Calendar
Join VFGC for this one-day school featuring expert instructors & hands-on fence building in the field. Learn materials selection, fence design, brace construction, high-tensile woven & smooth wire installation, & electric fencing.
Interested in starting your first hive or strengthening your beekeeping skills? Join the Minority & Veteran Farmers of the Piedmont and the Small Farm Outreach Program for a hands-on workshop at Cattle Run Farm in Ruckersville. Participants will learn bee biology, equipment basics, apiary setup, seasonal management, and practical strategies for maintaining healthy, productive colonies in Piedmont, Virginia. You’ll leave with a first‑year management plan, a realistic budget, and the confidence to safely open and work a hive.
Explore the techniques, planning tools and hands-on methods behind effective strip grazing to boost forage utilization and simplify day-to-day grazing management.
This is an introductory webinar on the legal foundations every beginning farmer should understand when starting and growing an agricultural operation. The session will cover key considerations related to land access and ownership, such as leasing and purchasing. It will also cover common business structures like sole proprietorships, partnerships, and LLCs, including how they affect liability and operations. Participants will gain practical insight into the legal steps involved in establishing a farm business, protecting assets, and making informed decisions for long-term success. Legal Considerations for Beginning Farmers 05.06.26
Attention Landowners! Do you want to know more about today’s forestry and wildlife “hot topics”? Coming this May your Central District Extension Forestry Program is
offering ½ day short courses at three locations. This year’s topics include: A forest health update (bugs and disease), tree identification, a Wild game update, and cost share opportunities. Partnering agencies include Virginia Department of Forestry, Virginia Department of Wildlife Resources, and others.
We are firm believers in planting cool season crops in March and this workshop will showcase how well these crops have produced at harvest stage.
Beginning Retreats provide information on hardwood and pine forest management, legacy planning, management planning, and more. Beyond the Basics Retreats take a deep dive into a specific forest management topic. All Retreats combine classroom, field trip, and hands-on activities. Registration opens 10 weeks prior to events.
Designed with beginning and experienced producers in mind, this 2-day, intensive course will teach you everything you need to know to better manage grazing on your farm.