http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/index.html Updated regularly At the American Farm Bureau convention in January 2012, Dave Barry told the assembled crowd that food does NOT come from the supermarket. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-a/021512agweek.shtml The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) advises farmers that surveys are now arriving in mailboxes around the nation to help identify all active farms in the United States. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-a/021312agcensus.shtml The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) announced today that 11 Virginia farmers and agribusinesses have received Value-Added Producer Grants ranging from $37,000 to $300,000 to promote small business expansion and entrepreneurship opportunities. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-a/021012valuadded.shtml I don’t know how many of you celebrate President’s Day in February. You may serve cherry pie or Lincoln log for dessert or the children may draw pictures of a wigged George Washington or top-hatted Abraham Lincoln, but generally that’s about it. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-a/021012presidents.shtml The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) is advising consumers that Ladies First Fitness, located at 3412 Waterlick Road, Suite R, in Lynchburg, Virginia, closed as of December 31, 2011. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-a/020912ladies1st.shtml The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) announced today that five Virginia localities have received U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) designation as a primary disaster area due to excessive heat and drought that occurred between May 1 and September 30, 2011. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-a/020912disaster.shtml The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) is accepting applications for USDA Agricultural Marketing Service Specialty Crop Block Grant funds. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-a/020712cropgrant.shtml It’s February, that time of the year when you don’t need to cut the grass and don’t want to tackle those home improvement projects. It’s a great time to visit a Virginia Food Festival. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/festival.shtml The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS), Virginia Farm Bureau Federation, Virginia Tech’s Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics and the Virginia Port Authority are partnering to host the Governor’s Conference on Agricultural Trade March 13 and 14 in Richmond, Virginia. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-a/013112organic.shtml The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS), Virginia Farm Bureau Federation, Virginia Tech’s Department of Agricultural and Applied Economics and the Virginia Port Authority are partnering to host the Governor’s Conference on Agricultural Trade March 13 and 14 in Richmond, Virginia. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-a/012712intltrade.shtml The Office of Farmland Preservation of the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) has announced, in partnership with the Virginia Farm Bureau’s Young Farmers Committee, the second of three Farm Link and Transition Pilot Workshops http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-a/012612workshop.shtml The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) and the Beautiful Gardens program are proud to introduce VT Spirit, a new daylily bred to showcase the colors and community spirit of Virginia Tech University. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-a/011712vtspirit.shtml The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services announced today that corn for grain yields averaged 118 bushels per acre, up 51 bushels from the previous year’s yield. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-a/011212yieldsup.shtml The Virginia Pesticide Control Board will meet at 9 a.m. on January 18, 2012, in the second floor Board Room of the Oliver W. Hill Building, 102 Governor Street, in Richmond, Virginia. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-a/011112pest.shtml It’s a new year and if you’re like most people you’ve already made and perhaps broken several resolutions by now. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-a/011112lancaster.shtml The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) is advising horse owners that they may need a permit to ride in certain Wildlife Management Areas and other property owned by the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries (DGIF). http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-a/010912permits.shtml The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) encourages consumers to sign up for a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) subscription now. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-a/010612csa.shtml The Thirteenth Annual Virginia Cotton Economics and Production Meeting is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. February 7, 2012, at the Regional Workforce Development Center, Paul D. Camp Community College in Franklin, Virginia. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-a/010612cottonmtg.shtml Earlier today, the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services announced economic assistance for 11 counties that experienced damage from Hurricane Irene. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-b/122111loans16.shtml The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services announced today that federal economic injury disaster loans are available to small businesses, small agricultural cooperatives, small businesses engaged in aquaculture and most private non-profit organizations of all sizes located in Virginia as a result of Hurricane Irene that occurred on Aug. 27 - 28, 2011. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-b/122111disasterloans.shtml The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ (VDACS) Office of Consumer Affairs (OCA) cautions the public that an organization by the name “Veteran’s Miracle Network” of Stafford, Virginia, has solicited contributions from Virginia citizens for allegedly charitable purposes. