Virginia Farming Media

15/08/2025

Feedback anybody? This may be a BIG shift in policy.

https://www.agweb.com/news/machinery/farmers-truckers-and-gear-heads-rejoice-epa-rolls-out-streamlined-diesel-engine-fl

Source- Agweb.

Now farm tractors, combines and sprayers can be configured so there is no impact on engine power for up to 36 hours when a DEF system malfunction occurs, and a farmer has up to 100 engine hours at 25% power reduction before a 50% reduction takes hold.

15/08/2025

Here's the latest from the US Drought Monitor. As we monitor the path of Tropical Storm Erin, we suspect the soil moisture situation in eastern counties may change rapidly next week.

As of Tuesday of this week, 2% of Virginia is "abnormally dry."

14/08/2025

Farmers, gardeners, and others with an interest in soil health are invited to this special event. The location is situated on a farm with significant historical significance in Virginia agriculture. Spectacular views in late October.

14/08/2025

Got funnel cakes?

14/08/2025

According to the USDA, the average value of farmland in Virginia is now $6,100 per acre. This represents a 4.3% increase during the last year and a 32% increase over the past 5 years.

The USDA report shows Virginia farmland values as follows:

* Cropland - $6,170 per acre / up 4% since last year
* Pasture - $5,300 per acre / up 4.1%

Here's a link to the full report>>

https://downloads.usda.library.cornell.edu/usda-esmis/files/pn89d6567/2n49w148w/m039n441h/land0825.pdf

Source: USDA National Agricultural Statistics Service
Image credit / Mark Stebnicki

14/08/2025

Got farmland?

https://www.fb.org/market-intel/real-estate-rising-farmland-values-hit-record-high

Source: American Farm Bureau

USDA’s 2025 Land Values Report shows U.S. farmland values hit a record $4,350 per acre, with cropland and pastureland also reaching all-time highs.

13/08/2025

Nobody knows the answer to the following question, but we'll ask it anyway:

"Do Virginia farmers have an all-time record crop of corn in the field?"

The August estimate for corn production has just been released (August 12) by the USDA's National Agricultural Statistics Service. The report indicates that Virginia farmers can expect an average yield of 173 bushels of corn per acre statewide this fall. If realized (and that is a big "if"), it would indeed be the highest yield of corn per acre in Virginia history.

For most of the Commonwealth, soil moisture has been more than adequate to grow a tremendous crop of corn. In fact, some farmers have observed they've had too much rain, which has led to disease issues in low-lying fields.

The final numbers won't be in until January of 2026. But it could be a BIG crop coming off Virginia fields this fall.

Let's all have a safe harvest season.

Link to the report here (PDF file) >>https://release.nass.usda.gov/reports/crop0825.pdf

13/08/2025

Virginia corn yields are now expected to be 173 bushels per acre this fall, up significantly from 114 BPA last year.

Looking at the big picture, the USDA now projects a record high crop of corn in the U.S. this year at 16.7 billion bushels, with an average yield nationwide of 188 BPA.

We discussed the situation this morning with Kenneth Hartman, Jr., President of the National Corn Growers Association, concerning high corn yields and low corn prices.

Sources: USDA and NCGA

13/08/2025

Here's a worthwhile read on a high-interest issue: agriculture and the aging farmer.

https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2025/08/12/farmers-aging-rapidly-is-food-at-risk/85577304007/

Source: USA Today

The average age of farmers in the United States is 58. Industry leaders are worried about what will happen when they retire.

12/08/2025

Virginia-based podcast about healthy soils celebrates 100th episode.

During this 100th episode of 4 The Soil: A Conversation, Jeff, Mary, and Eric take a look back at some of the most memorable topics and guests. They share how (

12/08/2025

Row crops and pastures around the Commonwealth are looking fairly good this week. Approx. 9% of corn for silage is already off the field.

Statewide, topsoil moisture is currently rated as:

* 5% surplus
* 79% adequate
* 15% short
* 1% very short

Source: VA Field Office of the USDA / NASS

12/08/2025

Meanwhile, in the Mountain State of WV, they are making maple cotton candy this week.