You are likely asking yourself, “Where do I begin?”
The purpose of this resource is to help newcomers make
informed decisions at the start of the planning process.
This “quick guide” is primarily designed for beginning
farmers and ranchers, but service providers will also
find this resource useful for answering questions about
the farm startup process. This foundational work offers
a valuable starting point on which to create a successful
whole farm plan for a new agricultural venture.
May 2, 2025
AEE-67P
Kim Niewolny
Cathryn Kloetzli
Amber Vallotton
Virginia Beginning Farmer & Rancher Coalition Program: Virginia Beginning Farmer Profiles
Introduction to Whole Farm Planning
(PDF)
The purpose of the Virginia Beginning Farmer Profiles is to help beginning farmers and ranchers in Virginia gain knowledge about farm start-up and planning from first-hand, personal experiences shared by other beginning farmers. This educational resource is component of the Virginia Beginning Farmer and Rancher Coalition Program’s Whole Farm Planning curriculum.
May 5, 2025
AEE-70NP
Kim Niewolny
Althea Whitter-Cummings
Virginia Beginning Farmer & Rancher Coalition Program: Technical Assistance & Resource Directory
The purpose of the Technical Assistance and Resource Directory is to help beginning farmers and ranchers in Virginia know what resources and resource professionals are available to them as they plan their new farm or ranch. The service and resource professionals featured throughout this directory are Coalition partners and are excellent points of contact for beginning farmers/ranchers and other service providers.

The Virginia Beginning Farmer & Rancher Coalition Program is a state-wide and coalition-based Extension program housed in Virginia Tech’s Department of Agricultural and Extension Education.
May 12, 2020
AEE-76NP
Kim Niewolny
Sarah McKay
Virginia Farm to School Resource Guide: Helping Connect Virginia Foods to Virginia Schools
Virginia Farm to School Resource Guide: Helping Connect Virginia Foods to Virginia Schools
(PDF)
This Virginia Farm to School Resource Guide is designed to help cultivate connections between the many diverse stakeholders that support the Virginia Farm to School Program. This guide is intended to help facilitate locally and regionally-grown Virginia foods to school cafeterias and school-based meal programs. It contains research-based information, resources, and advice that can help start or expand a Farm to School initiative in your community.

Farm to School programs locally and nationally come in many different shapes and sizes that are ultimately unique to the communities that develop them. Stakeholders that may find this guide helpful include: Virginia school nutrition directors, farmers, food distributors, Virginia Cooperative Extension professionals, and other school-based and agriculture-based educators and service providers interested in Farm to School programs.
Feb 2, 2024
AEE-77NP (ALCE-181NP)
Matthew C. Benson
Kim Niewolny
Virginia Beginning Farmer & Rancher Coalition Project: Seven Springs Farm: CSA Farm Model
Sep 16, 2013
AEE-78NP
Kim Niewolny
Jennifer L. Helms
Kelli H. Scott
Mark Sumner
An Evaluation of Program, Training, and Resource Needs of Virginia Beginning Farmers and Ranchers: Virginia Beginning Farmer and Rancher Coalition Program
An Evaluation of Program, Training, and Resource Needs of Virginia Beginning Farmers and Ranchers: Virginia Beginning Farmer and Rancher Coalition Program
(PDF)
With funding from the USDA Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program in fall 2010, the Virginia Beginning Farmer and Rancher Coalition Program aims to meet the expressed needs of Virginia’s beginning farmers and support the development of social networks through which they can gain vital skills, information, technical assistance, and business capacity for long-term agricultural viability (see www.vabeginningfarmer.org).
