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Resources for Beginning Farmer

Title Available As Summary Date ID Author
Small-scale Poultry Housing Apr 28, 2023 2902-1092 (APSC-186NP)
Why Have My Hens Stopped Laying? 5 Factors that Impact Egg Production Jul 12, 2022 2902-1097 (APSC-180NP)
Why Have My Hens Stopped Laying? 5 Factors that Impact Egg Production Jul 12, 2022 2902-1097 (APSC-180NP)
An Introduction to Growing Christmas Trees in Virginia
Each year many landowners in Virginia consider Christmas tree farming as an alternative enterprise for their unused open land. The number of growers in the Commonwealth is increasing steadily, and currently Virginia ranks eighth in the nation in Christmas tree production, with about 1.8 million trees harvested in 1990.
Mar 11, 2021 420-080 (CNRE-131P)
Options for Clearing Land: Pasture Establishment Mar 2, 2022 465-341 (CNRE-136P)
Farm Financial Risk Management Series Part I: Overview of Financial Systems for New and Beginning Farmers Sep 23, 2022 AAEC-114P (AAEC-296P)
Farm Financial Risk Management Series Part II: Introduction of Financial Systems for New and Beginning Farmers
There are many factors to consider before starting a new farm enterprise. Financial management is an important component in the startup and decision-making processes for beginning farmers. The purpose of this series of publications is to inform Virginia agribusiness owners and managers about farm financial risk management tools, techniques, and resources available to help them prepare and use a financial systems approach for their operations.
Sep 23, 2022 AAEC-115P (AAEC-297P)
Farm Financial Risk Management Series Part III: Introduction to Farm Planning Budgets for New and Beginning Farmers
There are many factors to consider before starting a new farm enterprise. Financial management is an important component in the startup and decision-making processes for beginning farmers. The purpose of this series of publications is to inform Virginia agribusiness owners and managers about farm financial risk management tools, techniques, and resources available to help them prepare and use a financial systems approach for their operations.
Sep 23, 2022 AAEC-116P (AAEC-298P)
Becoming a Certified Organic Producer in Virginia May 14, 2019 AAEC-168P
Market Ready Farm to Restaurant – Product Liability Insurance Considerations May 10, 2019 AAEC-175NP
Market Ready Farm to Restaurant – A Conversation about Pricing May 6, 2019 AAEC-176NP
Market Ready Farm to Restaurant – Delivery Considerations May 6, 2019 AAEC-177NP
Market Ready Farm to Restaurant – Product Supply Recommendation
There are many factors to consider before selling your farm products directly to restaurant owners, managers, and chefs. Marketing management is an important component in the startup and decision-making processes for new and beginning producers interested in direct sales.
Apr 26, 2019 AAEC-178NP
Market Ready Farm to Restaurant – Food and Food Product Packaging Considerations May 10, 2019 AAEC-179NP
Market Ready Farm to Restaurant – Storage Considerations May 8, 2019 AAEC-180NP
Market Ready Farm to Restaurant – Invoicing Considerations May 10, 2019 AAEC-181NP
Components of a Food Business Plan May 8, 2019 AAEC-182NP
Virginia Market Maker – Your FREE Online Marketspace How to Register your Agribusiness(es) Apr 2, 2020 AAEC-217NP
Economics of Farm and Agribusiness Sustainability Feb 25, 2021 AAEC-278NP
Implementing Pricing Strategies Mar 1, 2021 AAEC-281NP
Risk Management and Crop Insurance Mar 25, 2021 AAEC-282NP
GMO, Bioengineered Labeling, and Non-GMO Food Mar 1, 2021 AAEC-283NP
Marketing Farm and Food Products Apr 12, 2021 AAEC-284NP
Introduction to Labor Issues for Beginning Farmers
There are many factors to consider before you start a new farm enterprise. Labor issues are often underemphasized in the decision-making processes of beginning farmers. It is important to consider who you will hire, where you will find help, how you will manage your employees, and what legal matters are relevant to your farm.
Mar 18, 2020 AEE-106NP (ALCE-186NP)
A Resource Guide for Start-up Military Veteran Farmers
Deciding what career to begin after discharging from the military is an important decision. Because agriculture can often bring a new sense of purpose and leadership to a veteran’s life, many are choosing farming as their new career. Military veterans offer unique skill sets and discipline that are needed in the rigorous daily life of a farmer.
