Upcoming Agriculture Programs

2022 Southern Va Precision AG and Farm Efficiency Program                                                          Funded by: Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission

This grant was formally known as the Central Virginia Pasture, Crops, and Livestock Systems grant in previous years.

The overall objective of the grant is to allow producers to enhance their operation's input cost savings, and improve environmental management through the adoption of precision technologies, produce handling and hay storage improvements, produce equipment and cold storage enhancements, and livestock handling improvements.  This will be accomplished by offering a 33% cost share incentive in four (4) categories.  This grant would provide up to a 33% reimbursement not to exceed $5,000.00 per producer (approximately a $15,000.00 project).  Producers must spend a minimum of $3,000.00 to be eligible for reimbursement.

Applications will be accepted on a first come, first serve basis.  VCE begins accepting applications on Monday, May 16th @ 8 AM.  Applicants who have received funding for a practice in previous grants are ineligible to receive funding for that same practice.  Applicants may apply for components for which they have not received funding in previous grants.  

To receive an application, producers must attend one of the following informational meetings:

Please contact Cumberland ANR agent, Amber Taylor,  to establish a viewing option for you as the in-person class took place back in March 2022.

No-Till Drill is Ready for Renting

The Haybuster No-till drill housed at the Cumberland Extension Office is ready to go out on loan to producers in Cumberland and Buckingham Counties.  This drill is designed to seed fields under the no-till method.  This method requires no plowing or turning over of the soil, and has many positive effects on the land such as: greatly reduces run-off pollution, preserves moisture in the field, reduces ruts in field, and redues topsoil loss. 

The drill contains two seed boxes with individual metering and one legume box.

Please contact the office at 804-492-4390 if you would like to schedule to use the drill and discuss drill rental rates.

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    *Please stop by the Cumberland Extension Office if you need to have your soil tested for home/garden or pasture.    Tests are performed to evaluate the soil's nutrient potential and to determine the most beneficial application rates of fertilizer and lime for optimum plant growth.   You just pick up the soil sample boxes and forms for the Virginia Tech soil testing lab and mail your soil samples to Blacksburg for an analysis.   You will receive a detailed report with recommendations.