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Agriculture and natural resources (ANR) programs help sustain the profitability of agricultural and forestry production and enhance and protect the quality of our land and water resources. Virginia Cooperative Extension strives to improve the well-being of Virginians and increase producers' profitability through programs that help put research-based knowledge to work in people's lives.

Meeting Diverse Needs
Extension faculty -- agents and specialists -- work together to meet the ever-changing needs of the agriculture industry. Follow the links to the right to explore the work we are doing in a particular area.

Extension agents serve as important links to a broad base of research, much of which occurs at 11 agricultural research and Extension centers (ARECs). Located throughout the commonwealth, these field laboratories allow scientists to tailor projects to Virginia's varied soil, vegetation, climate, and communities.

Drawing on Local Expertise
Extension program involve many partners to assure that our programs are relevant and responsive to the issues of our communities. Some of those partners include:

  • Local government
  • State legislators
  • State agencies
  • Small business owners
  • Homeowners
  • Agricultural organizations
  • Commodity groups
  • Environmental groups
  • Extension Leadership Councils
  • Community groups and schools

Diagnostic and Laboratory Support
Extension agents have access to a number of laboratories an special services to help them respond to the needs of the agriculture and natural resources industry while also protecting the environment. Professional technicians provide recommendations and diagnostic services for:

4-H is the comprehensive youth development program of Virginia Cooperative Extension. Youth between the ages of 5 and 18 engage in hands-on learning experiences under the guidance of adult or teen 4-H volunteers trained by 4-H agents. 4-H programs use experiential learning opportunities to teach the latest research-based subject matter knowledge and to foster skill development in effective citizenship, leadership, and other life skills. The 10 areas of 4-H curriculum focus are: Animal Sciences; Communications and Expressive Arts; Environmental Education and Natural Resources; Jobs, Careers and Economics; Plant and Soil Sciences; Citizenship; Family and Consumer Sciences; Health, Nutrition and Wellness; Leadership and Personal Development; and Science and Technology.

Our Programs (Check for updated dates each year!): 

                                            STAY TUNED FOR FUTURE CAMPS!

NOTE: The Gloucester County FCS agent covers Mathews  County. The information below links to the Gloucester County website.

Frank Long,  ANR Agent

Middlesex Extension Office

(804) 758-4120

flong269@vt.edu

 

Robbie Longest, ANR Agent

Essex Extension Office

(804) 443-3551

robbiel7@vt.edu

The Virginia Master Naturalist (VMN) program is a statewide corps of volunteers providing education, outreach, and service dedicated to the beneficial management of natural resources and natural areas within their communities.

Composed of 30 semi-independent, locally focused chapters, the program is actively supported, guided, and represented by the over-arching statewide VMN program.

Become a Master Naturalist HERE

Soil samples are analyzed for specific soil nutrients to determine proper application rates of fertilizer and lime for optimum plant growth. Routine analysis includes soil pH, P, K, Ca, Mg, Zn, Mn, Cu, Fe, and B. Soluble Salts and Organic Matter tests are also available. Completed soil test results, along with a recommendation on fertilization and liming, are mailed to the client.  Sampling and mailing instructions are found on the sample boxes and forms, which should be sent directly to the lab with the soil sample and payment.

Soil sample boxes and information sheets are available at these locations:

* VCE Gloucester Office 

* Tractor Supply (6499 Market Dr, Gloucester, VA 23061)

* Ace  Hardware (2384 Hayes Rd, Hayes, VA 23072)

In State samples are $10.00

Home & Garden Sample Form

Commercial Crop Production Sample Form

  

SEND A PLANT DISEASE IDENTIFICATION 

SAMPLE INSTRUCTIONS HERE

 

 

 
 

 

How to pay for your sample (BEFORE SHIPPING)

  1.  Access the Gloucester County-Virginia Cooperative Extension Destiny One Payment website with the following url:  https://tinyurl.com/VCE-PDC-Gloucester
  2.  If this is the first time you have paid for a sample in Destiny One, you will have to create an account. If you already have an account, skip to Step 3.
  3.  Follow the directions on the Destiny One payment page to complete your payment.
  4.  When you have completed your payment print a hard or digital copy of the payment receipt. A payment receipt must be included with a digital or physical submission. When submitting a sample, include a hardcopy of the payment receipt in the package to be mailed OR if the VCE office is mailing the sample or uploading a digital submission for you, provide the payment receipt to the VCE office.

Note: If you are unable or do not wish to pay by credit card via the Destiny One Payment website, you may pay by check or cash at the Gloucester VCE Office. The Plant Disease Clinic will not accept check or cash for payment.

Virginia Cooperative Extension

Gloucester County Office

6099 TC Walker Rd

PO Box 156

Gloucester, VA 23061
 

 

  
     

The Virginia Tech Insect Identification Lab provides identification and control recommendations to Virginia Cooperative Extension agents.  Insect samples and insect damaged plant material from any structural, plant, or animal hosts are accepted. Insects are identified to the lowest taxonomic level needed for control decisions. Control recommendations accompany insect identification results, which are sent back electronically to each Virginia Cooperative Extension office. Digital photos can also be used for identification. 

Many insects can be identified and control recommendations provided by your local Extension Office.

Engaging with Communities

Virginia Cooperative Extension specialists in community viability work with Extension agents, campus-based faculty, organizational partners, communities, and individuals to further opportunity and build capacity in five program areas:   

Examples of our work include training county elected officials, educating entrepreneurs, facilitating collaborative projects, supporting the growth of community food systems and local economies, enhancing agent skills and community capacity in facilitation and leadership, conducting problem-driven research, and creating publications and tools that address critical community needs.

Do you have a question about Community Viability?

Perhaps one of the Community Viability specialists below can help you. Contact a Community Viability specialist or direct a question to them using our Ask an Expert system. 

Community Viability Specialists