Jefferson County Agriculture & Natural Resources
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Abundant with Agricultural Diversity
Jefferson County is home to farmers that produce grains, livestock, fruit, vegetables, and everything in between. Agriculture here is diverse thanks to good land, nearby markets, and a rich history of agriculture production. No matter the size of the operation, what is produced, or years of experience, Jefferson County Extension is your local connection to help you put knowledge to work.
Jefferson County Profile, 2017 USDA Census of Agriculture
- Population: 55,713
- Number of Farms: 607
- Land in Farms: 66,113 acres
- Market Value of Products Sold: $28,654,000
- Top Commodities: milk, grains, corn, wheat
Buying Local
The entire Eastern Panhandle offers a wide variety of ways to source local food to feed your family. Refer to our farm guide for an updated list of farms in Berkeley, Morgan, and Jefferson counties that sell direct to consumer, as well as area farmers markets and their days and hours of operation.
If you own a farm and wish to be included in this list, contact the Jefferson County office.
Download a printable Eastern Panhandle Farm Guide
Jefferson County Ag News
Grazing For Profitability
Join us at the Kearneysville Tree Fruit Research Center on March 10 at 6:30 p.m. for an Educational Dinner Meeting.
This meeting will feature Ben Goff, Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent, who will be presenting Grazing for Profitability.
Farm Financial Analysis
Join us on January 13, 2022 at 6:30 p.m. for an Educational Dinner Meeting at the Kearneysville Tree Fruit Research Center.
This meeting will feature Brian Wickline, Agriculture and Natural Resources Agent. The presentation will focus on Farm Financial Analysis.
Successful Small Farms Class
This class series will help map how to start a small farm - from pencil to plow. Sessions will center on local agencies and the services they offer, how to make decision on what to grow and sell, keeping good records for your business.
February sessions will be held 6:30-8:30 p.m., at the Jefferson County Extension Office. Cost is $15 and includes all course materials. Register online.
Gardening 101 Series
This series is designed to equip new and novice gardeners with the tools and knowledge to start their own gardens. Grow your green thumb this spring by taking part in the in person option to get all the basics, or special interest topics virtually. Sessions are taught by WVU Extension Master Gardeners, Extension Agents, and other industry experts.
In Person: Saturday, March 5 - The Basics
Preregistration is required at the below link. COVID protocols will be observed at the time of the in-person class, which may include required masks or class size restrictions.
Agriculture News for Jefferson County
2022 Agriculture Webinar and Dinner Meeting Series
Each winter, WVU Extension brings education, know-how and research right to your community through a series of educational dinner meetings. This year, we're offering a mix of virtual and in-person meeting opportunities across West Virginia for the 2022 agriculture education series!
Participants had the same opportunity to learn from WVU Extension specialists and industry experts about relevant topics to help you improve your own agricultural operations.
Lease Recommendations for Land Owner & Tenants
Ben Goff, WVU Extension Agent in Mason and Putnam counties, offers recommendations for landowners and tenants who want to prepare for the upcoming farming season and work to minimize their respective risks.
Goff covers a variety of tips for farmers and landowners regarding farm leases, including:
Register for 2021 Pasture Management Certificate Training
The Pasture Management Certificate Training is offered as part of Eastern West Virginia Community and Technical College Agricultural Innovation Workforce Trainings & Certifications.
Instructed by Kevin Shaffer, Ed Rayburn and Ben Goff from WVU Extension, this certification will teach farmers how they can improve sustainability to their operation by improving their pasture management so there is more available forage year-round.
Lawn, Gardening & Pests News for Jefferson County
Join us for the 2022 Master Gardener Conference
The 27th annual Master Gardener Conference will be held on April 8-10, 2022, at Oglebay Resort in Wheeling, West Virginia.
Garden enthusiasts and beginner gardeners from near and far are invited to join us this year! To register for the conference or find more information about the schedule and speakers, visit the Master Gardener Conference page.
Become a Master Gardener in Spring 2022
WVU Extension Master Gardener training, typically offered through in-person courses organized by WVU Extension offices around the state, will once again be available online via Zoom sessions.
Something we learned through this COVID-induced way of conducting our training is that many people found it very appealing and wanted to have the online training opportunity again this fall. Some counties are starting to offer in-person sessions, but given the volatility of the COVID situation, the best approach is to have a hybrid platform.
Natural Resources News for Jefferson County
Register for White Oak in West Virginia Webinar
Join us as we dive into the opportunities and challenges related to sustaining and harvesting white oak trees in West Virginia.
Tuesday, February 2
Register for West Virginia Woodland Stewards Seminar
Join us as we dive into a variety of educational topics and learn more about how we can be better stewards of West Virginia's woodlands.
Tuesday, February 9