King George Virginia Cooperative Extension

05/29/2026

Unfortunately, we have to cancel our summer kickoff and chili cook-off event. We hope to offer the chili cook-off event again later this year, so keep an eye out for announcements!

05/29/2026

Interested in learning how to compost? Check out this webinar!

🌱💻 Join the Virginia Composting Council on June 9th for a Virtual Lunch & Learn on Composting 101: Basics & Benefits of Backyard Composting!

📅 Tuesday, June 9, 2026
⏰ 12-1 PM
📍 Online
🎟️ Register here: https://us06web.zoom.us/meeting/register/0CblthkpQbuSsChPkoEvjg

Learn more at VirginiaCompost.org

05/29/2026

Help Support 4-H Camp! Check out our amazon wishlist to support fun for the kiddos!

05/28/2026

Drought affecting your garden? Learn how to support your plants while avoiding common mistakes ➡️ https://go.vt.edu/upFNP

With drought conditions impacting Virginia and much of the country, Virginia Cooperative Extension expert and consumer horticulture specialist Ed Olsen has practical tips for helping plants survive in your garden. Learn how to support your plants while avoiding common mistakes ➡️ https://go.vt.edu/upFNP

05/27/2026

Despite recent rainfall, drought conditions persist. Learn more about the Drought Designation for King George below:

On May 14, the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), in coordination with the Virginia Drought Monitoring Task Force, placed King George County under a Drought Warning Advisory as part of the Northern Coastal Plain region according to the U.S. Drought Monitor (droughtmonitor.unl.edu).

Despite recent rainfall, the effects of prolonged severe dryness persist. Soil moisture levels are much lower than typical levels at this time of year. These impacts combined with the recent heatwave have delayed spring crop planting and resulted in anticipated low yields for hay this season. For the general public, recent rain mitigates immediate concern for wildfire; however, there are still potential long-term consequences of this drought on the local agricultural community.

Emergency Relief & Mitigation Options
Because DEQ's drought declarations align with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) drought disaster designations, King George County farmers may be eligible for emergency financial assistance and loans to help with losses.

Please utilize the following federal resources to find relief programs tailored to your operation:

FSA Disaster Assistance Programs
Access direct information on recovery programs at fsa.usda.gov/disaster-assistance-programs.

Disaster Assistance Discovery Tool
Use this interactive web tool to learn which USDA disaster assistance fits your specific farm’s needs at farmers.gov/protection-recovery/disaster-tool.

Disaster Resource Center
Find broader emergency preparedness and recovery help at usda.gov/disaster-resource-center.

For more information on available assistance programs and the application process, please visit the Virginia FSA State Office website at fsa.usda.gov/state-offices/Virginia.

05/22/2026

Check out this very useful webinar for farmers interested in grants!

*Webinar*

Grant Writing for Small and Beginning Farmers

Thursday, June 2, 2-3 pm

Marian Dalke
State Program Assistant, Virginia SARE
Small Farm Agent, VSU Small Farm Outreach Program
Virginia Tech

Learn tips and tricks about how to apply for grants to support your farm. This workshop will cover available grant opportunities from federal and state agencies, as well as foundations that can give your farm a financial boost to become successful. Presented by Marian Dalke, Virginia SARE and VSU Small Farm Outreach Program Assistant

Please REGISTER for this virtual event: https://virginiatech.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_NJuUGr7vQmeRRObbDOxRYA #/registration

For more information reach out to Katie Trozzo at [email protected]

If you are a person with a disability and desire an accommodation, please contact Katie Trozzo at [email protected] or (540) 232-2233 at least 10 days prior to the event.

05/22/2026

Did you miss the emergency drought management webinar? You can find the recording below!

05/19/2026

Brace yourselves.. the Spotted Lanternfly are here to stay and coming to a tree near you, soon! Here's what to know:

-Spotted Lanternflies (SLF) are an invasive species that have been rapidly moving across the state over the past few years.
-Until now, we have not seen many in our county, but reports have started popping up last fall.
-Infestations increased last year in neighboring counties.
-We can expect to see many more SLF this summer.
-Virginia has lifted quarantines on SLF as they seem to be here to stay.
-Reports are not longer requested in King George County as we are one of Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services “generally infested areas.”

What Can you do about SLF?

Get Familiar!
Learn to identify Spotted Lanternfly in all life stages
Adults favor feeding on tree-of-heaven and grapevine. In the fall, adult SLF focus on TOH as a host for feeding and egg laying, although females will lay eggs on other trees (Fig. 5) or on any smooth vertical surface, natural or man-made. Spotted lanternfly spreads primarily by hitchhiking—laying egg masses on vehicles, trains, and outdoor materials. Check your vehicles and items before travel!
Learn more about SLF: https://www.pubs.ext.vt.edu/ENTO/ENTO-180/ENTO-180.html

Know the Woe!
SLF is a ‘phloem feeder’, sucking sap from trunks, stems, and leaf petioles. Heavy feeding can cause wilting of leaves and young branches. SLF are an economic pest of grapes, fruit trees, and maple trees but have not been reported to damage other economically significant crops. SLF produce sticky honeydew droppings, which can both be a nuisance on human property and supports the growth of sooty mold. Sooty mold covers plants’ leaves and blocks photosynthesis, weakening plants and potentially leading to plant death.

Squish and Scrape!
Kill SLF at all life stages if found. Squish adults and nymphs, scrape and squish egg masses. For chemical recommendations against SLF around the home, consult the current Virginia Cooperative Extension Pest Management Guide for Home Grounds and Animals and/or call your local extension agent.

Spread the Word!
Tell your friends, family, and neighbors about Spotted Lanternfly and what to do when they see them. Share this post with them!

05/18/2026

Interested in silvopasture for your operation? Check out this workshop!

Curious about silvopasture? Join Friends of the Rappahannock, Virginia Department of Forestry, Appalachian Sustainable Development - ASD, and York River Steward for a full-day workshop and farm tour designed for landowners and producers.

June 18, 2026 | 9AM–5PM | Rapidan, VA🌳

Learn how integrating trees, forage, and livestock can improve animal health, boost productivity, and provide natural shade and wind protection. The day includes expert-led sessions, hands-on demonstrations, and lunch.

SIGN UP HERE: https://www.rappahannockroundtable.org/product/landowner-silvopasture-workshop/

05/18/2026

Always awesome to see our extension master gardeners hosting the plant clinic at the King George Farmers' Market!