Eastern Virginia Ag Research & Extension Center

Final nitrogen application going down today on small grain yield plots.

The Virginia Small Grain Field Day is May 21. It will begin at 9:30 am and will conclude with a BBQ lunch at noon. The focus of this year's field day will be a Q&A panel discussing Ag policy in Richmond & Washington,and global markets. Please register: bit.ly/26SGFD

New planter delivery day!

After weeks of cold and wet weather, we’re finally getting a stretch of warm and dry weather to apply nitrogen and herbicide to small grain research trials! ☀️ 🚜 🌾

Dr. Joseph Oakes and Jasleen Makkar discussing research projects at the Virginia Soybean Board meeting in Williamsburg.

The Virginia Soybean Association is hosting "Understanding Soybean Seed Coat Discoloration" on March 3 at Bass Pro Shops in Ashland. Details are below. 👇

Check out our 2026 Statewide AREC Event Calendar to see the field days and events coming up this year! arec.vaes.vt.edu/arec/field-day…

Finally able to see some wheat and barley plots after nearly 3 weeks of snow cover! Bring on spring! 🌾

After 10 straight days of sub-freezing temperatures, we have finally started to climb above freezing the last couple days. Wheat yield plots are starting to shine through the melting snow and ice.

Eastern Virginia AREC will be closed Monday, January 26, 2026. Stay safe and stay warm! ❄️❄️

Did you know that Eastern Virginia AREC is home to the Virginia Tech Small Grains Breeding Program? Each year nearly 6,000 wheat and barley yield plots are planted to allow breeders to determine which lines to advance toward release.

Variable rate potassium being applied to a field where on-farm variable rate fertility corn trial will be planted in the spring. This research examines the return on investment of using variable rate pre-plant fertility. Contact us if you are interested in hosting a trial!

Oakes take on new role as Extension Specialist “Eastern Virginia AREC has long been known for its exemplary work in plant breeding and variety testing. We look to expand our mission by conducting applied research focused on the needs of producers in Eastern Virginia,” Oakes said

Check out our latest newsletter to see what we have been up to! arec.vaes.vt.edu/content/dam/ar…

From all of us at Eastern Virginia AREC, we wish you a Happy Thanksgiving!

The VT soybean agronomy program led by Carrie Ortel at VT Tidewater AREC has launched the Soybean Variety Selection Tool. It allows you to sort by location, maturity group, or cropping system. Check it out here as you make plans for 2026! bit.ly/4hITtq0

Wrapping up small grain planting this week with Dr. Nicholas Santantonio and the small grains breeding team.

We planted three faba bean trials in King and Queen County including seeding rate, nitrogen, and weed management studies. This is part of a USDA-funded project focused on the introduction of faba bean as a winter seed crop with benefits for the Mid-Atlantic cropping systems.

Busy week around the center with wheat planting, soybean harvest, and faba bean planting.