Click on the photos below to watch video clips taken from our television program, or watch Down Home Virginia from start to finish.
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ABCs of Agriculture
Farmers’ market season is in full swing, and Professor Brad says this is a great time to take your children to the market to learn more about fresh fruits and vegetables. |
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Animal Welfare
Large animal producers will tell you: If their animals are not well cared for, farmers lose money. And that’s just one reason why good animal welfare is important to farmers. |
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Virginia Climate Advisory
Summer in Virginia means heat and humidity. Jerry Stenger of the Virginia Climate Advisory says it’s worth paying attention to the heat index when you plan outdoor activities. |
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Little Farm Exhibit
Many people never get a chance to visit a farm when they’re young, so they never get a sense of where their food comes from. A new exhibit at the Children’s Museum of Virginia helps introduce toddlers to agriculture. |
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Chef Maxwell’s Kitchen
Fresh beets and corn, goat cheese and a splash of lime are featured in this refreshing salad from Chef John Maxwell. |
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In the Garden
Warm weather and water gardens go together. Mark Viette shows three different ways to add water to your home landscape. |
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Grilling 101
It’s barbecue season, but many people are unfamiliar any cuts of beef beyond basic hamburger. There are good reasons to pick a particular cut of beef for the grill. |
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ABCs of Agriculture
June is Dairy Month, and Professor Brad has a fun craft activity for you children to help celebrate dairy farmers and Virginia’s official beverage! |
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Virginia Climate Advisory
Summertime means thunderstorms– and lightning, and it’s really true that you can get hit by lightning on a clear day. |
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Chef Maxwell's Kitchen
Chef John Maxwell shares recipe for Shrimp Etouffee and Parmesan Cheese Grits. |
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Finding local foods
Safe, fresh and local Virginia foods are easy to find, even as demand continues to grow. |
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In the Garden
After a cool, rainy spring, Mark Viette tells us, the key to preventing damp-weather disease problems next year starts with this year’s garden clean-up. |
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Picnic Survey
A traditional summertime picnic is still affordable. An informal Farm Bureau price survey found the cost of meats has declined in 2009. |
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Spice 'n' easy
Better picnics through science? Some graduate students at Virginia Tech have created a new way to marinate meats for summertime grilling. |
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Volunteer Farm
Food banks never have enough fresh fruits and vegetables. One Shenandoah Valley charity is working to change that, with the help of thousands of volunteers. |
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ABCs of Agriculture
Students from elementary school to high school can actually extract a DNA sample from strawberries. Prof. Brad explains how in the ABCs of Agriculture. For more go to vafb.com |
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Virginia Climate Advisory
Unfortunately, we didn’t get as much rain as we would have liked last winter. Jerry Stenger with the Virginia Climate Advisory explains why that’s important to a safe, fresh and local food supply. |
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Chef Maxwell's Kitchen
May is fresh strawberry season in Virginia, and Chef Maxwell has a tasty treat for you to enjoy — strawberry soup. |
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In the Garden
Many garden designs incorporate statuary and other large objects as a visual treat. Mark Viette offers tips of ways to use these elements In the Garden. |
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Farmers’ Markets expanding
The number of farmers’ markets in Virginia offering safe, fresh and local foods is growing. Norm Hyde reports these new markets are a win-win proposition for consumers, farmers and their communities. |
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Food Safety Research
Keeping our food safe is important to workers in the agriculture industry. Sherri McKinney reports researchers at Virginia Tech are exploring ways to prevent bacterial contamination. |
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Loudoun County biggest berry site
Out of the 75 Virginia counties where berries are grown locally, Veronica Rohrmoser reports Loudoun County in Northern Virginia is the “berry” best. |
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Va. agriculture depends on trade
While fresh and local foods at farmers’ markets are a great buy, Sherri McKinney reports Virginia farmers also rely on overseas sales to keep their industry thriving. |
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Fresh, local big at Culinary Institute
Chefs worldwide have touted the use of fresh and local products in their recipes. Sherri McKinney reports how student chefs at the Culinary Institute of Virginia are learning how they too can make dishes with local fare. |
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In the Garden
Getting ready to plant your vegetable garden? Mark Viette In the Garden has some tips for tasty produce and to prevent garden problems. Join us In the Garden! |
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Virginia’s Green Industry
Virginia’s Green Industry continues to grow as more people become interested in gardening. Sherri McKinney reports now’s a great time to “go green.” |
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Master Gardener
Many people need help with the lawns and gardens, and your local Virginia Cooperative Extension office should be your first place to turn. Sherri McKinney reports that’s where Master Gardeners are trained. |
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Virginia Climate Advisory
Do you know which plants grow best in your part of Virginia? Jerry Stenger with the Virginia Climate Advisory says the U.S. Department of Agriculture can help. |
