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Agriculture and natural resources (ANR) programs help sustain the profitability of agricultural and forestry production and enhance and protect the quality of our land and water resources. We help the agriculture industry use the most current technology and management practices to develop strong businesses that prosper in today's economy. We deliver programs that help put research-based knowledge to work for Virginia's agriculture industry.

ANR programs are directed toward a broad range of needs associated with the production of livestock, food crops, greenhouse and nursery products, turf, and forests; the financial management of agricultural enterprises; and the protection of the environment.

Agriculture and natural resource information in this county

VDACS Market News Radio - Click to listen to the daily Virginia agriculture market report.

 

4-H is a community of young people across America who are learning leadership, citizenship, and life skills. 4-H, the largest comprehensive youth development program in the nation, educates young people, ages 5 to 18, through a variety of experiential techniques that encourage hands-on, active learning.

More than 20,000 adults and teens volunteer their time and energy annually to help youth experience 4-H. Our programs assist more than 170,000 Virginia youth discover and build on their own ability to make good decisions, manage resources wisely, work effectively with others, and communicate successfully. Our 4-H camping program is one of the largest in the country and provides character-building experiences to participants at our six 4-H educational centers.

 

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:   

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?

Perhaps one of the Community Viability specialists below can help you. Contact a Community Viability specialist or direct a question to them using our Ask an Expertsystem. 

Community Viability Specialists

While viewing the family unit as the cornerstone of a healthy community, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agents and volunteers work in Planning District 6 (the Counties of Rockingham, Highland, Bath and Rockbridge) with a focus on improving wellness for individuals and their families.

FCS Extension Agents offer a wide variety of programs in the areas of nutrition, finance, family development, physical activity, food safety, and food preservation. As educators, community resource, and link in the community, our goal is to implement effective educational and outreach programs that provide people with the life skills needed to make positive changes, and improve their overall sense of well-being.

Please contact Becky Gartner at 540-564-3081 or rebes13@vt.edu for more information on classes available and how to arrange programming for your location!

For ServSafe Class information please call 540-564-3081.