Virginia Cooperative Extension - Nelson

10/01/2026

Helpful information for hay producers and livestock owners seeking hay.

Under Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s Executive Order 21, carriers transporting hay in any part of Virginia can receive temporary over-width exemption waivers to facilitate the movement of essential agricultural supplies of hay.

The over-width waiver will go into effect on October 1, 2026 and will remain in force for 30 days.

The prolonged drought has resulted in a 35% statewide loss in hay yields, with losses reaching 70% in some areas, creating a significant hay shortage for livestock producers.

If you are a producer and you need help finding hay or talking through alternative herd management decisions, reach out to your local Virginia Cooperative Extension office.

Find your local office: https://ext.vt.edu/offices.html

Governor Spanberger Declares State of Emergency to Support Virginia Farmers: https://www.governor.virginia.gov/newsroom/news-releases/2026/september-releases/name-1123591-en.html

09/16/2026

WHO IS COMING TO WISE 2026?
Katie Hammock "The Dairy WIFE"
Katie is going to share her first hand experiences with Farm related accidents from her career as an ER nurse.

Join us October 7–9 for three hands-on days of learning, skill-building, and connecting with other women in agriculture.
🐑 Shepherd WISE | October 7
🐄 Cattle WISE | October 8
🚜 Equipment WISE | October 9
From sheep and cattle management to tractors, skid steers, chainsaws, fencing, emergency preparedness, and more—WISE is all about building skills and confidence to tackle whatever the farm throws your way!
🌸 And don’t forget An Evening in Bloom, our special networking dinner following Cattle WISE on October 8!
Space is limited, so don’t wait to register! Invite a friend, fellow producer, daughter, neighbor, or anyone who wants to build practical agricultural skills.
👉 Learn more & register:
https://sites.google.com/.../wia-wise-cattle-equipment
Come learn, laugh, and get your hands dirty with us! 💚

09/16/2026

Have you registered for the WISE program in October? Register here for Shepherd, Cattle and Equipment education. https://sites.google.com/.../wia-wise-cattle-equipment

🎉 REGISTRATION IS OFFICIALLY OPEN! 🎉
Ladies, it’s time to WISE up! 💪🌾
Registration is NOW OPEN for the 2026 Virginia Women in Agriculture WISE Events — Women Increasing Skills & Education!
Join us October 7–9 for three hands-on days of learning, skill-building, and connecting with other women in agriculture.
🐑 Shepherd WISE | October 7
🐄 Cattle WISE | October 8
🚜 Equipment WISE | October 9
From sheep and cattle management to tractors, skid steers, chainsaws, fencing, emergency preparedness, and more—WISE is all about building skills and confidence to tackle whatever the farm throws your way!
🌸 And don’t forget An Evening in Bloom, our special networking dinner following Cattle WISE on October 8!
Space is limited, so don’t wait to register! Invite a friend, fellow producer, daughter, neighbor, or anyone who wants to build practical agricultural skills.
👉 Learn more & register:
https://sites.google.com/view/virginiawomeninagriculture/wia-wise-cattle-equipment
Come learn, laugh, and get your hands dirty with us! 💚

08/25/2026

Lilli Morgan was our intern this summer. We shared many opportunities for Lilli to see the extent of Virginia Cooperative Extension in agriculture education. See what Lilli thought about her experience.

08/25/2026

The Master Gardeners of Nelson County Virginia have multiple projects that teach about gardening in our area. Visit their website to learn about the Mallory Creek Garden where they showcase plants that are native to Nelson County.

Master Gardeners of Nelson County Virginia - throughout the year we host and attend public events around the county, including garden festivals, farmers markets, crafts, and other programs to bring sound gardening advice to event-goers. We talk one-on-one with the public and we will discuss with you...

08/14/2026

This is another example of container gardening in small spaces.

08/07/2026

Today we are demonstrating an air pot container for growing plants.

08/06/2026

If you are located within 1-1.5 hours of Charlottesville, VA please answer these questions regarding your hay availability. Thank you! - Albemarle/Charlottesville Virginia Cooperative Extension