Oct 14, 2021 AEE-152NP (ALCE-277NP)
Virginia Beginning Farmer & Rancher Coalition Project: Mountain View Farm & Vineyard (Part 1): Developing a farm enterprise Sep 22, 2023 AEE-31NP
Virginia Beginning Farmer & Rancher Coalition Project: Mountain View Farm & Vineyard (Part 2): Exploring production goals Sep 22, 2023 AEE-32NP
Virginia Beginning Farmer & Rancher Coalition Project: Mountain View Farm & Vineyard (Part 3): Measuring success Sep 22, 2023 AEE-33NP
Virginia Beginning Farmer & Rancher Coalition Project: Mountain View Farm & Vineyard (Part 4): Economic challenges Sep 22, 2023 AEE-34NP
Virginia Beginning Farmer & Rancher Coalition Project: Mountain View Farm & Vineyard (Part 5): Marketing challenges Sep 22, 2023 AEE-35NP
Virginia Beginning Farmer & Rancher Coalition Project: Mountain View Farm & Vineyard (Part 6): Balancing on-farm and off-farm employment Sep 22, 2023 AEE-36NP
Virginia Beginning Farmer & Rancher Coalition Project: Croushorn Farms (Part 1): Starting a new farm enterprise Sep 22, 2023 AEE-37NP
Virginia Beginning Farmer & Rancher Coalition Project: Croushorn Farms (Part 2): Challenges to new farm enterprises Sep 22, 2023 AEE-38NP
Virginia Beginning Farmer & Rancher Coalition Project: Croushorn Farms (Part 3): Land and tenure acquisition Sep 22, 2023 AEE-39NP
Virginia Beginning Farmer & Rancher Coalition Project: Croushorn Farms (Part 4): Marketing and business management Sep 22, 2023 AEE-40NP
Virginia Beginning Farmer & Rancher Coalition Project: Juba Farm (Part 1): Starting a new farm enterprise Sep 22, 2023 AEE-41NP
Virginia Beginning Farmer & Rancher Coalition Project: Juba Farm (Part 2): Challenges to farming Sep 22, 2023 AEE-42NP
Virginia Beginning Farmer & Rancher Coalition Project: Juba Farm (Part 3): Crops grown on the farm Sep 22, 2023 AEE-43NP
Virginia Beginning Farmer & Rancher Coalition Project: Juba Farm (Part 4): Cultural differences in farming in the U.S. Mar 1, 2023 AEE-44NP
Virginia Beginning Farmer & Rancher Coalition Project: Huntley Farm & Seitz Angus (Part 1): Overview of a farm enterprise Sep 22, 2023 AEE-45NP
Virginia Beginning Farmer & Rancher Coalition Project: Huntley Farm & Seitz Angus (Part 2): Challenges in new farm enterprise Sep 22, 2023 AEE-46NP
Virginia Beginning Farmer & Rancher Coalition Project: Huntley Farm & Seitz Angus (Part 3): Advice for beginning farmers Sep 22, 2023 AEE-47NP
Virginia Whole Farm Planning: An Educational Program for Farm Startup and Development
The purpose of the Introduction to Whole Farm Planning module is to help beginning farmers and ranchers in Virginia make informed farm planning decisions by introducing them to the whole farm planning process.
Mar 2, 2022 AEE-50P (ALCE-289P)
Virginia Whole Farm Planning: An Educational Program for Farm Startup and Development, Land Acquisition and Tenure
The Land Acquisitions and Tenure module is designed to help beginning farmers and ranchers develop and implement their farmland tenure and transfer goals as part of the whole farm plan. Established farmers who are planning for the transfer of their farm may also find this module useful. The module includes concepts, worksheets, and examples to help you assess your resources and preferences for successful start-up planning.
Apr 6, 2022 AEE-51P (ALCE-288P)
Virginia Whole Farm Planning: An Educational Program for Farm Startup and Development Apr 4, 2022 AEE-53P (ALCE-270NP)
Successful Farm Startup for Beginners: Virginia Beginning Farmer and Rancher Coalition Program
Starting a farm is an exciting yet challenging opportunity. As with any new undertaking, there is a lot to think about before beginning a farm venture. Gaining access to farmland, viable markets, capital and credit, as well as hands-on training and resources are some of the most important startup issues to consider as part of the planning process. You are likely asking yourself, “Where do I begin?” The purpose of this resource is to help newcomers make informed decisions at the start of the planning process. This “quick guide” is primarily designed for beginning farmers and ranchers, but service providers will also find this resource useful for answering questions about the farm startup process. This foundational work offers a valuable starting point on which to create a successful whole farm plan for a new agricultural venture.
