Pasture Walk

 

Blue Ridge Intro to Whole Farm Planning

 Blue Ridge Intro to Whole Farm Planning

Mondays: October 3, 10, 17,& 24, and November 7 & 14

A Virtual Series - Brought to You by VCE

VCE invites you to participate in our virtual series, Blue Ridge Intro to Whole Farm Planning (BRIWFP).This course introduces beginning and exploring farmers to the whole farm planning process. Over six weeks, extension agents and guest presenters address key concepts, worksheets, and examples that provide the framework and inspiration needed to plan a farm. The discussions and materials are relevant for any production operation type. Registration is required.

Register for Blue Ridge Intro to Whole Farm Planning

https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/su/XM7qw2r

For questions please contact Corey Childs at the Warren County Extension office 540-635-4549.

Black Farmer Livelihood Strategies

 

Black Farmer Livelihood Strategies to Mediate Financial and Emotional Stress

Monday, September 12 from 1-2pm ET

Dr. Andrew R. Smolski - Postdoctoral Research Scholar

Dr. Michael D. Schulman - William Neal Reynolds Distinguished Professor

North Carolina State University, Department of Agricultural and Human Sciences

A tradition of rural sociological research highlights the assets and networks that support farmer strategies to address financial and emotional distress. Using data from open-ended interviews with a small set of black farmers in North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia, we investigate some of the factors that contribute to their sustainable livelihoods. We find from preliminary results that farmer informants rely on community-based farmer networks to navigate fiscal and mental health crises. These networks support farmers in understanding the challenges they confront as having structural and institutional causes, as well as providing solidarity bonds, access to training, and cooperative economic strategies. Thus, there is a role for collective action between farmers in developing alternative resources to maintain the farm and contest discriminatory practices. The data show that the benefits extend beyond the economic into the psychological as evidenced by narratives of reduced stress from joining together around issues pertinent to Black Farmers. This finding merits further exploration and consideration when developing programs to support farmers as they work to overcome contemporary financial and emotional challenges to sustaining the farm.

Please register for this virtual event

https://tinyurl.com/blackfarmerlivelihoods

For more information reach out to Katie Trozzo at ketrozzo @vt.edu. If you are a person with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Katie Trozzo at ketrozzo@vt.edu or 540-231-4582 at least 10 days prior to the event.

Virginia Cooperative Extension programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. An equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Issued in furtherance of Cooperative Extension work, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Virginia State University, and the U.S. Department of Agriculture cooperating. Edwin J. Jones, Director, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Tech, Blacksburg; M. Ray McKinnie, Interim Administrator, 1890 Extension Program, Virginia State University, Petersburg

 

I am 4theSoil! Are you? Take the pledge.

 

Facebook for the Northern Shenandoah Valley

 

This is a neat resource for Equine Enthusiasts. QR code for Tack Box Talk

 

Genomics – A Tool for Genetic Improvement of Livestock

Livestock Genomics aims to publish basic, applied, and methodological research toward a better understanding of the genetic mechanisms underlying the expression of complex phenotypes in farm animals, as well as innovative strategies for the genetic improvement of livestock and aquaculture species.

Types of genomics

·         Structural genomics: Aims to determine the structure of every protein encoded by the genome.

·         Functional genomics: Aims to collect and use data from sequencing for describing gene and protein functions.

·         Comparative genomics: Aims to compare genomic features between different species.

 DNA is transmitted in chunks and genomic testing then identifies which DNA chunks have been passed from the parents to it's offspring. Genomics is the study of an animal's DNA (usually a tissue or hair sample) The genotype is studied to check parentage to confirm that the dam and sire recorded are correct.

 How does genomics work?

Genomics is the study of whole genomes of organisms, and incorporates elements from genetics. Genomics uses a combination of recombinant DNA, DNA sequencing methods, and bioinformatics to sequence, assemble, and analyze the structure and function of genomes.

 Genetic improvement occurs when the genetic merit is improved through selection. The improvement in genetic merit refers to the overall improvement in a flock or herd brought about by selection for a number of traits that contribute to the groups breeding objective, such as high growth rate or carcass yield.

Why is genetic improvement important? Genetics sets the potential for upper or lower production limits that animals can achieve. This can impact on the goals for your beef enterprise, including your market options.

 For additional information or on how you might start to incorporate this process in your management decision process, email me at cchilds@vt.edu or contact your local Extension agent.

 

Extension Beef Cattle Marketing Summit

Here is this link for the Extension Beef Cattle Marketing Summit zoom presentation. Dr. Peel from Oklahoma State University did a great job breaking down the cattle market and plotting a course for the future. If we can help you in any way please let us know.

https://virginiatech.zoom.us/.../SFA4w6dZwgiHxK7x8n7jEI8j...

Passcode: V??Qmx9c