Oct 11, 2024
AEE-81P
Matthew C. Benson
Kim Niewolny
Rick Rudd
VCE Model of Community, Local, Regional Food Systems
VCE Model of Community, Local, Regional Food Systems-PDF
(PDF)
May 20, 2022
ALCE-154NP
Kim Niewolny
Joyce Latimer
Kelli H. Scott
Caitlin Miller
Theresa J. Nartea
Karen Roth Gehrt
Robert Grisso
Karen Vines
Sarah Morton
Eric S. Bendfeldt
Leonard Githinji
Crystal Tyler-Mackey
Spencer Neale
Community, Local, and Regional Food Systems
Community, Local, and Regional Food Systems
(PDF)
Apr 22, 2022
ALCE-155NP (ALCE-291NP)
Kim Niewolny
Joyce Latimer
Kelli H. Scott
Caitlin Miller
Theresa J. Nartea
Karen Roth Gehrt
Robert Grisso
Karen Vines
Sarah Morton
Eric S. Bendfeldt
Leonard Githinji
Crystal Tyler-Mackey
Spencer Neale
Community, Local, and Regional Food Systems (CLRFS) Forum Report
Oct 7, 2016
ALCE-156NP
Kim Niewolny
Joyce Latimer
Kelli H. Scott
Caitlin Miller
Theresa J. Nartea
Karen Roth Gehrt
Robert Grisso
Karen Vines
Sarah Morton
Eric S. Bendfeldt
Leonard Githinji
Crystal Tyler-Mackey
Spencer Neale
Community, Local, and Regional Food Systems (CLRFS) Forum Executive Summary
Virginia’s food system directly impacts the survival and viability of farms and farmland; the economic development of rural and urban communities; the care, restoration, and resilience of ecological resources such as local waterways; and critical health issues. We use the language of community, local, and regional food systems to broadly define a complex and interconnected set of systems and pathways that comprise sustainable food production, processing, distribution, consumption, and waste management to bring about social, economic, and ecological change that benefits all residents.
Oct 7, 2016
ALCE-157NP
Kim Niewolny
Joyce Latimer
Kelli H. Scott
Caitlin Miller
Theresa J. Nartea
Karen Roth Gehrt
Robert Grisso
Karen Vines
Sarah Morton
Eric S. Bendfeldt
Leonard Githinji
Crystal Tyler-Mackey
Spencer Neale
An Introduction to Drones : On - Farm Use and Safety Implications
An Introduction to Drones: On-Farm Use and Safety Implications
(PDF)
The use of drones can be a safe and productive addition to your farm. However, there are many considerations that must be taken into account before purchasing and using a drone. This introductory publication is not intended to be used as a comprehensive drone resource. Therefore, please contact AgrAbility Virginia at www.agrabilityvirginia.org for more information and suggestions on incorporating drones into your farm or ranch operations.
Dec 10, 2024
ALCE-169NP (ALCE-172NP)
Kirk Ballin
Kim Niewolny
Don Ohanehi
Morgan Paulette
Kyle Peer
Dan Swafford
AgrAbility Virginia Program Evaluation Brief: 2016 Survey Results
AgrAbility Virginia Program Evaluation Brief: 2016 Survey Results
(PDF)
Dec 5, 2022
ALCE-170NP
Crystal Kyle
Kim Niewolny
Kirk Ballin
Joe Young
Tristan Robertson
Don Ohanehi
Agricultural Education Teacher Facility Management & Risk Assessment Guide
Agricultural Education Teacher Facility Management and Risk Assessment Guide
(PDF)
Feb 2, 2023
ALCE-173NP
Andy Seibel
Phil Fravel
Understanding and Developing an Agribusiness
Understanding and Developing an Agribusiness
(PDF)
This publication is a teaching resource (series of lesson plans) developed by a participant in the Graduate Extension Scholars (GES) program.
May 31, 2024
ALCE-176P
Michael Barrowclough
Crystal Peek
Mary-Katherine Rhudy
Hannah Scherer
Shannon Wiley
Alya Wilk
Understanding Business Structures, Markets, and Risk Management Strategies
Understanding Business Structures, Markets, and Risk Management Strategies
(PDF)
This publication is a teaching resource (series of lesson plans) developed by a participant in the Graduate Extension Scholars (GES) program.
