Virginia Cooperative Extension - Highland County

08/27/2026

Farmers! If you'd like your hay analyzed (and entered into the contest) through this program, I need your core samples by Friday for shipping by the deadline. Call 540 468 2225 or email [email protected] with any questions.

Make sure to get your samples mailed soon! They need to be postmarked by September 1.

08/25/2026

A message from the Virginia Cattlemen's Association on beef imports.

08/24/2026

GROW is hosting a farmer-led webinar on how to make cover crops pay without the benefit of subsidies on Friday, August 28, at 11 a.m. ET. Two farmers from Ohio and North Carolina, along with Dr. Rob Myers, will discuss how taking advantage of cover crops’ nutrient, soil health, and w**d suppression benefits can overcome financial hurdles. 1.5 CCA CEU credits are offered after the live webinar for crop and nutrient management planners. Register at https://growiwm.org/join-a-grow-farmer-forum-on-making-cover-crops-pay-without-incentives/

08/19/2026

Have an insect you need identified? Reach out to the VCE office with samples or photos! We're happy to help :)

Quick story - We recently found two LARGE wasp/hornets (photo attached) in our garage. Having read about the recent discovery of "yellow-legged hornets" in North Carolina, we were wondering if they had indeed made their way into Virginia. Both insects had "yellow legs."

We contacted the Virginia Insect ID lab at Virginia Tech by email and they quickly identified the critters in the photo as "Eastern Cicada Killers," which was a relief to us. Eastern cicada killers are very common across Virginia. They’re one of the state’s largest wasps and are routinely seen in mid‑to late summer wherever there is well‑drained soil and plenty of cicadas.

FYI - VCE has a great fact sheet about Large Invasive Hornets online. It can be found at:

https://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/ENTO/ento-592/ento-592.html

If you have an insect that needs to be identified, don't hesitate to reach out to the Virginia Tech Insect ID Lab. Their webpage is at>> https://www.ento.vt.edu/idlab.html

Thanks to the bug gurus at VT!

08/19/2026

08/18/2026

VCE is bringing Barn Talks back to the Highland County Fair, for the 2nd year! Join us at 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday in the Livestock Show/Sale Ring for short, educational conversations with local experts. No RSVP needed! If you're already on the fairgrounds, come on over, learn something new, ask questions, and join the conversation. We’d love to see you there! 🎡🐑🌾

08/17/2026

The VDACS Hay Clearing House connects livestock producers directly with available hay sources across Virginia. Visit the online directory to browse current listings:https://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/pdf/hay.pdf

Hay is normally plentiful in Virginia, but this year's drought has many producers searching for forage. The VDACS Hay Clearing House connects livestock producers directly with available hay sources across Virginia. Visit our online directory to browse current listings or submit your available supply:https://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/pdf/hay.pdf

08/04/2026

The raised beds at The Highland Center were refreshed a bit today and some radish and beet seeds were sown in hopes of a fall harvest. Are you setting out any fall seeds or transplants?

Have you got plans for your garden this month? August is a busy time for planting! 🌞🌱

Direct Sowing:

Zones 6A & 6B: Beets, Swiss Chard, Collards, Kale, Kohlrabi, Salad Lettuce, Mustard, Radish, Rutabaga, Spinach, Turnips

Zone 7A: Beets, Carrots, Swiss Chard, Collards, Kale, Kohlrabi, Salad Lettuce, Mustard, Radish, Rutabaga, Southern Pea, Summer Squash, Turnips

Zone 7B: Beets, Carrots, Swiss Chard, Collards, Kale, Kohlrabi, Salad Lettuce, Mustard, Rutabaga, Southern Pea, Summer Squash, Turnips

Zone 8A: Bush Beans, Beets, Carrots, Collards, Kale, Cucumber, Eggplant, Salad Lettuce, Mustard, Okra, Peppers, Southern Pea, Summer Squash, Turnips

Zone 8B: Check the publication linked below!

Transplanting:

Zones 6A & 6B: Broccoli, Cabbage, Chinese Cabbage, Cauliflower, Leeks, Head Lettuce

Zone 7A: Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Chinese Cabbage, Cauliflower, Leeks, Head Lettuce

Zones 7B & 8A: Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Cabbage, Chinese Cabbage, Cauliflower, Leeks, Head Lettuce, Tomatoes

Zone 8B: Check the publication linked below!

You can prepare for the entire planting season by visiting https://brnw.ch/plantguide
To determine your USDA zone, you can enter your zip code here: https://planthardiness.ars.usda.gov

07/28/2026

This Thursday - Virginia Ag Expo - Doswell, VA at the Meadow Event Park

07/24/2026

Youth ages 5-8 are invited to attend Cloverbud Day Camp at Hayfields State Park August 6th. Call 540 839 7261 or 540 468 2225 for more information. 🍀⛺️

Looking for a fun, hands-on summer experience for your child? Join us for the Bath & Highland 4-H Cloverbud Day Camp!

Designed for children ages 5–8, Cloverbud Day Camp introduces youth to 4-H through exciting activities that keep hands, bodies, and minds active all day long.

Camp Details
📅 Date: Thursday, August 6
🕤 Time: 9:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
📍 Location: Hayfields State Park
524 Hayfields Lane
McDowell, VA 24458

Camp Includes:
• Hands-on 4-H activities
• Lunch and a snack
• Outdoor fun and learning

Please send your child with:
☀️ Sunscreen or other sun protection
💧 A refillable water bottle

Registration
Please call to register as soon as possible:
📞 Bath Extension Office: 540-839-7261
📞 Highland Extension Office: 540-468-2225

All participants must also be enrolled in 4-H Online before attending.