Whether for home heating or a campfire, always buy firewood close to where you will burn it. Tree-killing invasive insects and diseases can lurk inside and on the surface of firewood. While these insects and diseases don’t travel far on their own, transporting firewood allows them to move hundreds of miles and start infestations in new places, advises the Virginia Dept. of Agriculture and Consumer Services.

Once we carve and light pumpkins, most people think their value is gone. Think of this: just as many resources went into growing that Virginia grown Jack O’lantern as any other food product, and it will produce a nutrient-dense compost as it rots. Putting every bit of your pumpkin to good use takes a little effort, but it can be a fun family activity and a way to do something good for the planet.

As a result of the major hurricane forecast, Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services advises farmers to take the following precautions now to help protect their families, farms and livestock.

The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) wants everyone to know that September is Honey Month across the Commonwealth. Governor Ralph Northam declared September Virginia Honey Month for many reasons. Here are VDACS’ top three:

Gainesville Supervisor Pete Candland and Va. Delegate Tim Hugo want to hear residents' thoughts and opinions on the Rural Crescent and their reaction to some of the proposals Sept. 10 at 7 p.m. in the Battlefield High School auditorium.

Gov. Ralph Northam announced Aug. 23 that The Winery at Bull Run will invest $1.7 million, create 38 new jobs, and double production of its award-winning wines, which are made using only Virginia-grown grapes. The winery, which opened in 2012 on 225 acres adjacent to the Manassas National Battlefield Park, is an important tourist attraction, bringing thousands of tourists to the Commonwealth each year.

U.S. meat may be moving to other countries, but trade has slowed. That’s the assessment of Margaret Ann Smith, a Virginia cattle farmer and chairman of the livestock marketing council for the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association, regarding tariffs recently imposed by China.

A nine-year-old pony mare from Fauquier County tested positive for WNV at VDACS’ regional animal health laboratory in Warrenton and a USDA lab in Iowa. The horse was not vaccinated for WNV and has recovered. Symptoms included loss of control of bodily movements and partial paralysis in the hind limbs, dazed appearance and lack of ability to stand.