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-b/121511vetmiraclenetwork.shtml It probably will not shock you to learn that I love Christmas. I have said in previous columns that I love spring, fall, Thanksgiving and pumpkin season. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-b/121411christmas.shtml You better watch out. You better not cry. The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ (VDACS) Office of Consumer Affairs (OCA) is telling you why. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-b/121311charity.shtml On December 8, 2011, at its regularly-scheduled meeting, the Virginia Board of Agriculture and Consumer Services made permanent the Thousand Cankers Disease (TCD) Quarantine that had been established July 21 by Matthew J. Lohr, Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS). http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-b/120811tcd.shtml Recently the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) and the Virginia Pesticide Control Board recognized three individuals or teams for their outstanding participation in the 2010 Pesticide Safety Education Program. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-b/120511pestawards.shtml The Virginia Board of Agriculture and Consumer Services will meet on Thursday December 8, 2011, at the Oliver W. Hill Building, 102 Governor Street, Richmond VA 23219. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-b/120511bdmtg.shtml Virginia Governor Robert F. McDonnell has declared December 2011 as Virginia Christmas Tree Month. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-b/113011xmastrees.shtml The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) and the Virginia Pesticide Control Board recently recognized Adria Bordas, Extension Agent, Fairfax County, for her outstanding participation in support of the 2010 Pesticide Disposal Program sponsored by VDACS. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-b/113011fairfaxpestaward.shtml Recently the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) and the Virginia Pesticide Control Board recognized Neil Clark, Extension Agent, Southampton County, for his outstanding participation in the 2010 Pesticide Container Recycling Program sponsored by VDACS. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-b/113011southamptonpestaward.shtml Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and with it comes the start of the Christmas tree season. Most farms open the day after Thanksgiving, and some are open that afternoon, but your search can begin now with the new 2011 Virginia Grown Christmas Tree Guide. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-b/111611xmastrees.shtml The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) encourages every Virginian to Buy Local this Thanksgiving. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-b/111011buylocal.shtml I love Thanksgiving. That’s hardly a surprising statement, is it? Most of us love Thanksgiving – time spent with family and friends, watching the parade in the morning and football in the afternoon http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-b/111011thanksgiving.shtml The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) and the Virginia Pesticide Control Board announced today the results of the 2011 Pesticide Disposal Program. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-b/110911pesticidedisposal.shtml The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services is pleased to announce the Virginia Food and Beverage Expo will be held on Wednesday, March 28, 2012 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Greater Richmond Convention Center in downtown Richmond, Virginia. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-b/110711vaexpo.shtml The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) is hosting a series of workshops and listening sessions on conservation easements this year and in 2012. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-b/110411conservationeasementwksp.shtml The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) announced today that selected farmers in Virginia will be asked to participate in the 2011 National Resources Inventory’s Conservation Effects Assessment Project (CEAP) survey. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-b/110211conservationsurvey.shtml The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) has announced funding for eighteen agriculture-related projects that will promote and enhance the competitiveness of Virginia’s specialty crops. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-b/110211specialtycropgrants.shtml Students throughout Virginia will get a taste of life on the farm http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-b/111/31/farm2school.shtml On October 27, 2011, the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) officially opened the Robert S. Bloxom Agricultural Complex in Melfa, Virginia, on the Eastern Shore. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-b/102811bloxom.shtml On October 27, 2011, members of the Virginia Pumpkin Grower’s Association delivered truck loads of pumpkins to Governor and First Lady McDonnell. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-b/102811pumpkins.shtml Today the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) announced the expansion of the current Thousand Cankers Disease (TCD) temporary quarantine, effective October 14, 2011. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-b/101811tcd.shtml The Virginia Pesticide Control Board will meet at 9 a.m. on October 20, 2011, in the second floor Board Room of the Oliver W. Hill Building, 102 Governor Street, in Richmond, Virginia. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-b/100611pestbd.shtml According to the food safety experts at the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS), every consumer should follow three basic steps to prevent foodborne illness caused by the bacterium Listeria: http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-b/100611listeria.shtml The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services reported today that Virginia wheat producers averaged 71 bushels per acre, up from last year’s yield of 51 bushels per acre. