Agriculture has been a cornerstone of the U.S. economy since Pilgrims first arrived at Plymouth Rock. With some of the best farmland in the world, the United States is the second largest agriculture producer right behind China. Agriculture and related industries contribute over $1 trillion to the U.S. gross domestic product each year. In West Virginia, the impact of agricultural …
Invasive Spotted Lanternfly Spreading in West Virginia’s Eastern Panhandle
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – As the invasive spotted lanternfly (Lycorma delicatula) continues to spread, the West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA) strongly encourages citizens to check their vehicles and any materials being transported for the invasive pest. The insect’s spread is greatly enhanced through its ability to attach itself and egg masses to vehicles and materials that are transported from areas …
FSA Asking for Damage Totals from Remnants of Hurricane Ida
CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The USDA West Virginia Farm Service Agency (FSA) is asking farmers and producers across the state to report any damage from the remnants of Hurricane Ida that swept through West Virginia Tuesday, August 31 and Wednesday, September 1. Some areas of the state received a minimal amount of rain, others like Terra Alta and Tunnelton, in Preston …
West Virginia Women in Ag to Be Honored at the State Fair
FAIRLEA, W.Va. – West Virginia Commissioner of Agriculture Kent Leonhardt announced the recipients of this year’s West Virginia Women in Agriculture Award. The four recipients were chosen based on their passion for agriculture and desire to mentor up and coming female farmers. Commissioner Leonhardt will host a reception at the State Fair of West Virginia 11:30 am, Sunday, August 15 …
Op-Ed: West Virginia Must Support the State Fair
Last June, West Virginia and the nation were facing a growing pandemic which threatened to bring our daily lives to a screeching halt. In light of public safety, many event organizers decided to cancel their gatherings including the hundreds of fairs and festivals hosted around the state. Despite getting approval from the Governor, the State Fair and its board followed …
Op-Ed: WVDA Helping to Protect Pets like Babydog
Everyone has had the opportunity to get to know West Virginia’s unofficial pandemic mascot, Babydog. The one-year-old English bulldog has loaned her cuteness to the Governor as part of his campaign to convince folks to get vaccinated against COVID. This marketing tool works because it pulls at the heart strings of something we are all too familiar with, a beloved …