May 12, 2020 AEE-67P
Virginia Beginning Farmer & Rancher Coalition Program: Virginia Beginning Farmer Profiles May 12, 2020 AEE-70NP
Virginia Beginning Farmer & Rancher Coalition Program: Technical Assistance & Resource Directory
The purpose of the Technical Assistance and Resource Directory is to help beginning farmers and ranchers in Virginia know what resources and resource professionals are available to them as they plan their new farm or ranch. The service and resource professionals featured throughout this directory are Coalition partners and are excellent points of contact for beginning farmers/ranchers and other service providers. The Virginia Beginning Farmer & Rancher Coalition Program is a state-wide and coalition-based Extension program housed in Virginia Tech’s Department of Agricultural and Extension Education.
May 12, 2020 AEE-76NP
Virginia Beginning Farmer & Rancher Coalition Project: Seven Springs Farm: CSA Farm Model Sep 16, 2013 AEE-78NP
An Evaluation of Program, Training, and Resource Needs of Virginia Beginning Farmers and Ranchers: Virginia Beginning Farmer and Rancher Coalition Program
With funding from the USDA Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program in fall 2010, the Virginia Beginning Farmer and Rancher Coalition Program aims to meet the expressed needs of Virginia’s beginning farmers and support the development of social networks through which they can gain vital skills, information, technical assistance, and business capacity for long-term agricultural viability (see www.vabeginningfarmer.org).
Oct 4, 2019 AEE-81P
Small Farm Orientation: Checklist for a Beginning Small Farmer Dec 13, 2019 ALCE-185NP
Farm Safety, Health, and Wellness Resource: Decision-Making Guide for Farm Service Providers and Educators Feb 10, 2020 ALCE-187NP
Farm Safety, Health, and Wellness Resource: Mental Health Case Studies - The Dunlap’s Beef Cattle: The Impact of Intergenerational Farm Transfer Mar 16, 2020 ALCE-188NP
Farm Safety, Health, and Wellness Resource: Mental Health Case Studies - The Cooper Family Story Feb 12, 2020 ALCE-189NP
Farm Safety, Health, and Wellness Resource: Mental Health Case Studies - The Johnsons’ Broiler Farm Feb 12, 2020 ALCE-190NP
Farm Safety, Health, and Wellness Resource: Mental Health Case Studies - The Montel Family: An Intergenerational Farm Feb 12, 2020 ALCE-191NP
Farm Safety, Health, and Wellness Resource: Mental Health Case Studies - The Family Vegetable Farm in Roanoke, Virginia Feb 12, 2020 ALCE-192NP
Farm Stress and Grief in the Time of COVID-19: Strategies and Resources May 1, 2020 ALCE-202NP
Virginia Farm Emergency Plan Sep 2, 2020 ALCE-219NP
Managing Farm Financial Stress for a Healthy Farm and a Healthy Farm Family May 24, 2021 ALCE-220NP (ALCE-249NP)
Best Practices to Managing Farm Financial Health and Wellbeing Sep 2, 2020 ALCE-222NP
AgrAbility Virginia Program Evaluation Brief: 2021 Survey & Interview Results Jun 29, 2021 ALCE-255NP
Taste of Farming: Writing an Agriculture Business Plan Mar 30, 2022 ALCE-296-1NP
Taste of Farming: Things to Consider for Your New Farm (Ad)Venture Mar 30, 2022 ALCE-296-2
Taste of Farming: Key Agencies and Resources to Assist Your Farming Venture Mar 30, 2022 ALCE-296-3
Taste of Farming: Basic Soils Apr 1, 2022 ALCE-296-4
The Virginia Beginning Farmer and Rancher Coalition Program (brochure) Feb 17, 2023 ALCE-305NP
La Coalición de Granjeros y Rancheros Principiantes de Virginia (The Virginia Beginning Farmer and Rancher Coalition Program) Apr 4, 2023 ALCE-305NP
Information for New Pesticide Applicators Apr 19, 2023 ALCE-307NP
Floriculture: From Field to Vase Apr 20, 2023 ALCE-308NP
Starting a Small Scale Dairy (Part I): Raising a Healthy and Future Production Dairy Heifer Apr 20, 2023 ALCE-309NP
Starting a Small Scale Dairy (Part II): Small Scale Dairy with Cows or Goats Apr 20, 2023 ALCE-310NP
Starting a Small Scale Dairy (Part III): The Rest of the Story Apr 20, 2023 ALCE-311NP
Seafood Safety Regulations and Requirements Apr 20, 2023 ALCE-312NP
Sheep and Goat Production Apr 20, 2023 ALCE-314NP
Starting a Vineyard Apr 20, 2023 ALCE-316NP
Agriculture Road Law Fact Sheet Sep 28, 2022 ANR-268NP (AAEC-300NP)
Are you a Beginning Farmer?
