Santa’s visit to Virginia may be brief each year, but it’s still vitally important to our state agricultural industry that his reindeer are healthy,” VDACS State Veterinarian Dr. Charlie Broaddus said. “It’s a privilege to issue permits for entry for Santa, and I hope he enjoys some fresh local Virginia milk and that the reindeer get plenty of Virginia grown carrots during their visit.”

Gov. Glenn Youngkin announced Dec. 12 that Duchess Dairy will invest nearly $1 million to expand its dairy processing operations in Wythe County in southwest Virginia. The family-owned and operated dairy manufacturer plans to grow its operation by adding a production line of churned butter to its it popular line of premium bottled milk.

It’s very difficult to determine if wood is infested, and it can be infested with a variety of invasive pests,” said Bill Osl, a Cumberland County forestland owner who chairs Virginia Farm Bureau Federation Forestry Advisory Committee and the Virginia Board of Forestry. “By buying firewood locally, you’re not just limiting the spread of these destructive and non-native organisms, you’re also helping someone in the community and supporting the local economy..”

Fauquier County Department of Agricultural Development and the Fauquier Livestock Exchange Board of Directors have been awarded a planning grant to aid in the development of a new abattoir in Marshall. The $9,800 grant, from the Governor’s Agriculture and Forestry Industries Development (AFID) Fund Planning Grant Program, will help to establish a management structure and strategic plan for the operation of the new meat-processing facility

"Sustainable forestry provides so many benefits…clean air and water, economic development, wildlife habitat, timber, and recreation,” said Rob Farrell, State Forester of Va. Dept. of Forestry (DOF). “Forest Products Week celebrates Virginia’s working forests, thousands of professionals and partners who work in them, and the environmental benefits and sustainable products they provide for all of us."

The beautification project along Sudley Road from Rixlew Lane to Portsmouth Road has been completed. The project introduced new landscaping, including crape myrtles, knock-out roses, shamrock hollies, variegated liriope, coreopsis, salvias, nepetas and hydrangeas, all selected to enhance the appeal of the area.

Virginia Cooperative Extension will host a Canning Class on Wednesday, Oct 16 at 5:30 pm in the Community Room at St. Benedict Monastery, 9535 Linton Hall Rd, Bristow. Space is limited, there are 5 seats remaining.

Distribution Program now accepting applications for Beehive Lottery. Applicants must be a Virginia resident, 18 and older, to be eligible to receive beehive units.