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ABCs of Agriculture
Every year it’s a struggle for most parents to get their children interested in gardening. Fortunately, Professor Brad has some suggestions for your would-be gardener in the ABC’s of Agriculture. |
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Chef Maxwell's Kitchen
Spring is when the Chesapeake Bay Stingray returns to breed. It’s also a great time to harvest the ray and use it in this month’s recipe from Chef John Maxwell. Here’s the chef with a Chesapeake Ray Stinger Cesar Salad! |
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Beautiful Gardens
If you’d like to support local farmers and local gardeners, a new Beautiful Gardens program should be your first stop this spring. Norm Hyde reports these plants are bred to thrive in our part of the country. |
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In the Garden
There are cold crops...and then there are cole crops. Ever wonder what the difference is? Mark Viette joins us in the garden to explain. Read script |
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Young farmers preparing to lead
Virginia's young farmers are making a difference in their industry. With FB's help these farmers are learning how to be better business owners and how to be leaders of tomorrow. Sherri McKinney explains. |
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2007 Census of Ag and Virginia
According to the 2007 Census of Agriculture, Virginia lost more than 100,000 acres of farmland each year between 2002 and 2007. Norm Hyde explains. Read script |
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Census report and Young farmers
The average age of a Virginia farmer is now more than 58 years old. While some young farmers are surviving, development pressures are making it more difficult to start an ag career. Sherri McKinney explains. |
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Virginia Climate Advisory
As we head into spring...Jerry Stenger with the Virginia Climate Advisory takes a look at our water supply. |
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Chef Maxwell's Kitchen
When it is still kind of cold outside, it is good to have a great warm dish to feel good about your meal. Chef Maxwell has a great recipe in his kitchen. Sweet potato and corn fritters. Read script |
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ABCs of Agriculture
Looking for a great way to include your kids in making dinner and teach them a little something along the way? Why not have them make an agriculture pizza that can be an ABCs of AG lesson! |
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Local Meats in Restaurants Some consumers like filling their freezers with locally-raised meats. But Sherri McKinney reports others are happy just to buy them at their favorite restaurant. |
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ABCs of Agriculture We’re all looking forward to the return of spring flowers. Professor Brad has a great lesson how your children can learn more about dissecting a flower in the ABC’s of Agriculture. |
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Virginia Climate Advisory There’s a forecast for the weather every day. But what’s the solar forecast? Jerry Stenger with the Virginia Climate Advisory has a look at how our sun could affect our daily weather. |
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More producers now sell directly
to the public
Locally-produced beef, ham and other meats have been around for a while. And Norm Hyde reports more and more farmers are taking steps to sell their meats directly to the public. |
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In the Garden It’s not too soon to start thinking about your spring garden. In fact, Mark Viette says some gardeners start their cold crop vegetables right about now. |
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Chef Maxwell's Kitchen Valentines’ Day is when many couples cook home meals for each other. Chef John Maxwell has a tasty treat – A Virginia apple and crab tart. |
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ABCs of Agriculture
As we prepare for our 44th President to be inaugurated, it’s worth remembering that our first President was a successful and innovative farmer. Professor Brad tells us more on the ABC’s of Agriculture. |
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Virginia Climate Advisory Did winter start earlier in the fall of 2008? Jerry Stenger with the Virginia Climate Advisory has the answer. |
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Chef Maxwell's Kitchen
Whether you’re starting off the New Year with a southern tradition or just looking for a healthy dish, Chef Maxwell has the answer – black-eyed peas and spinach soup. |
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In the Garden
Want fields of yellow sunflowers in your yard next summer? Mark Viette has some great sunflower tips this month – In the Garden. |
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Community Supported Agriculture
If you want a regular supply of fresh, locally-grown foods, you can shop at a farmers’ market each week. Another option would be to take the next step and join a local foods cooperative, reports Norm Hyde. |
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Eminent Domain
Virginia lawmakers start another legislative session in January. One burning issue on the table, reforming eminent domain laws, will be debated again. Sherri McKinney reports. |
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Farm succession
Officials believe 70 percent of Virginia’s farmland will change hands through retirement and death over the next decade. Norm Hyde reports farmers are urged to take steps now – to prevent lawsuits later. |
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Locovore
Many people have recently chosen to focus on buying fresh, locally-grown food for their families. Sherri McKinney reports on the rise of the locovore, and what it means to future shopping and farming trends. |
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Veterinarian shortage
Traditional holiday meal favorites. But Norm Hyde reports those meats and all livestock products may become much more expensive, if more large-animal veterinarians are not trained soon. |
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Holiday meal costs up
While you’re enjoying a locally-grown holiday tree this season, don't forget locally-grown foods for your holiday meal. Sherri McKinney reports that the price of that meal will increase about 12 percent. |
