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Agriculture & Natural Resources News

WVU students – on and off campus – to benefit from gifts from Farm Credit of the Virginias

Three to four students sitting in a class room listening to a lecture.

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2021 West Virginia Small Farm Conference goes virtual to help local farmers continue to grow food and communities

Conference goers at 2020 Small Farm Conference participate in a seed swap.

Even through a global pandemic, our local farms and food systems have proven to be vital across West Virginia. However, there were still plenty of struggles among our small farm community over the last year.

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WVU land reclamation specialist’s new book explores future of Appalachia’s coal-mined landscapes

WVU Land Reclamation Specialist Jeff Skousen poses with new book.

After more than 30 years of experience in the mining reclamation field, Jeff Skousen, land reclamation specialist for West Virginia University Extension and professor of soil science in the WVU Davis College of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Design, decided it was time to develop his own book about land reclamation in Appalachia.

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WVU Extension Service to offer education and community to state’s female farmers through online curriculum

Black chalkboard that reads "Welcome WV Women in Agriculture" with fall gourds displayed in front.

Women farmers from across the state have come together each fall for the last seven years to participate in West Virginia University Extension Women in Agriculture program’s annual conference, sharing knowledge and networking. Even though this year’s in-person conference has been canceled, learning opportunities and community building will continue with a unique online educational program developed to keep the state’s women farmers, innovators and entrepreneurs informed and connected.

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Friend joins WVU Extension Service as agent in Harrison County

Headshot of Jennifer Friend

Equipped with a passion for agriculture education and lifelong ties to West Virginia University Extension Service, Jennifer Friend has joined our Agriculture and Natural Resources program as the agent in Harrison County, effective July 1.

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WVU Extension Service announces new entomology specialist

Headshot of Carlos Quesada

West Virginia University Extension has welcomed a new specialist to its Agriculture and Natural Resources program. Effective June 15, Carlos Quesada joined the team as the entomology specialist, an essential position to round out the program’s integrated pest management efforts.

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WVU Extension Service experts caution residents about unsolicited seed packages

Gold Flying WV on blue background

In recent weeks, residents in West Virginia and other states have reported receiving unsolicited packages containing seeds that appear to have originated from another country. The West Virginia University Extension Service Agriculture and Natural Resources program urges those who’ve received these seeds to proceed with caution, as the packets could contain seeds of invasive plant species.

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WVU Extension Service invites home gardeners to participate in spring webinar

Mature tomato plant with two ripe red tomatoes and one green tomato on the vine

All across the Mountain State, residents have shown a renewed interest in home gardening and growing some of their own food. With gardening season upon us but social distancing rules still in place, West Virginia University Extension Service faculty have had to develop creative, new ways to deliver knowledge and expertise to their local communities and beyond.  

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WVU Extension gardening program sees bumper crop of participants after coronavirus shutdown

Jennifer Boone Testerman and her daughters signed up for Grow This to have something to do during the coronavirus lockdown.(Photo by Jennifer Boone Testerman)

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WVU Extension Service and Wyoming County food pantry provide nutrition and inspiration through poultry project

Group of chickens inside a fenced enclosure.

Wyoming County is nestled between the steep mountains of southern West Virginia with equally steep economic struggles. 

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WVU Extension and farmers work together to grow state’s agritourism industry

Group of youth and adult visitors gather around tour guide during an agritourism experience at Family Roots Farm.

From pick-your-own patches and interactive farm tours to corn mazes and unique lodging experiences, West Virginia University Extension helps agritourism to preserve and promote West Virginia’s diverse and historic culture. 

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West Virginia Small Farm Conference to help local farmers grow food and communities

Photo of a table-top high tunnel diorama with model plants inside

Food has a way of bridging divides and bringing people together. And, today, there’s a growing desire among communities, restaurants and schools to use high quality, locally sourced ingredients.

Read about West Virginia Small Farm Conference to help local farmers grow food and communities