May 31, 2024
ALCE-177
Sarah McKay
Kristin Carr
Marie Rothwell
Shannon Wiley
Hannah Scherer
Small Farm Orientation: Checklist for a Beginning Small Farmer
Dec 13, 2019
ALCE-185NP
Vernon Heath
Assistive Technologies for Upper Extremity Mobility on the Farm
Assistive Technologies to Improve Safety & Accessibility on Small Scale Diversified Vegetable Farms & Home Gardens
(PDF)
Oct 14, 2021
ALCE-260NP
Marissa Nilsson
Garland Mason
Kim Niewolny
Assistive Technologies to Improve Safety & Accessibility on Small Scale Diversified Vegetable Farms & Home Gardens
Assistive Technologies to Improve Safety & Accessibility on Small Scale Diversified Vegetable Farms & Home Gardens
(PDF)
Sep 7, 2021
ALCE-269NP
Garland Mason
Zoey Van Peppen
Kim Niewolny
Virginia Cooperative Extension Mid-Career Focus Group Findings- Competencies
Virginia Cooperative Extension Mid-Career Focus Group Findings- Competencies
(PDF)
Dec 22, 2021
ALCE-287NP
Karen Vines
Sarah Baughman
Neil A. Clark
Cynthia Gregg
Jane Henderson
Lonnie Johnson
Ruth Wallace
Occupational Therapy: How to Meet the Needs of Farmers
Occupational Therapy: How to Meet the Needs of Farmers
(PDF)
occupational therapy for farmers; OT in agriculture; AgrAbility Virginia; farm injury prevention; aging farmers support; rehabilitation for farmers; assistive technology for agriculture; farmer mental health support; OT strategies for farm work; adapting farm tasks for disabilities; prosthesis use in farming; OT case study for farmers; injury recovery in agriculture; farm safety education; occupational therapy rural communities; OT health promotion for farmers; OT intervention planning; farmer wellness programs; Virginia agriculture health services; OT for agricultural workers; physical therapy for farmers; OT and farm equipment adaptation; OT and mental health in farming; OT support for small farms; Virginia Cooperative Extension occupational therapy
Sep 15, 2025
ALCE-326NP
Ryan Holder
Emily Graves
Logan Dotson
Caleb Oakes
Wyatt Wall
Garland Mason
Patty Drescher
John Allen
Roberto Franco
Kim Niewolny
Physical Therapy: How to Meet the Needs of Farmers
Physical Therapy: How to Meet the Needs of Farmers
(PDF)
This publication serves as a guide for physical therapists and other health professionals to effectively support aging farmers, individuals with disabilities or injuries, farm families, and beginning farmers, health professionals must recognize the distinct physical, environmental, and cultural demands of agricultural life. By integrating wellness and rehabilitation strategies that align with farmers’ goals and work realities, physical therapists and other providers can help ensure continuity in agricultural livelihoods and enhance overall quality of life.
Sep 15, 2025
ALCE-327NP
Ryan Holder
Emily Graves
Logan Dotson
Caleb Oakes
Wyatt Wall
Garland Mason
Greta Nelson
Roberto Franco
Kim Niewolny
Virginia FFA Agriscience Fair Quick Start Guide
Virginia FFA Agriscience Fair Quick Start Guide
(PDF)
This quick start guide contains basic information about the Virginia FFA Agriscience Fair Competition, with links out to additional resources.
Apr 21, 2026
ALCE-331NP
Hannah Scherer
Virginia Cooperative Extension Mid-Career Focus Group Findings – Sources of Stress
Virginia Cooperative Extension Mid-Career Focus Group Findings – Sources of Stress
(PDF)
Mar 10, 2022
ALCE-290NP
Karen Vines
Sarah Baughman
Neil A. Clark
Cynthia Gregg
Jane Henderson
Lonnie Johnson
Ruth Wallace
Virginia Cooperative Extension Mid-Career Focus Group Findings – Professional Development Organizations
Virginia Cooperative Extension Mid-Career Focus Group Findings – Professional Development Organizations
(PDF)
Apr 5, 2022
ALCE-292NP
Karen Vines
Sarah Baughman
Neil A. Clark
Cynthia Gregg
Jane Henderson
Lonnie Johnson
Ruth Wallace
Virginia Cooperative Extension Mid-Career Focus Group Findings – Onboarding and Mentoring
Virginia Cooperative Extension Mid-Career Focus Group Findings – Onboarding and Mentoring
(PDF)
Mar 24, 2022
ALCE-293NP
Karen Vines
Sarah Baughman
Neil A. Clark
Cynthia Gregg
Jane Henderson
Lonnie Johnson
Ruth Wallace
Virginia Cooperative Extension Mid-Career Focus Group Findings – Needs Assessment
Virginia Cooperative Extension Mid-Career Focus Group Findings – Needs Assessment
(PDF)
Mar 24, 2022
ALCE-294NP
Karen Vines
Sarah Baughman
Neil A. Clark
Cynthia Gregg
Jane Henderson
Lonnie Johnson
Ruth Wallace
