Soybean conditions in Virginia are relatively stable, while pastures, peanuts, and cotton are slowly deteriorating.
Data provided by USDA NASS Commentary by Jeff Ishee Virginia Field Crop Conditions for July 19 Takeaway point - Soybeans across Virginia are relatively stable, while pastures, peanuts, and cotton are slowly deteriorating. Source: USDA NASS report at 4PM on Monday, July 20, 2026 * Topsoil moisture – 20% very short; 42% short; 37% adequate; 1% surplus Soil moisture has declined statewide due to hot, sunny days and high evaporation rates. The “adequate” soil moisture category is
The most trusted people in America
Op-ed provided by American Farm Bureau Federation by Terri Moore, VP of Communications Do Americans mistrust farmers and ranchers? If you ask most farmers and ranchers, they’ll say they absolutely think that’s the case. I understand why. There are loud voices critical of agriculture that can quickly fill a room or social media platform. It can seem like they speak for all Americans. Here's the simple truth: they do not. Farmers are some of the most trusted people in America.
Six new members set to join WV Agriculture & Forestry Hall of Fame
Charleston, W.Va. — The West Virginia Agriculture and Forestry Hall of Fame (WVAFHOF) will honor six new inductees with a banquet on Saturday, July 11, at Jackson’s Mill. The evening will start with a reception at 4:00 p.m. followed by dinner at 5:00 p.m. “This year’s inductees represent the very best of West Virginia’s agriculture and forestry communities,” said Matthew Wilson, AFHOF board president. “Their lifelong commitment to innovation, stewardship, and service has made
From seed to shirt: Virginia cotton growers embrace all-American production
Source: VA Farm Bureau SUFFOLK, VA — While most T-shirts are made overseas, a Virginia farm family is keeping every component of garment production in the U.S. from seed to shirt—just as the nation’s agriculture leaders call for a revival of American cotton and rural manufacturing. In Suffolk, Bosselman Farms has partnered with a garment manufacturer in Ohio to create a fully domestic cotton-to-shirt supply chain through Old Myrtle Cotton Co. The effort aligns with the U.S. D
Pennsylvania fruit growers face catastrophic losses after historic spring freeze
Source: Penn State University By Alexandra McLaughlin UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — At a century-old farm in Franklin County, more than 400 young plum trees were expected to produce their first commercial crop this year. The grower had spent four years expanding his orchard for a specialty buyer who promised to purchase every plum he could grow. Then came the April freeze. In a single night, the crop was gone, according to Daniel Weber, horticulture educator on Penn State Extension’
Family Forest Carbon Program enrolls 200,000 acres
Source: American Forest Foundation Washington, D.C. – The American Forest Foundation’s (AFF) Family Forest Carbon Program (FFCP) recently reached 200,000 total acres enrolled, a major milestone in its mission to support family landowners, bolster rural economies, and deliver meaningful conservation impact. As part of FFCP, these 200,000 acres — greater than the land area of New York City — are set to remove 3.5 million metric tonnes of CO2 equivalent from the atmosphere and g
Farm Credit of the Virginias returns $31 million in cash dividends to customers
Farm Credit of the Virginias (FCV), a cooperative lending institution serving Virginia, West Virginia and western Maryland, will return $31 million this month to its members through their annual patronage program.* FCV’s cooperative framework allows the Association to return a portion of its profits back to members on an annual basis. During 2025, agricultural producers and rural homeowners faced economic uncertainty, market volatility, as well as high interest rates and inpu
Andy Seibel shares the history of the FFV - predecessor to the FFA
by Jeff Ishee Andy Seibel Many people may not be aware that, before there was ever an FFA organization, there was an FFV organization. It was 100 years ago this year that a vote was taken to form the Future Farmers of Virginia. That organization eventually was the model for the Future Farmers of America, the National FFA, which consists of more than a million members. Andy Seibel, a long-time leader in Virginia FFA, shares the story of how the Future Farmers of Virginia was c
Devastating crop losses caused by freezing temperatures in Virginia
by Jeff Ishee April 24, 2026 - Virginia fruit growers and wineries are reporting significant crop losses after a hard freeze on April 20–21. The extreme temperatures damaged tender buds and young fruit across the state’s orchards and vineyards. Temperatures plunged into the mid‑20s in many areas, striking at the most vulnerable point of early bloom. The week prior saw daytime highs well above the statewide average, causing many crops to advance in maturation. In some areas of
Virginia farmers can be paid to improve their pastures
Source: Virginia Farm Bureau BLACKSBURG, VA — Virginia farmers and landowners have a new opportunity this spring to be compensated for conservation practices that support soil health, pasture productivity and long-term farm resilience. Enrollment is open statewide for the Alliance to Advance Climate-Smart Agriculture, paying landowners either $100 or $300 per acre for implementation of approved farming practices. The Alliance is an initiative supported by the U.S. Department