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-b/100311wheat.shtml The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) offers agricultural producers an opportunity to showcase their products at SIAL Canada 2012 through partnership with the Southern United States Trade Association (SUSTA). http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-b/092811exportscanada.shtml The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) is pleased to announce that nine Virginia farmers’ markets were ranked in the Top 20 in “American’s Favorite Farmers’ Market Contest” sponsored by the American Farmland Trust (AFT). http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-b/092711farmersmarkets.shtml According to the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS), the state’s 2011 pumpkin crop looks good. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-b/092611pumpkincrop.shtml The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services announced today that federal crop insurance will be available to farmers whose crops were damaged by severe flooding from Tropical Storms Irene and Lee. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-b/091911floodassistance.shtml The weather in 2011 has been hard on many of Virginia’s agricultural crops, but the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) says the outlook for the 2011 apple crop is very good. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-b/091411apples.shtml Some states around Virginia, ones that experienced severe drought this summer, currently are having a problem with aflatoxin in corn. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-b/091311aflatoxin.shtml Fire, flood, feed contamination, foot-and-mouth disease. Farm and ranch disasters can come without warning. Is your crop, livestock or poultry operation secure? http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-b/091311agready.shtml When you plan for an event down to the minutest details and then it doesn’t happen, or doesn’t happen the way you thought it would, you’re usually sorely disappointed. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-b/091311lancaster.shtml Virginia Secretary of Agriculture and Forestry Todd P. Haymore today encouraged farmers and producers in localities impacted by Hurricane Irene to report losses of their crops, livestock, and farming infrastructure in order to potentially qualify for federal government assistance. http://www.ag-forestry.virginia.gov/News/viewRelease.cfm?id=908 The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) today announced 2011’s first positive case of West Nile Virus (WNV) in a horse. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-b/090611wnv.shtml The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) and the Virginia Pesticide Control Board invite farmers, pesticide dealers, pest control firms, homeowners and golf course operators to participate in the 2011 pesticide disposal program. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-b/090611disposalsites.shtml To avoid possible serious food safety problems, the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) recommends that consumers observe strict food safety precautions during the many power outages that have occurred as a result of Hurricane Irene, as well as later when power is restored to everyone. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-b/083111foodsafety.shtml Nothing says “State Fair” quite like sheep, caramel apples, fudge and Brunswick stew. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-b/083011statefair.shtml The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) is now staffing its Consumer Protection Hotline 24 hours until further notice to assist Virginia consumers with complaints related to Hurricane Irene. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-b/082911hotline.shtml For Virginia Farmers’ Market Week August 7 – 13, 2011, the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) sponsored a photo contest. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-b/082511photocontest.shtml The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) offers Virginia producers the opportunity to introduce their products to the important Japanese market through an outbound trade mission October 30 through November 5 in Tokyo and Osaka. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-b/081811japan.shtml The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) announced today that Virginia’s winter wheat yield is forecast at 72 bushels per acre compared with 51 bushels per acre a year earlier. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-b/081111yields.shtml The Virginia Board of Agriculture and Consumer Services will meet on Tuesday, August 9, 2011, at the Olde Dominion Agricultural Complex in Chatham, Virginia. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-b/080311bacsmts.shtml The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services and the Virginia Grain Producers Association (VGPA) are proud to announce the winners in the Statewide category of the 2011 Virginia Barley and Wheat Yield Contests. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-b/080211vgpawinners.shtml The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) announced today that Washington County has received U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) designation as a primary disaster area due to damage and losses caused by severe storms with high winds, hail and tornadoes that occurred on April 27 and 28, 2011. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-b/080211disaster.shtml Over the past year or so I have enjoyed having the opportunity to write a monthly column. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-b/080211andrealohr.shtml Because the popularity of Farmers’ Markets in Virginia continues to grow; because they provide the public with ready access to high quality, locally grown farm products and more; and because Farmers’ Markets are good for the economy and for communities across the Commonwealth, Governor Bob McDonnell has recognized the week of August 7 – 13, 2011, as Farmers’ Market Week in Virginia. