Local Programs

Agriculture and Natural Resources

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. We help the agriculture industry use the most current technology and management practices to develop strong businesses that prosper in today's economy. We deliver programs that help put research-based knowledge to work for Virginia's agriculture industry.

ANR programs are directed toward a broad range of needs associated with the production of livestock, food crops, greenhouse and nursery products, turf, and forests; the financial management of agricultural enterprises; and the protection of the environment.

The services available through this office include:

Insect Identification Laboratory

Homeowners and farmers can submit insect samples for identification by bringing a live or dead insect sample (well preserved) to the Extension Office. Bring sample in a zip lock plastic bag. The Extension Agent will try to identify and make a recommendation if insect is a pest. If we are not able to identify, we will mail you insect sample to the Insect ID lab at Virginia Tech. You should have an answer in about 10-days.

Plant Disease Laboratory

Homeowners and farmers can submit plant samples for disease identification by bringing a plant sample with root intact in a ziplock bag with one pint of moist soil to the Extension Office. If Extension Agent is not available or able to identify disease, we will mail to the Plant Disease lab at Virginia Tech. You should have an answer in about 10-days.

Weed Identification Laboratory

Homeowners and farmers can submit weed samples for identification by bringing freshly dug weed with root wrapped in a moist paper towel inside a ziplock bag to the Extension Office. If Extension Agent is not available or able to identify weed, we will mail to the Weed ID lab at Virginia Tech. You should have an answer in about 10-days.

Soil Testing

Homeowners and farmers can submit soil samples to the Soil Test Laboratory at Virginia Tech by picking up soil sample boxes at the Extension Office. We will provide you with the application form and instructions for taking the soil sample and mailing to the lab. A report will be mailed to you from the Soil Testing Lab with recommendations for the plant/crop you plan to grow. Soil samples generally take two weeks to receive a report back in the mail.

4-H Youth Development

Youth in Bath County have many ways to become involved in 4-H such as participating in our Junior 4-H Camp, competing in Presentations and Share-The-Fun Contests, traveling internationally to the Dominican Republic, State 4-H Congress, and various day camps. Bath County 4-H has a strong focus on in-school programming, natural resource education, and citizenship projects.

Community Viability

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 Expertsystem.

Community Viability Specialists

See a list of our Community Viability Specialists

Family and Consumer Sciences

While viewing the family unit as the cornerstone of a healthy community, Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agents and volunteers work in Planning District 6 (the Counties of Rockingham, Highland, Bath and Rockbridge) with a focus on improving wellness for individuals and their families.

FCS Extension Agents offer a wide variety of programs in the areas of nutrition, finance, family development, physical activity, food safety, and food preservation. As educators, community resource, and link in the community, our goal is to implement effective educational and outreach programs that provide people with the life skills needed to make positive changes, and improve their overall sense of well-being.

Please contact Becky Gartner at 540-564-3081 or rebes13@vt.edu for more information on classes available and how to arrange programming for your location!

For ServSafe Class information please call 540-564-3081.