The Local Food Hub Is Sponsoring a Workshop on High Tunnel Success Strategies – Oct 18

Want to learn more about high tunnels? The Local Food Hub is sponsoring a workshop this Thursday, Oct. 18 in Louisa, VA. See below for more information.

http://hightunnel2012-eorg.eventbrite.com/

Join us for our first High Tunnel Field Day at Hill Farm in Louisa County!

Susan and Scott began their farming endeavors in 2000, after retiring from busy, intense careers. Walking around their 10-acre property in Louisa County, it is immediately apparent how smart design and functional innovation guide their work and keep the farm looking tidy. Raised beds built of cedar planks fill the air with a rich, welcoming scent while also deterring pests like slugs. Three high tunnels provide shelter and growing space during cold winter months. Seed-starting equipment and a new Cool-bot help to streamline operations and increase efficiency.

Susan and Scott Hill have been growing almost exclusively in high tunnels for the past few years and have worked out some highly successful strategies to maximize profits.

The workshop will include:

• Videos and information on land preparation, erection and considerations in the selection of high tunnels.
• Information on market possibilities for tunnel production
• Tours of tunnels with information on design, pest management, crop production
• Preparing for market – harvest, processing and packaging for maximizing shelf life and market appeal

High Tunnel Field Day

Date: Thursday, October 18, 2012
Time: 4pm – 7pm
Location: Hill Farm, Louisa VA
Cost: $25 for general public

Virginia Youth Livestock Expo, Rockingham Co. Fairgrounds, Oct 12-14

The three Farm Credit associations serving farmers and rural residents of Virginia (Farm Credit of the Virginias, Colonial Farm Credit, MidAtlantic Farm Credit) are proud to be a platinum sponsor of this excellent event.

From http://www.vtnews.vt.edu/articles/2012/10/100312-ext-vjleshow.html

BLACKSBURG, Va., Oct. 3, 2012 – More than 300 Virginia 4-H and FFA members will exhibit their livestock projects at the Virginia Youth Livestock Expo on Oct. 12–14, at the Rockingham County Fairgrounds in Harrisonburg, Va.

The expo will feature market and breeding shows for beef cattle, swine, sheep, and meat goats, as well as a stockmen’s contest. Various other agricultural contests and events will include a crops contest and agriscience demonstration.

“This show is the culminating activity for youth livestock projects. The hard work of all the youth will be showcased at this event. We are expecting more than 1,174 animals to be shown during the three-day expo,” said Paige Pratt, 4-H youth livestock specialist for Virginia Cooperative Extension. “The public is invited to come out to watch the shows and support our outstanding 4-H and FFA members.”

The expo is open to the public and admission is free.

Virginia Junior Livestock Expo Schedule

• Friday, Oct. 12
• 4:30 p.m. – Breeding Sheep Show
• 4:30 p.m. – Goat Showmanship, Registered Breeding Doe Show
• Saturday, Oct. 13
• 8:30 a.m. – Market Goat Show, Commercial Doe Show
• 8:30 a.m. – Feeder Steer Show, Breeding Cattle Show, Commercial Heifer Show, Market Beef Show
• 10:30 a.m. – Sheep Showmanship, Commercial Ewe Show
• 4 p.m. – Lead Line and Sheep/Goat Costume Contest Show
• Sunday, Oct. 14
• 9 a.m. – Market Lamb Show
• 9 a.m. – Beef Showmanship
• 1 p.m. – Swine Showmanship, Gilt Show, Market Hog Show

Expo details and the complete schedule of events can be found on the Virginia Junior Livestock Expo website.

For more information regarding the Virginia Junior Livestock Expo and sponsorship opportunities, contact Paige Pratt at 540-231-4732.

Virginia Cooperative Extension brings the resources of Virginia’s land-grant universities, Virginia Tech and Virginia State University, to the people of the commonwealth. Through a system of on-campus specialists and locally based educators, it delivers education in the areas of agriculture and natural resources, family and consumer sciences, community viability, and 4-H youth development. With a network of faculty at two universities, 107 county and city offices, 11 agricultural research and Extension centers, and six 4-H educational centers, Virginia Cooperative Extension provides solutions to the problems facing Virginians today.