VSU Farmer Field Day
Wednesday, May 21, 2025 • 7:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
VSU Randolph Farm, 4415 River Road, Petersburg, VA
Join us for an exciting, hands-on field day designed for Virginia farm producers at the VSU Randolph Farm. This event will allow farmers to enhance their skills, learn about the latest technologies and techniques, and network with other Virginia producers.
The event will feature live demonstrations of various agricultural practices. Attendees will have the chance to engage with VSU Ag Researchers and Virginia Cooperative Extension specialists, who will be on hand to share their expertise and answer questions.
Below are the revised stations and presenters along with the schedule for the agenda.
7:30a - 8:00a Registration
8:00a - 8:30a Welcome (VDACS/President/Dean)
8:30a - 9:30a Training #1
9:30a - 10:00a Networking (station reset)
10:00a - 11:00a Training #2
11:00a - 11:30a Networking (station reset)
11:30a - 12:30p Training #3
12:45p - 1:45p Lunch – Farmer Presentation
2:00p – 3:00p Research & Extension Posters
Training Stations:
1. Starting a Garden – Mr. Kristoff Minus & Ms. Rachel Lawmaster
Get hands-on with the fundamentals of starting a garden, from soil preparation to planting techniques. Learn how to establish a thriving garden that ensures long-term success and productivity.
2. Ground Cover & Mulch Layer – Mr. William Townsend & Ms. Amanda Seow
Learn how to install ground cover and mulch layers to enhance soil health and moisture retention. This session will teach you effective techniques for improving farm sustainability and optimizing crop productivity.
3. Composting - Dr. Leonard Githinji
Discover the science behind composting and how to transform organic waste into nutrient-rich soil. This session will equip you with the skills needed to enhance soil health and support sustainable farming practices.
4. Franken Veggies: PoTomato - Dr. Shuxin Ren
Explore the exciting world of plant breeding by creating hybrid "Franken Veggies," like the PoTomato. This session will include a tasting opportunity, allowing you to sample the unique results of these innovative vegetable creations.
5. IPM (Integrated Pest Management) - Dr. Zelalem Mersha
Dive into Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies, focusing on eco-friendly pest control techniques. You’ll learn how to monitor pests and implement sustainable solutions that minimize environmental impact.
6. Hydroponic & Aquaponic Systems - Josh Dusci & James Hill
Learn how to set up and manage hydroponic and aquaponic systems, exploring these innovative, soilless methods of growing crops. You’ll gain insights into how these systems contribute to sustainable and efficient farming.
7. Pasture Scoring & Drill Collaborations - Mackenzie Spencer, Barry Harris, & JB Daniels (NRCS)
Participate in pasture scoring and discover how to use drills for effective pasture management. You’ll practice techniques that improve soil quality and pasture health, essential for a thriving farming operation.
8. Sheep: Hooves Trimming & Drenching - Dr. Stephan Wildeus & Dr. Dahlia O’Brien
Practice proper hooves trimming and drenching techniques for sheep. You’ll gain essential skills for maintaining the health and productivity of small ruminants, ensuring a successful farming operation.
9. Probiotics for Small Ruminants - Dr. Eunice Ndegwa
Learn how to administer probiotics to small ruminants and understand the benefits for animal health. This session will focus on enhancing digestion, immune function, and overall productivity in livestock.
10. Garlic & Ginger - Dr. Sanjun Gu & Peter Coffey
Learn the best methods for growing and harvesting garlic and ginger in a high tunnel. You’ll practice soil preparation, planting, and harvesting techniques for these high-value crops, ensuring optimal yields.
11. Faba Bean Production - Dr. Shahram Torabian
Gain practical experience in growing faba beans in pots within a high tunnel. This session will cover the essential techniques for growing this high-protein crop in controlled, protected environments.
12. Edible Blooms - Dr. Theresa Nartea
Explore the world of edible flowers grown in a high tunnel, learning how to grow, harvest, and incorporate them into culinary dishes. Enhance your meals with these nutritious and colorful blooms.
13. Indoor Hemp - Dr. Ramesh Dhakal
Experience the process of growing hemp inside a high tunnel, focusing on managing lighting, climate, and other environmental factors essential for successful hemp cultivation in a controlled space.
For more information, contact Jessica Harris at 804-524-5964 or jharris@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 jharris@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.