VSU Annual Ginger and Turmeric Workshop and Field Day

Thursday, Oct 21, 2022 • 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM

VSU Randolph Farm Pavilion, 4415 River Road, Petersburg, VA

Price: $15 • Seating Limited

Learn from leading experts about the sustainable production management of ginger and turmeric, integrated pest management, the health benefits of ginger consumption, proper harvesting and packaging techniques, and marketing. Presentations will be shared indoors, after which guests will travel by trolley to the field for demonstrations.

Presenters:

• Brian Nelson Hardywood Brewery (Richmond, VA)

• Reza Rafie Crossroad Farm (Colonial Heights, VA)

• Rafat Siddiqui Food Science and Food Chemistry (VSU)

• Zelalem Mersha Plant and Soil Science (VSU)

• Theresa Nartea Marketing (VSU)

SPACE IS LIMITED.

For more information, contact Jessica Harris at (804) 524-5964 or jbrown@vsu.edu.

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please call (804) 524-5964 / TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8 am. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.

VSU College of Agriculture Field Day

Thursday, September 1 • 8:30 AM–12:30 PM

Virginia State University’s Randolph Farm, 4415 River Road, Petersburg, VA, 23803

This free event will showcase the many ways VSU’s agricultural researchers, Extension specialists and professors support Virginia’s agriculture and forestry industries, the commonwealth’s number one private economic driver, with an annual economic impact of more than $91 billion.

Hop on and off trollies as they circle throughout Randolph Farm’s 416 acres and learn from the commonwealth’s leading experts about the latest techniques, trends, research and success stories impacting small-scale, limited-resource farmers and ranchers.

See first-hand how VSU’s research, teaching and public programming is enhancing the resiliency of Virginia’s food systems and addressing food safety and insecurity, especially among those who have limited social and economic resources.

Learn how you, your family, your business and your community can benefit from the food and agri-science programs at VSU.

EXPLORE

• Mobile Sheep & Goat Processing Unit

• Pond Aquaculture

• Hydroponic and Aquaponic Grow Systems

• High Tunnel Production

• Livestock Grazing Demonstration

• Industrial Hemp

• Sheep & Goat Production

• And More

For more information, contact Jessica Harris at (804) 524-5964 or jbrown@vsu.edu.

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact the Small Farm Outreach Program office at smallfarm@vsu.edu or call (804) 524-5964 / TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8 am. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.

Virginia Cooperative Extension is a partnership of Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, the U.S. Department of Agriculture, and local governments. Its programs and employment are open to all, regardless of age, color, disability, gender, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, political affiliation, race, religion, sexual orientation, genetic information, military status, or any other basis protected by law.

Production Potential of Muscadine Grapes in Virginia

Friday, Dec 10, 2021 • 12:00 PM - 2:00 PM

Online Zoom Event

Muscadine grapes are native to the Southeast of the United States, and have resistance to many diseases of common bunch grapes. The newly developed Muscadine grape varieties have bigger and better tasting fruits. Muscadine grapes have good potential as a new crop to be grown by small farmers for local markets. In this workshop the participants will learn about how to select the right variety, and how to plant and manage Muscadine grapes. This is a virtual educational workshop.

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact Tina Cabrera at tcabrera@vsu.edu or call (804) 524-5836 / TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8 am. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.

VSU Annual Ginger and Turmeric Workshop and Field Day

Thursday, Oct 21, 2021 • 9:00 PM - 12:30 PM

VSU Randolph Farm Pavilion, 4415 River Road, Petersburg, VA

Price: $10 • Seating Limited

Learn from leading experts about the sustainable production management of ginger and turmeric, integrated pest management, the health benefits of ginger consumption, and proper harvesting and packaging techniques. Presentations will be shared indoors, after which guests will travel by trolley to the field for demonstrations.

Presenters:

• Brian Nelson Hardywood Brewery (Richmond, VA)

• Jim Provost I Love Produce (West Grove, PA)

• Reza Rafie Horticulture (VSU)

• Rafat Siddiqui Food Science and Food Chemistry (VSU)

• Zelalem Mersha Plant and Soil Science (VSU)

SPACE IS LIMITED.

For more information, contact Jessica Harris at (804) 524-5964 or jharris@vsu.edu.

WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT ATTENDING THIS PROGRAM DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC

Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) will follow all current CDC guidelines to help prevent the spread of COVID-19 during this program. Additionally, all VCE employees and members of the public attending a VCE public program are required to: 1) wear a face shield or mask over their nose and mouth, 2) stay a minimum of six feet away from others, 3) wash or disinfect their hands frequently, and 4) stay home if they or anyone close to them have experienced any COVID-19 symptoms any time two weeks prior to the program or if they have been knowingly exposed to someone with COVID-19 two weeks prior to the program.

