Virginia Cooperative Extension, Franklin County

05/31/2026

05/27/2026

An additional 24 Virginia localities have received drought disaster designations by United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Brooke Rollins. Farmers in the primary designated counties of Amherst, Appomattox, Buckingham, Campbell, Charlotte, Henry, Nelson, Pittsylvania, and Sussex are eligible to be considered for certain assistance from the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA). Farmers in Albemarle, Augusta, Bedford, Cumberland, Dinwiddie, Fluvanna, Franklin, Greensville, Halifax, Lunenberg, Mecklenburg, Patrick, Prince Edward, Prince George, Rockbridge, Scott, Southampton, and Surry counties, and the cities of Bristol, Danville, Lynchburg, and Martinsville are also eligible for FSA drought emergency assistance as they are contiguous to primary drought designated localities in Virginia and Tennessee.

According to the U.S. Drought Monitor (http://droughtmonitor.unl.edu), these localities suffered from a drought intensity value during the growing season of 1) D2 Drought-Severe for eight or more consecutive weeks or 2) D3 Drought-Extreme or D4 Drought-Exceptional.

Drought disaster assistance includes FSA emergency loans. Provided eligibility requirements are met, FSA will assess each emergency loan application individually to consider specific circumstances and needs. Farmers in eligible localities have eight months from the date of disaster declaration to apply for emergency loans.

The counties of Arlington, Brunswick, Campbell, Charlotte, Dinwiddie, Fairfax, Franklin, Grayson, Greensville, Halifax, Isle of Wight, King George, Loudoun, Lunenberg, Mecklenburg, Nottoway, Pittsylvania, Prince William, Southampton, Stafford, Surry, Sussex, Washington, and Westmoreland, and the cities of Alexandria, Emporia and Suffolk had previously received drought disaster designations. Farmers in these localities should contact their local USDA FSA office for more information and to verify their exact filing date, as application rules can be complex when navigating multiple designations.

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

05/27/2026

USDA FSA offers drought disaster assistance to several areas in Virginia: https://www.wdbj7.com/2026/05/22/usda-fsa-offers-drought-disaster-assistance-several-areas-virginia/

05/22/2026

Calling all farmers 🌱🚜 This one is for YOU. Click the link to register.

https://www.ext.vsu.edu/events/06-26-vsu-coa-small-farmer-focused-field-day

If you’re looking for practical information you can take back and apply on your farm, make plans to join us at Farmer Field Day at VSU Randolph Farm. This hands on, farmer focused experience is designed for growers ready to learn, ask questions, see techniques in action, and connect with other producers doing the work every day.

From greenhouse production and high tunnel crops to livestock and conservation practices, expect real conversations and real tools you can put to use.

📍 VSU Randolph Farm Pavilion
🗓️ Friday, June 26th
⏰ 8 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Come ready to learn, connect, and take something valuable back to your operation!

05/22/2026

May 7, 2026 leadership graduates recognized with Dr. Mike Gutter. Congratulations everyone! Virginia Cooperative Extension Virginia Tech Family Consumer Sciences, Virginia Cooperative Extension

05/15/2026

We still have a few spots open for this cooking series. Go ahead and register now to avoid missing out.
Register - Send check to the VCE Office (instructions on the registration form) - A week prior to the first class we will reach out with first class information.

Are you looking for a fun class to do with your son, daughter or grandchild over the summer? Maybe your nephew or niece? 4-H are having intergenerational cooking classes. Please read the information below and register by scanning the QR code and then either mail payment for $60 in to our office at 90 East Court Street, Rocky Mount, VA 24151 or drop in the exact cash payment. You wont want to miss out as we have very limited spaces available. DEADLINE TO REGISTER: JUNE 5, 2026.
We have spaces for 6 more families so don't miss out!!

05/14/2026

Students took a field trip to learn more about the well water test program at Virginia Tech Virginia Cooperative Extension Family Consumer Sciences, Virginia Cooperative Extension. Mrs.Haynes-VCE and Ms.Whorley-Pittsylvania county schools partnered together to provide a free well testing kit for their parents household and each student was given the chance to explore and experience the Virginia Tech water lab. Great learning experience for our future generations.

04/27/2026

Are you looking for a fun class to do with your son, daughter or grandchild over the summer? Maybe your nephew or niece? 4-H are having intergenerational cooking classes. Please read the information below and register by scanning the QR code and then either mail payment for $60 in to our office at 90 East Court Street, Rocky Mount, VA 24151 or drop in the exact cash payment. You wont want to miss out as we have very limited spaces available. DEADLINE TO REGISTER: JUNE 5, 2026.
We have spaces for 6 more families so don't miss out!!

04/18/2026

Tonight the Ronald McDonald House Roanoke VA invited the Master Food Volunteers to help prepare the meals for over 30 families. Terri Anne and Carol received a tour of the home and it truly is a wonderful place for your family and they need somewhere to rest and rejuvenate when you have a sick child in the hospital. The menu was baked chicken, corn, roasted potatoes, cookies, fresh tomtaoes,rolls tea and coffee. A worthy cause and service that is so needed.