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Decorate Williamsburg-style
Our colonial ancestors used locally grown plants and fruits to decorate for the holidays. Sherri McKinney reports that tradition is still going on in Colonial Williamsburg today. |
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Virginia Climate Advisory Will we have a white Christmas this year? Jerry Stenger with the Virginia Climate Advisory says that all depends on luck this year. |
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Chef Maxwell's Kitchen
Looking for something quick and easy to serve your family or friends this holiday season? Chef Maxwell has a delicious fish dish recipe. |
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ABCs of Agriculture
Did you know that the poinsettia's main attraction is not its flowers, but its leaves? Professor Brad has more about this extremely popular plant. |
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In the Garden
Whether you want to show off the outside of your home or the inside this holiday season, Mark Viette has some timely tips for you. |
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ABCs of Agriculture Our nation owes a great deal of thanks to Native Americans, who played a critical role in teaching our European ancestors how to farm in the New World. Professor Brad explains. |
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Virginia Climate Advisory
You used to have to climb up a mountain to see how weather patterns were forming long-distance. Today, we use weather radar, says Jerry Stenger with the Virginia Climate Advisor. |
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Chef Maxwell's Kitchen
Nothing warms you up on cold fall day like a hearty bowl of soup. Chef Maxwell mixes up a tasty potato and broccoli soup for November. Here’s the Chef! |
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Ag is No. 1
A new study confirms what Virginia farmers and foresters already knew. The industries of agriculture and forestry are the largest in the Old Dominion, and they continue to grow. Norm Hyde reports. |
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In the Garden It’s not too late to plant fall bulbs in your garden. And it turns out there are several creative ways you can do so to give a longer burst of color next spring. Here’s Mark Viette – In the Garden |
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Turkey is King
A turkey house is a regular part of the landscape in many rural parts of Virginia. That makes sense, Sherri McKinney reports, since the modern turkey industry was founded in the Shenandoah Valley. |
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Ham Dinner
The tradition of a ham dinner at the holidays actually goes back centuries. Norm Hyde reports we’ve come a long way from the Colonial days, but you can still get a traditional country ham in Virginia. |
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Peanuts in Virginia
Virginia’s peanut industry hit a historic low two years ago. But Norm Hyde reports this traditional crop is on its way back this harvest season, thanks in part to a new marketing effort. |
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Hard Cider
October is wine month in Virginia, and 2008 promises to be a very good year. Sherri McKinney reports a few orchard owners are hoping to revive an even more traditional Virginia beverage – hard cider. |
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ABCs of Agriculture
Aquaculture is a growing agriculture industry in Virginia, and Professor Brad reports that’s no fish story! |
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Virginia Climate Advisory This year has been an unusually busy hurricane season for the United States. Jerry Stenger with the Virginia Climate Advisory explains and offers a sobering look ahead. |
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Chef Maxwell's Kitchen In honor of the Virginia Peanut Festival and Virginia’s peanut industry, Chef Maxwell has a unique peanut recipe this month. |
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In the Garden
It’s that time of year again -- time to pick the perfect pumpkin. Mark Viette explains what to look for and what to avoid. |
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Canning your own food
A love for homegrown food is one reason why some folks in Southwest Virginia still can their own produce. Sherri McKinney reports on the Riner community cannery. |
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Save Our Food Campaign begins
Virginians could pump millions of dollars into the state’s economy if they bought more locally-grown foods. Norm Hyde reports that’s one reason the Virginia Farm Bureau wants everyone to help save our food |
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Washington Chef goes local
A top chef in our nation’s capitol won’t have anything but locally-grown foods on his menu. Sherry McKinney reports it’s a business plan that’s quickly turning profitable. |
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ABCs of Agriculture
This month Professor Brad takes a mid-afternoon tea break with one of his favorite agricultural products: honey. |
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Virginia Climate Advisory Virginia has a wide range of climate zones. But that’s not the only factor influencing our weather. Jerry Stenger with the Virginia Climate Advisory says our mountain ranges also impact on our climate. |
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In the Garden
Fall is when many folks work on improving their lawns and landscapes. In the Garden expert Mark Viette has some tips on what you can do to improve your home’s curb value. |
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Chef Maxwell's Kitchen
Whether it’s the last cookout of the summer or the first tailgate of the fall, Chef John Maxwell says pork loin on the grill is very tasty. This month he serves up a grilled pork loin salad. Here’s the Chef! |
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Save Our Food Seems like everyone wants to buy local food these days. Sherri McKinney reports about the new Save Our Food campaign, sponsored by the Virginia Farm Bureau. |
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ABCs of Agriculture
Summer vacation ends this month for kids, but there’s still plenty of time to visit Virginia's Northern Neck Farm Museum. Professor Brad explains how children here learn about our rich agricultural heritage. |
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