Events ON Randolph Farm and the Main VSU Campus
Every individual is required to wear a mask, indoors or outdoors. If they are unable to wear a mask due to health reasons, they are asked to please contact [whomever is the point of contact] prior to the event. (The employee contacted will explain campus rules and encourage the person not to attend if they cannot wear a mask. If the person says they cannot wear a mask due to documented health reasons, they will be permitted to attend without a mask and knowing the risk.) Masks and hand sanitizer should be provided at all VCE-VSU events at the check in table. Everyone should try to maintain a distance of at least 6 feet apart, and the event organizer should ensure attendees and VSU faculty/staff do not share equipment, including pens at a check in table. If you need further guidance, please check with your supervisor.

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please call (804) 524-5964 / TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8 am. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.

End of Season Blueberry & Blackberry Pruning, Featuring Berry Health Benefits, Marketing, and Consumer Preference Study Results

Thursday, Sept 2, 2021 • 3:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Virtual Zoom Meeting

The participants in this workshop/field day will learn about the end-of-the-season pruning of blackberry and blueberry. The end of the season pruning of blackberry and blueberry is an important part of the berry crops management, it will reduce disease incidences and will improve the yield and fruit quality for the following year's production. In this workshop, there will be four presentations about the marketing, health benefits of berry crops, planning for next year’s production, and the results of a consumer preference study conducted at VSU will be shared with the participants.

Presenters:
Dr. Reza Rafie, Extension Specialist
Dr. Rafat Siddiqui, Food Scientist
Dr. Chyer Kim, Food Scientist
Dr. Theresa Nartea, Extension Specialist

For more information, contact Jessica Harris at (804) 524-5964 or jbrown@vsu.edu.

YOU WILL RECEIVE YOUR ZOOM MEETING LINK IN THE CONFIRMATION EMAIL. IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE A LINK, PLEASE EMAIL jbrown@vsu.edu.

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please call (804) 524-6971 / TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8 am. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.

VSU College of Agriculture Field Day

Friday, July 30, 2021 • 7:30 AM - 11:30 AM

VSU Randolph Farm, 4415 River Road, Petersburg, VA 23803

Join us for an educational field day at VSU Randolph Farm. Learn about...

• Goat & Sheep Management

• Vegetable & Berry Production

• Plant Disease Prevention

• Hydroponic, Aquaponic & High Tunnel Crop Production

• Cattle Grazing

For more information, contact Tina Cabrera at (804) 524-6971 or tcabrera@vsu.edu.

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact the Small Farm Outreach Program office at smallfarm@vsu.edu or call (804) 524-3292 / TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8 am. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.

2021 Berry Walk

Tuesday, April 22, 2021 • 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

Virtual Facebook Live Meeting

(PLEASE NOTE DATE CHANGE, CORRECT DATE IS THURSDAY 4/22)

Dr. Reza Rafie will walk you through the VSU collection of the blueberry varieties and their potential for the 2021 production season. we will show you blueberry grown in a greenhouse, in high tunnels and in the field. we will demonstrated the basics of planting blueberry in the field and in containers. There will be a Q&A session at the end of this event.

For more information, contact Reza Rafie at (804) 712-4600 or arafie@vsu.edu.

VISIT OUR FACEBOOK PAGE (https://www.facebook.com/VsuCollegeOfAgriculture) AT 4PM ON TUESDAY, APRIL 20, AT 4 PM TO VIEW THIS EVENT.

Ginger & Turmeric Virtual Field Day

Thursday, October 22 - 10AM

Virtual Zoom Meeting

The popular annual Ginger and Turmeric Field Day is going virtual this year and will cover the health benefits of ginger and turmeric. Beginning and experienced growers will learn new techniques to successfully grow, harvest and market these niche crops. 

Presenters:
Dr. Reza Rafie, Horticulture Extension Specialist, VSU
Dr. Zelalem Mersha, Plant Science Extension Specialist, VSU
Chris Mullins, Horticulture Extension Specialist, VSU
Ann Codrington, Grower, Nisani Farm, Phenix, Virginia
Dr. Carlin Rafie, Human Nutrition Extension Specialist, Virginia Tech
Dr. Rafat Siddiqui, Food Scientist, VSU-Agricultural Research Station
Dr. Srinivasa Mentreddy, Professor of Crop Science, Alabama A&M University

For more information, contact Dr. Reza Rafie at arafie@vsu.edu.