You are likely asking yourself, “Where do I begin?” The purpose of this tool is to help you gather a solid basis of information as you consider your “start-up” situation. Once you have completed as much as you can of this worksheet (or if you have any questions along the way), please bring it to your local Virginia Cooperative Extension office to get guidance on where to go next: http://www.ext.vt.edu/offices/index.html. Good Luck! We look forward to helping you bring your farm vision to life!
May 12, 2020 ANR-91NP
The Importance of Temperament and Acclimation to Handling on Beef Cattle Production Jul 14, 2021 APSC-175P
Animal Welfare Standards and Marketing Oct 14, 2021 APSC-177P
Small Scale and Niche Market Pork Producers Should Respond to the 2022 Census of Agriculture¹ Jan 24, 2023 APSC-183NP
Poultry Parasites: Northern Fowl Mites
Northern fowl mites (Ornithonyssus sylviarum) are one of the more common ectoparasites (external parasites) that can be present in a poultry flock. This publication discusses detection, prevention, and treatment options
Oct 11, 2023 APSC-190P
Footpad Dermatitis in Poultry: A Common Issue in Commercial and Backyard Flocks
Footpad dermatitis refers to a lesion on the footpad and/or toes, characterized by black, necrotic skin and inflammation. This is a widespread condition that can occur in any poultry flock, from mini scale backyard birds to large-scale commercial settings. This publication covers information about the prevalence, causes, methods to keep track, and some potential remedies.
Oct 2, 2023 APSC-191P
Predators for Free-Ranging Poultry
Predation is a common risk for poultry that are allowed to roam freely outdoors (Fig. 1). Predator types may differ depending on the region. Therefore, this article may not cover all possible predators for a specific geographical region. This article provides an overview of potential flock predators, how to identify the predator, and approaches to avoid predation in your free-range poultry flock.
Sep 28, 2023 APSC-192P
Leg and Foot Disorders in Domestic Poultry
Leg and foot problems in poultry can be a serious health and animal welfare problem, with consequences for production too. Most leg and foot disorders in poultry can be prevented through proper nutrition and management. However, some problems can be genetic. Here we consider the causes of these problems in poultry. By taking proper management precautions, you can prevent leg and foot disorders from ever occurring.
Oct 12, 2023 APSC-193NP
Managing Climate Risks and Extreme Weather in Agriculture May 24, 2023 BSE-226P
Dairy Pipeline, March 2020 Mar 18, 2020 DASC-133NP
Dairy Pipeline, May 2020 Apr 21, 2020 DASC-135NP
Comparative Nutritional Quality of Winter Crops for Silage Feb 7, 2022 DASC-93P
April 2022 Dairy Pipeline Apr 15, 2022 DASC-148NP
May 2022 Dairy Pipeline May 2, 2022 DASC-149NP
March 2023 Dairy Pipeline newsletter Mar 2, 2023 DASC-156NP
Diagnosing Stink Bug Injury to Vegetables
In the mid-Atlantic U.S. vegetable crops are attacked by several different stink bug species (1). The primary pest species include: the invasive brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB), Halyomorpha halys, which has become the dominant species in most landscapes (2), brown stink bug, Euschistus servus Say, which is the most common species attacking tomatoes; green stink bug, Chinavia hilaris Say (3); and harlequin bug, Murgantia histrionica, which is primarilly a pest of brassica vegetables only (4). All stink bugs are piercing sucking feeders that insert their stylets into the fruit, pods, buds, leaves, and stems of plants.
