The Census of Agriculture is now online and farmers are required by law to provide answers. Conducted once every five years, the Census of Agriculture is a complete count of all U.S. farms, ranches and those who operate them. It is the only source of uniform, comprehensive and impartial agriculture data for every state and county in the country.

Virginia's pumpkin growers are reporting quality crops this season, and consumers can expect to find pumpkins in just about every size, shape and color, with variety names such as Cinderella, Warty Goblin, Jarradale, Fairy Tale and Blanco, to name a few.

Keith Tignor, State Apiarist at VDACS was quoted as saying, “Every Virginian can help honey bee populations by providing flowering plants around their homes and supporting local beekeepers.” September is Honey Month in Virginia!

USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) is actively working with officials in Texas and Louisiana to ensure that people impacted by Hurricane Harvey have access to food now and after emergency operations are completed.

Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services’ (VDACS) has confirmed a diagnosis of Equine Herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) on a second farm in Virginia, unrelated to the first farm where the disease was found.

On Wednesday, Oct. 26, Michael Scuse, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services, will join state officials and business leaders at Sheetz, 11774 Sudley Manor Drive in Manassas, to highlight the availability of higher ethanol fuel blends in Manassas.

On August 15, the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) reported that its Animal Health Laboratory in Warrenton confirmed a diagnosis of Equine Herpesvirus-1 (EHV-1) on two horses from Culpeper County. A third horse on the quarantined farm developed a fever the evening of August 16 and tested positive for the neuropath genic strain of the Equine Herpes Virus -1. The quarantine is extended until September 6th.

Gov. Terry McAuliffe announced July 18 that a new comprehensive study shows Virginia’s agriculture and forestry industries contribute $91 billion annually to the commonwealth’s economy–a 30 percent increase over results of a 2013 study that found a $70 billion annual economic impact.