Local Programs
Extension educational programs in agriculture utilize research-based information generated at our Land Grant Universities to meet the educational needs of local producers and maintain farm profitability. Agricultural Extension Agents across the New River Valley specialize in one of the following areas:
- Animal Science
- Crop and Soil Science
- Farm Business Management
- Environmental Horticulture
A mix of delivery systems are employed ranging from group meetings, individual farmer consultations, farm visits, e-mail, letter, and phone communications to address the various needs of clientele. Our Extension Unit provides educational programs and information covering the broad agricultural field. With resources, both at Virginia Tech and Virginia State, we have the support to assist our clientele with their educational needs. Whether your interest is in animal agriculture, crop and soil management, home garden, or financial planning, we can be of assistance and would welcome the opportunity. Along with being an information resource, we also provide a testing service for analyzing soils and forages.
We often assist clientele with:
- Identification of weeds, insects, and diseases and make recommendations for control
- Lime and fertilizer recommendations
- Pesticide applicator licenses
- Animal nutrition plans
- Livestock and crop marketing
- Estate planning, budgeting, and tax management.
Only a few topics are mentioned to give you a feeling for the broad and diversified educational assistance available to the community.
Additional Resources
The Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) Program in Pulaski and Giles Counties serves as a resource to the community in the following areas:
- Food Safety, Nutrition, and Health
- Family Financial Management
- Child Development and Parenting
The Family and Consumer Sciences program provides research-based educational opportunities through workshops, classes, collaborative projects, print materials, and other appropriate venues. All programs are driven by the community needs- identified by county residents, the Pulaski FCS Advisory Council and the local Extension Leadership Council.
Program Offerings:
- School Nutrition Series for Second and Third Graders in Pulaski County
- Money Management Classes
- Food Safety Trainings (ServSafe Essentials, Serve Safe Foods and Cooking for Crowds)
- Parenting Programs
- Adult, Nutrition and Health Programs to Diminish Disease Risks
- Child Care Staff Development Trainings
- Senior Nutrition Programs
- Youth Nutrition Programs
- Stress Management
Additional Resources
Engaging with Communities
Virginia Cooperative Extension specialists in community viability work with Extension agents, campus-based faculty, organizational partners, communities, and individuals to further opportunity and build capacity in five program areas:
- Leadership & Planning
- Community Enterprise and Resiliency
- Community Food System and Enterprises
- Community Planning
- Emerging Community Issues
Examples of our work include training county elected officials, educating entrepreneurs, facilitating collaborative projects, supporting the growth of community food systems and local economies, enhancing agent skills and community capacity in facilitation and leadership, conducting problem-driven research, and creating publications and tools that address critical community needs.
Do you have a question about Community Viability?
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