farm Outreach Program, on growing cut flowers and turning a hobby into extra cash. A demonstration will include installing transplants, harvesting flowers and managing irrigation systems.
Marketing Your Farm Products (Virtual/Zoom)
Wednesday, June 16, 9 – 11 a.m. — Want to know more about how to set prices for your farm products? Curious about the best way to package, display or promote your product? Participants will learn tips from Susan Cheek, state program assistant with the Small Farm Outreach Program, on how to get your products noticed and sold.
Bees and Mushrooms – Farm Field Day (In Person)
Saturday, June 19, 10 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at The Old Virginia Farm LLC, 19543 Old Jonesboro Rd, Abingdon, VA. Participants will celebrate the upcoming national Pollinator Week by learning how native bees and managed bees enhance crop production. The field day includes a tour of The Old Virginia Farm and a chance to explore how they grow varieties of forest mushrooms to provide feeding locations for bees and protection from viruses. Local honey will be available.
USDA Information Session (Virtual/Zoom)
Thursday, June 24, 10 a.m. to noon — If you’re interested in learning more about programs provided by the USDA’s top agricultural agencies, join us to get your questions answered. Representatives from the Farm Service Agency (FSA), Rural Development (RD), Natural Resources and Conservation Services (NRCS) and other USDA agencies will share information about services, programs and funding opportunities available to farmers and ranchers in Virginia.
Hispanic Field Day (In Person)
Wednesday, June 30, 9 a.m. to noon at Rosa’s Garden, 4301 Fox Hunter Lane, Mechanicsville, VA.
Join us for a Hispanic Field Day at Rosa’s Garden and learn how married duo Rosa Nuñez and Carlos Ordaz went from longtime agricultural workers to successful farm owners. Their vegetable operation continues to thrive, even in a pandemic. The field day includes a tour of their farm.
The Small Farm Outreach Program, a part of Cooperative Extension at Virginia State University, educates and empowers small, limited-resource, socially disadvantaged and veteran farmers and ranchers to own, operate and sustain farms and ranches independently with agricultural training programs that improve farm management skills and quality of life.
If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in these activities, please contact the Small Farm Outreach Program office at smallfarm@vsu.edu or call (804) 524-3292 / TDD (800) 828-1120 during the business hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.
