Local Programs
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 animals, seafood, food crops, greenhouse and nursery products, turf, and forests; the financial management of agricultural enterprises; and the protection of the environment.
Programs from this Office
Rockbridge Starter Flock ‘Sheep Chain’
The Rockbridge Starter Flock ‘Sheep Chain’ is a program for young people who have some acres of pasture where they could keep sheep. The Rockbridge Sheep and Wool Growers Association will provide three (3) breeding-age ewes to the winning applicant and help them learn how to care for and raise sheep for fun and profit.
The Association will assign the winning applicant an experienced mentor who will visit the flock regularly and provide guidance in the care of the sheep. The Association will also provide a ram for a period long enough to breed the ewes once the applicant has determined when they want the ewes to lamb.
Applicants need to read the guidelines provided, prepare their application, and have the full participation and support of a parent or guardian. Applications must be received by Monday, September 28, 2015. Sheep will be delivered to the applicant in the December / January timeframe depending on what is best for the winning applicant.
If you wish to apply or have questions, call Tom Stanley at his office: 540-463-4734 or his cell phone: 540-588-0241 or contact him by e-mail at milkbarnmeadow@gmail.com.
Rockbridge Starter Flock ‘Sheep Chain’ Application (PDF | 146KB)
Emerald Ash Borer Resources
Additional Resources
- 2015 Central Shenandoah Valley and Alleghany Highlands Farmland Rental Survey (PDF | 178KB)
- 2015 Land Rental Survey (DOCX | 36KB)
- Risk Navigator Farm Financial Package, Balance Sheet (XLS | 264KB)
- Reducing Beef Cow Numbers and Feeding Hay Fewer Days to Improve Profits (PDF | 183KB)
- Herbicide Recipes for Pasture (PDF | 5MB)
- Herbicide Carryover In Hay, Manure, Compost, and Grass Clippings (PDF | 130KB)
- 2013 Land Rental Guide For The Central Shenandoah Valley and Alleghany Highlands (PDF | 317KB)
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:
- Leadership & Planning
- Community Enterprise and Resiliency
- Community Food System and Enterprises
- Community Planning
- Emerging Community Issues
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 Expert system.