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-b/072611frmsmkt.shtml The peaches are ripe, the harvest looks very good and the festivals are gearing up. It’s time to check www.virginiagrown.com for a pick-your-own farm or farmers’ market selling fresh, juicy Virginia peaches. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-b/071811peaches.shtml The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) announced today that the USDA has called for applications for the 2011 round of Value Added Producer Grants (VAPG). http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-b/071511valueaddedgrants.shtml The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) reminds small businesses that August 1 is the filing deadline for federal economic injury disaster loans available from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-b/071511disasterloans.shtml The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services announced today that Virginia’s wheat producers expect yields to average 70 bushels per acre in 2011, according to a survey conducted by the USDA/NASS Virginia Field Office. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-b/071211WheatBarley.shtml The Virginia Pesticide Control Board will meet at noon on July 21, 2011, at the Ruritan Club, 186 Patty Swamp Road, St. Stephens Church, Virginia. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-b/071211pestbd.shtml Virginia Farmers’ Market Week is more than a month away, but starting today - July 1, 2011 – market customers may submit their favorite photo taken at a market. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-b/070111frmktweek.shtml Recently I had the tremendous honor of attending Virginia’s 85th state FFA convention on the campus of Virginia Tech. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-b/061311vacattle.shtml The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) asks, what makes your barbecue blissful? The answer: keeping your food safe. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-b/062811fdsfty.shtml The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) offers Virginia producers the opportunity to introduce their products to the important Canadian market at the country’s premier event of the grocery industry, Grocery Innovations Canada. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-b/061611canadaexpo.shtml Last month I said that Virginia is for horse lovers, and certainly I stand by that. This month I’m making a similar case that Virginia is for Holstein lovers. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-b/061311vacattle.shtml The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services announced today that Virginia’s winter wheat crop for 2011 is expected to total 17,160,000 bushels, unchanged from the May forecast according to the USDA/NASS Virginia Field Office. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-b/061011wheatcrop.shtml In preparation for Virginia Pollinator Week, the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) reminds home owners, land managers, farmers and gardeners that pollination is an essential part of a healthy ecosystem. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-b/060811attractbees.shtml On the list of ingredients needed for the development of bountiful fruit and vegetable crops, one item is in short supply in Virginia. To develop properly, crops need more than fertile soil, water and sunshine; they may also need bees, birds, butterflies, bats, beetles and other insects and animals for pollination. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-b/060711pollinator.shtml When the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) and the Virginia Peanut Growers Association say “Play ball, and pass the peanuts”, they really mean it. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-b/060711peanuts.shtml The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) offers Virginia seafood producers the opportunity to meet one-on-one with Canadian buyers during a trade mission October 17 – 20, 2011, in Toronto, Ontario. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-b/060611Canada.shtml The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) encourages all horse owners to go to its website, www.vdacs.virginia.gov, for updates on the outbreak of Equine Herpes Virus-1 (EHV-1) in several western states. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-b/060211ehv1.shtml You see them all the time, those black and white cows, and some can even be red and white, that dot the fields and farms across the state and star in national commercials for cheese, milk, other dairy products and even “chickin.” http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-b/060111holsten.shtml You’ve heard it before, but it bears repeating: Handle food carefully in the summer because foodborne illness, also known as food poisoning, is more prevalent in warmer weather. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-b/052511summerfdsfty.shtml Dr. Richard L. Wilkes, State Veterinarian with the Virginia Dept of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS), confirmed today that no horses that competed at the National Cutting Horse Association (NCHA) Western National Championship have been traced to Virginia at this time. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-b/052011ehv1.shtml The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) offers Virginia producers the opportunity to introduce their products to the growing Indian market through a partnership with the Southern United States Trade Association (SUSTA). http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-b/052011india.shtml According to the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services, the 2011 wheat crop is expected to total 17,160,000 bushels. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-b/051111wheatcrop.shtml When many people think of Virginia, they think of horses. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-b/051111vahorse.shtml The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services announced today that much needed rain graced the state last week, increasing soil moisture. