In a historic moment for Extension-based youth development across the nation, two leaders from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have stepped onto the national stage to guide the future of 4-H. Nicole Swinson of Virginia State University and Teki Hunt of the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff are the first 1890 HBCU representatives to jointly advise the National 4-H Youth Leadership Team (YLT) for NIFA's National 4-H Conference. This was Hunt's final year serving the YLT, and next year, Swinson will assume her leadership role.

Dr. Chyer Kim, Professor and Enhance-FI System Lead with the Agricultural Research Station, is the 2026 recipient of the Star Award in the Category of Outstanding Research/Scholarship (50% or higher commitment). This accolade recognizes contributions to Virginia State University through excellence in research, scholarship, student mentorship, outreach, and professional service. In Dr. Kim's case, that excellence comes through the Food Safety and Microbiology program, which, under his leadership, focuses on food safety, microbiology, antimicrobial resistance, and value-added agricultural innovations that support the agricultural industry and public health. "Through this work," says Dr. Kim, "I have secured competitive external funding, published peer-reviewed research, and shared findings at regional, national, and international conferences."

Emergency readiness for extreme summer storms

In Virginia, summer can bring sudden, strong storms, as high humidity contributes to thunderstorms with strong winds and heavy rain. As Virginia enters peak storm season, it's important to be ready. You might be familiar with emergency preparedness, such as ensuring flashlights are fully charged in case of a power outage, storing a few days' worth of food and fresh water, or having plans to evacuate or seek shelter if the situation poses an immediate danger.

These are all critical components of emergency readiness, but there is one element some folks may not have considered: whether the trees on their property are storm-ready. Virginia State University's urban forestry specialist, Mr. Joel Koci, has tips to help homeowners protect trees and property from storm damage.

In late June, Virginia State University (VSU )'s College of Agriculture (COA) welcomed farmers to Randolph Farm for its Small Farmer-Focused Field Day, offering hands-on learning opportunities at the research and demonstration farm. The event gave growers the chance to see how crops and production systems perform under Virginia conditions and to speak with researchers and specialists who understand the current challenges facing Virginia growers and are working to solve them.

Almost 150 farmer participants visited research plots showcasing 27 blueberry cultivars grown in high tunnels, including the Northern Highbush, Southern Highbush, and Rabbiteye varieties, to compare plant performance and production potential and learn recommendations across Virginia's various USDA planting zones and soil conditions. In tours of other plots and high tunnels, visitors also learned practical organic tomato production techniques, including sustainable strategies for managing common foliar diseases that can negatively impact plant health and crop production.