YOU WILL RECEIVE YOUR ZOOM MEETING LINK ON THE CONFIRMATION PAGE AND IN THE CONFIRMATION EMAIL. IF YOU DO NOT RECEIVE A LINK, PLEASE EMAIL MJKLINGMAN@VSU.EDU.

For more information, or if you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, contact Mark Klingman from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at (804) 524-5493 / TDD (800) 828-1120 or mjklingman@vsu.edu 48 hours before the start of the program.

Blackberry Summer Pruning

Tuesday, September 15, 2020 • Stream Begins at 4:30PM

Through this Facebook Live program, specialty crop Extension specialist Dr. Reza Rafie will demonstrate in detail the importance, and how to prune your blackberry plant after summer production.

YOU DO NOT NEED TO HAVE A FACEBOOK ACCOUNT TO PARTICIPATE. Participants can type in their questions though Facebook Live, which Dr. Rafie will answer throughout the program. Afterwards, a recorded version of the program and supporting documentation will be available on his webpage.

For more information, or if you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, contact Mark Klingman from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at (804) 524-5493 / TDD (800) 828-1120 or mjklingman@vsu.edu 48 hours before the start of the program.

High Tunnel Blackberry Production and Harvest on Facebook Live

Thursday, June 11 • Stream Begins at 7PM

Through this Facebook Live program, specialty crop Extension specialist Dr. Reza Rafie will walk us through VSU's Randolph Farm high tunnels, where a collection of container grown blackberry plants are housed. This is an excellent opportunity to learn about these blackberry plants and ask Dr. Rafie questions in real time. 

YOU DO NOT NEED TO HAVE A FACEBOOK ACCOUNT TO PARTICIPATE. Participants can type in their questions though Facebook Live, which Dr. Rafie will answer throughout the program. Afterwards, a recorded version of the program and supporting documentation will be available on his webpage.

For more information, or if you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, contact Mark Klingman from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at (804) 524-5493 / TDD (800) 828-1120 or mjklingman@vsu.edu 48 hours before the start of the program. A recorded version of the program with close captioning will be available on Dr. Rafie's webpage by the end of the following week.

Virtual Tour: Container Grown Blueberries on Facebook Live

Thursday, June 4 • Stream Begins at 4PM

Through this Facebook Live program, specialty crop Extension specialist Dr. Reza Rafie will walk us through VSU's Randolph Farm high tunnels, where a collection of container grown blueberry plants are housed. This is an excellent opportunity to learn about these container grown blueberries, ask Dr. Rafie questions in real time and decide which ones may be suitable for you. 

YOU DO NOT NEED TO HAVE A FACEBOOK ACCOUNT TO PARTICIPATE. Participants can type in their questions though Facebook Live, which Dr. Rafie will answer throughout the program. Afterwards, a recorded version of the program and supporting documentation will be available on his webpage.

For more information, or if you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, contact Mark Klingman from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at (804) 524-5493 / TDD (800) 828-1120 or mjklingman@vsu.edu 48 hours before the start of the program. A recorded version of the program with close captioning will be available on Dr. Rafie's webpage by the end of the following week.

“Healthy Farms and Healthy Food for the Commonwealth and Common Good”

Virginia Farm to Table Plan

Strawberries

May 15, 2020

4-H Agent Kari Sponaugle in Highland County runs a fresh produce operation with her husband Michael called Church Hill Produce. They’ve been growing seasonal fresh produce since 2011. Part of that operation is an acre of strawberries. Kari will show you around her strawberry ‘patch’ and explain how to grow and manage strawberry plants and what it takes to get them ready for harvest. Then Becky Gartner, Family & Consumer Sciences Extension Agent from Culpeper County, will show how to make an easy recipe for Strawberry Spinach Salad. This recipe is so delicious that you will want to make it often for your family.

Register here: https://virginiatech.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ZlRGFpL1SruvuCbhPxW_Sw

In this new series, participants will take virtual tours of Virginia farms to learn how:

• Virginia grown food is produced and prepared for you and your families.

• To prepare new recipes from the foods that are produced on local farms.

• VCE professionals, farmers, and food businesses are cultivating healthy food, farms, and communities.

Each virtual tour is 40 minutes long and open to everyone!

All sessions will take place on Fridays at 2 PM from May 15th – September. For full series information: https://bit.ly/2zQYNXl

Questions may be directed to Lenah Nguyen lgeer@vt.edu

Growing Ginger & Using It In Your Daily Diet

Thursday, April 16 • 4PM

Facebook Live Event

Visit our Facebook page Thursday, April 16th at 4 pm to join three Virginia Cooperative Extension Specialists in their own homes through Facebook Live as they share the best ways to grow ginger at your own home and how you can incorporate this ancient spice into your diet.