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-b/051011springharvest.shtml The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) says that Virginia strawberries are ripe and ready for picking now. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-b/050911strawberries.shtml The Virginia Board of Agriculture and Consumer Services will meet on May 26, 2011 http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-b.shtml Matthew J. Lohr, Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS), announced today that assistance may be available http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-b/042911farmeraid.shtml The last hard frost date is past for most of the state, foals are trying out their wobbly legs and asparagus is thrusting its spears heavenward. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-b/042611frmsmkt.shtml For the third consecutive year, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), in cooperation with the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS), will conduct a statewide survey to determine the extent of areas infested with the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB). http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-b/041911eab.shtml In the aftermath of a natural disaster, consumers can help keep disaster from striking twice by watching out for scam artists who want to take advantage of the calamitous situation. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-b/041911scams.shtml Between the Winter Fancy Food Show on the West Coast and the Summer Fancy Food Show on the East Coast, the National Association for the Specialty Food Trade (NASFT) events bring in more than 40,000 attendees from more than 80 countries to see 260,000 innovative specialty food products each year. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-b/041911fancyfoodshow.shtml Since 2002, the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) and the Virginia Pesticide Control Board have recognized Virginia Cooperative Extension agents and specialists for their outstanding participation in the pesticide container recycling program, the pesticide disposal program and pesticide safety education courses. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-b/041511pestawards.shtml I don’t know about the rest of you, but here in Virginia spring didn’t really start on March 20. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-b/031511lancasterfarm.shtml The Office of Consumer Affairs of the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) advises consumers to be on the lookout for possible Phishing scams resulting from a recent security breach at e-mail marketing giant Epsilon. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-b/040611phishingscam.shtml The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) recently announced the Beautiful Gardens® Plants of Distinction selections for 2011. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-b/040611beautifulgardens.shtml The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) urges all horse owners to ask their veterinarians for West Nile Virus (WNV) and Eastern Equine Encephalitis (EEE) vaccination recommendations for their animals. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-b/040511www-eee.shtml The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) announced today that Virginia farmers intend to increase planted acreage for soybeans, cotton and corn but decrease acreage for peanuts. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-b/040411agfacts.shtml The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) encourages the state’s farmers, packers and produce industry experts to become involved with the Produce Safety Alliance (PSA). http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-b/040411psa.shtml On March 29, 2011, Eastview Jose Joelle MG (aka Joelle), visited Capitol Square to announce that Richmond will host the National Holstein Convention in June. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-b/033011holstein.shtml The Virginia Pesticide Control Board will meet at 9 a.m. on April 21, 2011, in the second floor Board Room of the Oliver W. Hill Building, 102 Governor Street, in Richmond, Virginia. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-b/032911pestbdmtg.shtml The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) announced today a new study on the Virginia horse industry. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-b/032511econimpactstudy.shtml Governor Bob McDonnell today announced that in 2010, despite a worldwide recession and a statewide drought that impacted several key commodities, Virginia exports totaled $2.24 billion. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-b/031711agexports.shtml The Virginia Board of Agriculture and Consumer Services will meet on March 24, 2010 in Board Room 220 at the Oliver W. Hill Building, 102 Governor Street, Richmond, Virginia. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-b/031611agbd.shtml As more information about the devastation caused by the recent earthquake and tsunami in Japan becomes available, many people want to assist in some way. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-b/031411japanscam.shtml The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) will celebrate Virginia Agriculture Week and Agriculture Literacy Week by reading to children in pre-school through the third grade at public and private schools throughout the state. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-b/031111agweekreaders.shtml I’ll bet you think I’m going to start off by talking about spring, and you’re partially right. I do love spring with the baby lambs and chicks, the warmer days, the greening fields. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-b/030711agweek.shtml The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) reminds travelers who come in contact with livestock, poultry and other animals when traveling abroad that they may be at risk of introducing foreign animal diseases (FADs) into Virginia or other states. