The craft beer industry in Virginia got a boost Nov. 21 when Governor Terry McAuliffe announced that Black Hops Farm, LLC in nearby Loudoun County will initially convert 15 acres of former pasture land into a hopsyard and build a new processing facility, thus becoming the largest hopsyard in Virginia and the Mid-Atlantic’s first commercial-scale hops production and processing facility.

Area residents may enjoy a fall weekend in the countryside Sept. 27-28 experiencing life on a farm today and the rich rural history of western Prince William County during the 14th annual Farm Tour.

Violation of Virginia’s wild ginseng harvest regulations is punishable by either imprisonment for up to 12 months, fine of not more than $2,500, or both.

The U.S. Postal Service has issued four colorful stamps saluting America’s farmers’ markets.

The Prince William Soil & Water Conservation District (PWSWCD) will begin a series of workshops for small acreage landowners (5-20 acres) who are thinking of establishing, or have already started, a small-scale/alternative agricultural operation.

When it comes to buying firewood, the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (VDACS) has two pieces of advice. #1: Buy local firewood to keep from spreading invasive pests that may be hiding under the bark. And #2: Grab a tape measure, a yardstick or even a ruler to be sure the delivery you paid for is accurate.

The Prince William County Fair in Manassas will remain closed Tuesday, Aug. 12 due to the very wet weather and plans to reopen on Wednesday, Aug. 13 at 5 p.m.

It’s the best time to enjoy the bounty of the summer season. At farmers’ markets across the Commonwealth, families will find Virginia Grown tomatoes, corn, squash, peaches, melons, berries, flowers and more harvested at the peak of flavor, freshness and nutrition. To celebrate, Virginia Governor Terry McAuliffe proclaims August 3-9, 2014 as “Virginia Farmers’ Market Week.”