Speakers:

Dr. Carlin Rafie, Human Nutrition Extension Specialist, Virginia Tech

Dr. Raza Rafie, Horticulture Extension Specialist, Virginia State University

Dr. Zelalem Mersha, Plant Science Extension Specialist, Virginia State University

Watch on your computer or mobile device: www.facebook.com/VSUCollegeofAgriculture

NOTE: You do not need to have a Facebook account to join the live session.

For more information, contact the Small Fruits & Vegetables Program office at mjklingman@vsu.edu.

The Annual Blueberry Field Walk

THURSDAY, MARCH 26 • 4 pm 

Through this Facebook Live program, speciality crop Extension specialist Dr. Reza Rafie will walk us through VSU's Randolph Farm blueberry fields, where a collection of 39 different cultivars are under study. All are different in terms of productivity, time of maturity, plant structure, fruit size, bush size, vigor, etc. This is an excellent opportunity to learn about these cultivars, ask Dr. Rafie questions in real time and decide which ones may be suitable for you. 

YOU DO NOT NEED TO HAVE A FACEBOOK ACCOUNT TO PARTICIPATE. Participants can type in their questions though Facebook Live, which Dr. Rafie will answer throughout the program. Afterwards, a recorded version of the program and supporting documentation will be available on his webpage.

Blueberry is the fastest growing berry crop in many states including North Carolina, Georgia and Florida. Market demand for blueberry continues to grow, and profit potential for growing locally grown blueberry is considerable. One major issue for blueberry growers is the planting of the new blueberry cultivars (varieties) that are becoming available with superior fruit size, taste, color, and pest and disease tolerance. 

THIS FIELD DAY IS FREE. NO REGISTRATION IS NEEDED.  

CLICK HERE THURSDAY AT 4 P.M. TO PARTICIPATE

(Yes, it's that easy!)

Three Year VSU Blueberry Variety Trial Results - Christos Galanopoulos and Dr. Reza Rafie

For more information, or if you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, contact Mark Klingman from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at (804) 524-5493 / TDD (800) 828-1120 or mjklingman@vsu.edu 48 hours before the start of the program. A recorded version of the program with close captioning will be available on Dr. Rafie's webpage by the end of the following week

Pawpaw Production & Marketing Workshop

September 6 • 9AM - 3PM

VSU Randolph Farm Pavilion

4415 River Road, Petersburg, VA

Registration: $20. Pre-registration is required and boxed lunches are provided.

Pawpaw is a fruit that looks similar to a mango, but with black easy-to-remove seeds amid a pale yellow, sweet, custardy, spoonable flesh that tastes like a combination of mango and banana. The fruit is usually eaten raw, but is also commonly used in baked desserts, smoothies and ice cream. Pawpaw fruit is grown on small deciduous trees native to eastern North America and is the largest edible fruit indigenous to the U.S. Though the fruit was once popular among early Americans like George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, it became obscured over time, and is now enjoying a resurgence in popularity as the locavore food movement grows.

Native to the Eastern United States, pawpaw is becoming a popular fruit with market potential among farmers. In this workshop, you will learn how to grow and market pawpaw fruit. Samples of different cultivars will be provided.

Mr. Neal Peterson, the nationally known pawpaw plant breeder, will be the keynote speaker, presenting on basic pawpaw production. He will be joined by additional speakers who will share their experiences growing this tasty fruit.

Paw Paw Taste Test - VCE at VSU with Dr. Rafie

From the Ground Up - Virginia paw paws

A limited number of exhibition spaces are available at the workshop on a first come, first serve basis. The exhibition fee is $50 and includes two six-foot tables and two chairs. Table skirting and access to electricity will not be provided. One complimentary registration is provided per exhibit space. Exhibition setup will begin at 7 a.m.

AGENDA:

8:00 am - Registration

9:00 am - Welcome, Dr. Ray McKinnie, Dean, VSU College of Agriculture

9:10 am - Pawpaw 101–Basics of growing and marketing pawpaw, Neal Peterson, pawpaw breeder and former PawPaw Foundation president 

10:00 am - Small scale pawpaw commercial production - do’s and don’ts, Susan Owens, The Lilly Patch Farm, North Carolina

11:00 am - Field visit - visiting the VSU pawpaw cultivars demonstration plot, Neal Peterson, and Reza Rafie

12:00 pm - Lunch and networking

1:15 pm - Marketing Pawpaw, Dr. Theresa Nartea

1:30 pm - Pawpaw production in Virginia, Barbara Rosholt, pawpaw grower, Louisa, VA

2:00pm - Pawpaw tasting – fruits from different cultivars will be provided for the participants to taste

2:30 pm - Adjourn

For more information, please contact the Small Fruits & Vegetables Program at mklein@vsu.edu/804-524-5960.
If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact Mollie Klein at mklein@vsu.edu/804-524-5960/TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.