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-b/030211fads.shtml Virginia Grown App Now Available for Windows Phone 7 http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-b/021511eiareg.shtml Cotton Acreage Up Dramatically This Year http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-b/021511eiareg.shtml The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) announced today that effective March 2, 2011, an updated regulation will take effect regarding the Coggins test for equine infectious anemia. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-b/021511eiareg.shtml The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) announced today a workshop and listening session on conservation easements March 9 at the Virginia Horse Center in Lexington. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-b/021411farmpreservation.shtml I am a husband, a father of young children, a farmer and a political appointee. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-b/021011Agroterrorism.shtml The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) is accepting applications for USDA Agricultural Marketing Service Specialty Crop Block Grant funds. http://vdacs.virginia.gov/marketing/scrop.shtml The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services announced today that Virginia’s cattle and calf inventory was down one percent in 2010. According to the Virginia Field Office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service, Virginia’s cattle and calves inventory totaled 1.54 million head on January 1, 2011. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-b/020111cattle.shtml The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) wants you to have a safe Super Bowl party - safe food, that is. VDACS and the U.S. Department of Agriculture have this word of advice: When it comes to the Super Bowl game, defense matters. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-b/0128superbowlsafety.shtml The Twelfth Annual Virginia Cotton Economics and Production Meeting is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. February 9, 2011, at the Regional Workforce Development Center, Paul D. Camp Community College in Franklin, Virginia. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-b/0127cottonmeeting.shtml The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) invites agricultural producers, policy makers and business leaders to the third annual International Trade Workshop March 16 – 17, 2011 at the Sheraton Norfolk Waterside Hotel in downtown Norfolk. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-b/012611intltrade.shtml The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) has announced that funds are now available for organic growers and producers in Virginia to apply for partial reimbursement to offset their organic certification costs. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-b/011311costshare.shtml The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) and the Virginia Department of Emergency Management (VDEM) are making available grants of up to $60,000 each to city and county governments for emergency pet sheltering. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-b/011211petshelter.shtml The Virginia Pesticide Control Board will meet at 9 a.m. on January 20, 2011 http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-a/122910pestboard.shtml Does this scenario sound familiar? After your big holiday dinner, you all retire to the den to watch football or the living room for a gift exchange. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-a/120910foodsafety.shtml This is Matt Lohr’s first Christmas as Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS), and like commissioners before him, he is keeping alive the tradition of cutting a fresh Virginia Christmas tree at one of Virginia’s choose-and-cut-farms. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-a/120910xmastrees.shtml The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) announced today the launch of a new state-of-the-art online ordering system for restaurants and retailers ordering Virginia wine through the Virginia Winery Distribution Company (VWDC). http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-a/120110vwdc.shtml The Virginia Board of Agriculture and Consumer Services will meet on December 9, 2010 http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-a/112310bacsmeeting.shtml Virginia Governor Robert F. McDonnell honored a 168-year old tradition when he proclaimed December 2010 Christmas Tree Month in the Commonwealth. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-a/112210xmastrees.shtml The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) encourages every Virginian to Buy Local this holiday season. From Thanksgiving through News Year’s Day, a variety of holiday events focus on food, giving everyone ample opportunity to serve foods and beverages that come from right here in Virginia. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-a/111710buylocal.shtml The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ Office of Consumer Affairs cautions the public that the Janet’s Rescues and Placements of Dale City, Virginia, has solicited contributions from Virginia citizens for allegedly charitable purposes. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-a/111710janetsrescue.shtml For many people, the official start of the Christmas season is a trip to a farm to select and cut that special tree to star as the centerpiece of holiday decorating and the setting for singing carols and opening presents. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-a/111510xmastreeguide.shtml By act of the 2010 General Assembly, Virginia is celebrating November 8 – 12 as Farm to School Week. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-a/102810f2s.shtml The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) announced today that Virginia’s farmers expect low yields in 2010. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-a/101410yiedlsdown.shtml The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) announced today that cattle sales formerly held at the Fauquier Livestock Exchange will move to Culpeper beginning October 12. http://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/news/releases-a/100710cattlesale.shtml