Recently, an application was made to the Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control for the first farm brewery in Fairfax County, proposed to be located on approximately 20 acres of land, at the corner of Yates Ford and Clifton Road, according to Fairfax County Supervisor Pat Herrity.

U.S. Sens. Kelly Ayotte (R-NH) and Mark Warner (D-VA) April 28 reintroduced legislation to protect horses from the abusive practice known as soring - in which show horse trainers apply blistering or burning agents, lacerations, sharp objects, or other substances or devices to a horse's limb to intentionally make each step painful, forcing a horse to perform an exaggerated high-stepping gait that is rewarded in show rings.

USDA will publish a rule outlining the linkage of conservation compliance with federal crop insurance premium support. Go to http://go.usa.gov/3Wy5J to view a copy of the rule.

Manassas City Beautification Committee will conduct a tree planting and recognition of Arbor Day poster contest winners ceremony at Liberia Plantation on Friday, April 24, at 10 a.m.

Henry’s Farm Inc. of Woodford, Va. is recalling all packages of soybean sprouts because they may be contaminated with Listeria monocytogenes, an organism which can cause serious and sometimes fatal infections to individuals with weakened immune systems.

Owners of poultry flocks (industry leaders, farmers, backyard poultry owners) in Virginia need to observe strict biosecurity in light of Avian Influenza outbreaks elsewhere, the State Veternarian says. The State Vet also stated there are no cases in Virginia, but precautions are urged.

March 15-21, 2015 is Virginia Agriculture Week. The Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services suggests that it’s the perfect opportunity to give credit where credit is due. During this special week, take a minute to thank a farmer.

Governor Terry McAuliffe has announced new export sales of Virginia apples to India, a significant market opening in one of the world’s largest economies and population bases.