Ginger & Turmeric Field Day

OCTOBER 18, 2018
8AM - 4PM

VSU RANDOLPH FARM
4415 River Road • Petersburg, VA

$25 per person.
Students/Children under 12 attend free.

VENDORS/EXHIBITORS who are interested in displaying products or services related to this event, please use this link.

Ginger and turmeric have been used widely throughout history in many different types of cuisines for their spice and flavor, and these spices may also provide a number of health benefits. 

Learn more about the production and marketing of ginger and turmeric and see how to harvest, clean and package these spice crops. 

This educational event will include presentations, demonstrations and a field visit.

8:00 AM - REGISTRATION OPENS
 
8:30 AM - WELCOME
Dr. Ray McKinnie, Dean and 1890 Extension Administrator, Virginia State University College of Agriculture

• Ginger and Turmeric 101: Production, Disease Management, and Results from a Preliminary Post-Harvest Study at Virginia State University, presented by Dr. Reza Rafie (Extension Specialist), Dr. Toktam Taghavi (Agricultural Research Station), and Dr. Zelalem Mersha (Agricultural Research Station) 

9:30 AM  - GROWER PRESENTATIONS
Experiences with Growing and Marketing Ginger and Turmeric

• Bill Cox, Casselmonte Farm

• Richard Harisson, Farm at Red Hill

• Michael Clark, Planet Earth Diversified 

11:00 AM - FIELD VISIT
Ginger and Turmeric Harvesting, Washing and Packing Demonstrations, presented by Chris Mullins and Dr. Reza Rafie (VSU Cooperative Extension)

12:00 PM - LUNCH

1:00 PM - NETWORKING
Visit our Vendors and Exhibitors 
 
2:00 PM - HEALTH BENEFITS OF GINGER & TURMERIC

• Turmeric/Curcumin: Working to Strengthen the “Barrier” to Disease Development, presented by Dr. Shobha Ghosh, VCU Medical School

• Anti-Breast Cancer Effects of Turmeric, presented by Dr. Young Ju, Virginia Tech  

• The Effects of Health Information on the Acceptability of a Functional Beverage Containing Fresh Turmeric, presented by Dr. Carlin Rafie and Azin Pourkhalili, Virginia Tech

• Antioxidation and Anti-Obesity Properties of Ginger, presented by Dr. Rafat Siddiqui, Agricultural Research Station, VSU 

3:00 PM - PANEL DISCUSSION
Value-Added Products

• Dr. Theresa Nartea, Extension Specialist, VSU

• Michael Clark, Planet Earth Diversified

• Jackie & Paul Anctil, Sans Soucy Vineyards

• Donnie Montgomery, Homestead Creamery

• Brian Nelson, Hardywood Craft Brewery

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact the Horticulture Program office at mklein@vsu.edu or call (804) 524-5960 / TDD (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8 am. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.

November 16, 2017 | 8:00am - 12:00pm

VSU RANDOLPH FARM
4415 River Road • Petersburg, VA

REGISTER ONLINE AT: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSe4HsomW6YKetG2h2r65-DT6gI-ComEhtNYBuFkattYAaJLrw/viewform

Cost is $20 per person, payable by cash or check on the day of the event. Please make your checks payable to "Virginia State University."

Ginger and turmeric have been used widely throughout history in many different types of cuisines for their spice and flavor, and these spices may also provide a number of health benefits.

Learn more about the production and marketing of ginger and turmeric and see how to harvest, clean and package these spice crops.

This field day will include indoor presentations, a grower panel discussion, a culinary demonstration, and a field visit.

If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, please contact the Agriculture & Natural Resources Program office at (804) 524-5960 / (800) 828-1120 during business hours of 8 am. and 5 p.m. to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event.

MARCH 9, 2017
8:00 am - 3:30 pm

Gateway Dining Hall
Virginia State University

$20 per person, payable by cash or check the day of event.
(Lunch is included.)

REGISTER ONLINE AT https://goo.gl/forms/zod9M3gMXOJMi4MB2

FEATURING
Berry Health, presented by Dr. Britt Burton, Director of the Center for Nutrition Research at Illinois Institute of Technology

OTHER TOPICS INCLUDE:
• Blackberry and Blueberry Weed Control (organic and conventional)
• A to Z of Blackberry Production
• Marketing Your Berries
• Raspberry Production
• Growing and Managing Blueberries
• Growers’ Round-Table Discussion