Farm Liability Issues
September 21st: VSU Randolph Farm Pavilion, 4415 River Road, Petersburg, VA 23803
Farms and homesteads can be dangerous. With a myriad of perils, it is important that landowners understand their responsibility to keep visitors safe and the liability they may incur if an injury occurs. Agents from the Virginia Farm Bureau will discuss why you, as a landowner, need the correct amount of liability insurance to protect yourself from financial ruin.
Farm Insurance: Do I Have The Correct Coverage?
September 28th 6:30pm-8:30pm
Enjoy the season, network with other Southwest VA farmers and friends of agriculture, and enjoy a free picnic dinner, as you hear from Mike Felty about farm insurance. Many factors are involved in finding the right coverage for your farming operation. It is usually highly customized, and can include insurance for buildings, such as barns; dwellings; livestock; seed; hay; tools and equipment. He will give a short overview and answer your questions about coverage.
Introduction to Permaculture
October 5th 10:00am- 12:00pm
Permaculture is more than a new system of recordkeeping and urban agriculture. It is an ecological design system based on systems found in nature. Patrick Johnson, of Nanih Farm and Garden, Inc., will lead this workshop.
VSU Fall AgFest- Community Day at Randolph Farm
October 5th 9:00am- 1:00pm
Join for a fun-filled time at VSU Randolph Farm, where we're honoring the spirit of Virginia Agritourism.
Winterizing Beehives
October 11th 9:00am- 12:00pm
Keith Tignor, our State Apiarist, will cover the steps needed to winterize your beehives. Keith will begin the workshop with a PowerPoint presentation in the large classroom at the Randolph Farm Pavilion. Then we will go to the hives at the bee yard on Randolph Farm.
Tour of Slade Family Farm
October 13th 10:00am- 1:00pm
Enjoy a tour of the Slade Family Farm in Surry, Virginia. Learn about various green manure crops, summer and winter cover crops, native species, wildflower production, winter cole crops and more. We will have a planting demonstration and discuss improving soil health and organic matter. There will be something for all attendees to observe and learn.
Small Fruit Production
October 18th 4:30pm- 6:00pm
Mr. Jim Stewart, a producer with years of experience, will lead this workshop on small fruit production and maintenance. Attendees will learn methods of producing small fruit crops such as blackberries, raspberries and strawberries. There will be a discussion of planting methods and cultivation practices. We will also discuss soil fertility requirements and the best soils for different berry types.
Diversifying Streams Of Revenue On Your Farm
October 18th 6:00pm- 8:00pm
As farming expands from cows, plows and sows, listen to Michael Carter Jr. of Carter Farms and Agriculture as he talks about how to increase revenue through unconventional farm products and the use of soft skills. Winter months should not mean a decline in revenue. Let’s explore ways to put your farm experiences to work for more profitable enterprises.
Preparing A Small Farm For Winter
October 25th 1:00pm- 4:00pm
Every year around late October, CA & J Farm tackles chores around their 5-acre off-grid-capable herb, egg and cut-flower operation to prepare for fall and winter. This workshop will give you lots of info for finishing off the year and getting a good start on next year.
Generation NEXT Legacy Planning Workshops
October 6th: Bland County, VA
October 11th: Essex County, VA
Learn how to pass your land and your legacy on to the next generation while keeping it intact, in forest, and in family ownership.