May 25, 2021 ENTO-173NP (ENTO-449NP)
UPDATED List of Commercial Suppliers and Insectaries/Laboratories Selling Predators and Parasitoids for Augmentative Biocontrol Feb 4, 2022 ENTO-480NP
Cyber attacks in agriculture: protecting your farm and small business with cyberbiosecurity Jul 14, 2021 FST-387NP
Assessing On-Farm Produce Safety Risks: Performing a Hazard Analysis Jan 20, 2022 FST-400NP
Assessing On-Farm Produce Safety Risks: General Practices Jan 20, 2022 FST-401NP
Assessing On-Farm Produce Safety Risks: Pre-Plant Stage Jan 20, 2022 FST-402NP
Assessing On-Farm Produce Safety Risks: Production Stage Jan 31, 2022 FST-403NP
Assessing On-Farm Produce Safety Risks: Harvest Stage Jan 20, 2022 FST-404NP
Assessing On-Farm Produce Safety Risks: Post-Harvest Handling Stage Jan 20, 2022 FST-405NP
Assessing On-Farm Produce Safety Risks: Preparing for GAP Certification Jan 20, 2022 FST-406NP
Accessing Virginia’s Regional Wholesale Market Sector: Fresh Produce Food Safety Considerations Apr 24, 2023 HORT-271NP
Accessing Virginia’s Market Sectors: Fresh Produce Purchasing Considerations Apr 24, 2023 HORT-272NP
Accessing Virginia’s Retail Market Sector: Fresh Produce Food Safety Considerations Apr 24, 2023 HORT-273NP
Accessing Virginia’s Restaurant Market Sector: Fresh Produce Food Safety Considerations Apr 25, 2023 HORT-274NP
Accessing Virginia’s Public School (K-12) Market Sector: Fresh Produce Food Safety Considerations Apr 25, 2023 HORT-275NP
Accessing Virginia’s Hospital Market Sector: Fresh Produce Food Safety Considerations Apr 25, 2023 HORT-276NP
Accessing Virginia’s Direct-to-Consumer Market Sector: Fresh Produce Food Safety Considerations Apr 26, 2023 HORT-277NP
Accessing Virginia’s College & University Market Sector: Fresh Produce Food Safety Considerations Apr 26, 2023 HORT-278NP
Accessing Virginia Market Sectors: Establishing a Marketing Perspective Apr 26, 2023 HORT-279NP
Catastrophic Livestock and Poultry Carcass Disposal Jun 5, 2019 SPES-138NP
On Farm Mortality Disposal Options for Livestock Producers Jun 3, 2019 SPES-139NP
Adaptive Challenges Jan 24, 2020 SPES-183NP
Getting Started and Managing Resources Jan 24, 2020 SPES-189NP
Garden Irrigation Jan 27, 2021 SPES-297NP
2021 Virtual Eastern Shore Agricultural Conference and Trade Show Mar 12, 2021 SPES-312NP
Protective Agriculture Production Series: Fundamentals Sep 16, 2021 SPES-355NP
2021 Eastern Shore AREC Interactive Research Field Day Oct 8, 2021 SPES-359NP
How to develop a planting plan for vegetables in Virginia: A sample spreadsheet May 11, 2022 SPES-401NP
Hydroponic Production of Edible Crops: Planning for the Market
According to the 2017 Census of Agriculture, U.S. greenhouse vegetable farms more than doubled from 2012 (USDA 2019). Virginia fell within the top 10 states for acreage of vegetables and berry crops grown under protected culture. Protected culture includes greenhouses and structures like high tunnels. With close to two and a half million square feet devoted mostly to tomatoes, vegetables, herbs, and strawberries, the value of Virginia greenhouse sales in 2017 was over 31 million dollars! A lot of this increase in square footage was due to the addition of large operations coming into Virginia.
Jul 27, 2023 SPES-461NP
Hydroponic Production of Edible Crops: Management Basics Jul 21, 2023 SPES-462NP
Hydroponic Production of Edible Crops: Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) Systems
With the increasing number of controlled environment agriculture farms, Virginia Cooperative Extension is working closely with specialty crop growers to address the challenges of establishing and managing hydroponic greenhouse operations. Growers interested in producing food crops in controlled environments can use several different types of hydroponic systems. One of the most common types of hydroponic systems is called nutrient film technique (NFT).
Jul 24, 2023 SPES-463NP
Hydroponic Production of Edible Crops: Deep Water Culture (DWC) Systems Jul 19, 2023 SPES-464NP
Hydroponic Production of Edible Crops: System and Crop Comparisons
This factsheet is part of a series of seven factsheets targeting beginning farmers growing edible crops using hydroponic greenhouse systems. There are also five videos that are related to the factsheets and included in the numbering sequence.
Jul 26, 2023 SPES-466NP
Hydroponic Production of Edible Crops: Food Safety Considerations Jul 20, 2023 SPES-467NP
Farming Foundations in Hydroponics: Targeting the Marketplace Jul 12, 2023 SPES-468NP
Farming Foundations in Hydroponics: Crop and System Types Jul 12, 2023 SPES-469NP
Farming Foundations in Hydroponics: Planning Your Production Jul 12, 2023 SPES-470NP
Local, Community Focused Hydroponics: Endless Summer Harvest Jul 12, 2023 SPES-471NP
High Tech for Small-Scale Hydroponics: Schuyler Greens Company Jul 12, 2023 SPES-472NP
Tree Selection Guide for Mid-Atlantic Silvopastures Feb 2, 2023 SPES-476NP
Basic Tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) Physiology and Morphology May 31, 2023 SPES-508NP
VCE AG Today: High Fertilizer Prices; Why? Feb 7, 2022 VCE-1027-61NP