News

Across the nation, more women than ever are taking the lead when it comes to agriculture. In West Virginia, over 13,000 women are diligently working to develop and maintain their own farms and agribusinesses – which contributed more than $200 million to the state’s economy in 2017.

Amanda Johnson is Jefferson County’s newest West Virginia University Extension Service 4-H agent, and while she’s new to the county, she’s certainly not new to WVU Extension Service nor the benefits that 4-H programs bring to West Virginia’s youths.

No stranger to West Virginia University Extension Service, Jeffery “J.R.” Davis has been named the 4-H youth development Extension agent in Fayette County.

A year ago, a group of passionate West Virginia University employees set out to promote healthier futures for two southern West Virginia counties by empowering the community and offering the support they needed to take control of their own health.

In West Virginia, more than 70,000 students participate in hands-on learning experiences provided through 4-H. From camps and STEM activities to livestock and clubs, WVU Extension Service brings unique experiences and opportunities to pique curiosity and encourage innovation through youth programming throughout West Virginia.

Forests dominate the landscape and economy of the Mountain State. But forests are under greater and more complex stresses with each new invasive pest or pathogen and a changing climate. The decisions made by foresters and landowners on how to best manage forests also have long-lasting implications.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 48 million people become ill from contaminated food every year in the United States; nearly half of those illnesses are the result of contaminated produce. With proper training and food safety planning, many of these outbreaks can be prevented.

Strength, courage, resilience, determination—these are not often words you hear used to describe an area in rural West Virginia that is crippled by the opioid epidemic. But, in Wayne, West Virginia, just 20 minutes south of what is considered West Virginia’s opioid capital, Marie’s House Women’s Recovery Center is battling this epidemic built on a foundation of these very ideals.

Service is an integral part of the West Virginia 4-H program. Even during the busy days of 4-H camps around the state, time is set aside to give back to communities near and far.

The world around us is changing at a rapid pace. With new technologies and innovative programs, the way companies do business and the skillsets they demand is also changing.