Virginia Cooperative Extension Mid-Career Focus Group Findings – Organizational Support and Effectiveness
Virginia Cooperative Extension Mid-Career Focus Group Findings – Organizational Support and Effectiveness
(PDF)
May 2, 2022
ALCE-295NP (ALCE-298NP)
Karen Vines
Sarah Baughman
Neil A. Clark
Cynthia Gregg
Jane Henderson
Lonnie Johnson
Ruth Wallace
Taste of Farming: Things to Consider for Your New Farm (Ad)Venture
Taste of Farming: Things to Consider for Your New Farm (Ad) Venture
(HTML)
Mar 30, 2022
ALCE-296-2
Tom Stanley
Sarah Sharpe
Katie Trozzo
Kim Niewolny
New VCE Onboarding – Professional Development Survey
New VCE Onboarding – Professional Development Survey
(PDF)
Nov 9, 2022
ALCE-300NP
Karen Vines
Lonnie Johnson
Hannah Bishop
Morgan Paulette
Jocelyn Pearson
Janet L. Spencer
John Thompson
Extension Program Delivery Using an Expert Model
Virginia Cooperative Extension Program Planning Series:Extension Program Delivery Using an Expert Model
(PDF)
Feb 7, 2024
ALCE-301NP (ALCE-319P)
Karen Vines
AgrAbility Virginia Program Evaluation Brief: 2023 Survey & Interview Results
AgrAbility Virginia Program Evaluation Brief: 2023 Survey & Interview Results
(PDF)
AgrAbility Virginia promotes safety, wellness, and accessibility on the farm through education, rehabilitative services, and assistive technology. AgrAbility Virginia is a partnership program between Virginia Tech, Virginia State University, Virginia Cooperative Extension, and Easterseals UCP. AgrAbility Virginia is funded by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) National Institute for Food and Agriculture (NIFA). As a statewide program, AgrAbility Virginia works closely with Virginia's rehabilitation and agricultural service delivery system to increase organizational capacity and provide the best quality education and services for farmers across Virginia. AgrAbility Virginia works in partnership with the Virginia Department of Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS) and others to make recommendations for farmers regarding assistive technologies and new farm procedures and protocols that will make farming more comfortable and safer.
Jul 3, 2023
ALCE-318NP
Garland Mason
Kim Niewolny
Situation Analysis Reporting Across Virginia through Virginia Cooperative Extension
Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) takes pride in the premise that vital programming is based on the issues, problems, and needs of the people. A thorough analysis of the situation provides context for understanding these problems. This is a process of determining what situations exist at local, regional, and state levels, and for determining which problems have become issues of major public concern. Situation analysis provides the foundation and rationale for deciding which problems should receive the time, energy, and resources of VCE.
Aug 24, 2023
ALCE-320NP
Karen Vines
Subrato Kuri
Michael T. Lambur
Helping Youth PROSPER in VA
Helping Youth PROSPER in VA
(HTML)
Helping Youth PROSPER in Virginia reflects an overview of a Sustainable Communities project by the USDA-National Institute for Food and Agriculture's CYFAR program, The various strategies and activities to bolster the positive development of pre/teen aged youth, such as weekend-long family camp, the youth-adult Strengthening Families Program, campus visits, youth mental health conference, team building and other activities to explore interest and build skills are highlighted.
Jan 9, 2024
ALCE-321NP
Crystal Tyler-Mackey
Balancing Life: Digital Media and Mental Well-Being for Youth and Adults
Balancing Life: Digital Media and Mental Well-Being for Youth and Adults (ALCE-322NP)
(HTML)
There's been a lot of discussion lately about the connections between social media use and mental health among both teens and adults. In fact, the US Surgeon General issued a report about the issue. https://www.hhs.gov/sites/default/files/sg-youth-mental-health-social-media-advisory.pdf In this session, we delve into the pros, cons, and recommendations for using social media in ways that are helpful and strategies to avoid harmful practices.
Oct 29, 2024
ALCE-322NP
Sonya Mitchell
Bethany Eigel
Herman Maclin
Food Insecurity in Southwest Virginia
Food Insecurity in Southwest Virginia
(PDF)
Food insecurity is a pervasive issue in communities throughout the United States, impacting the health and well-being of many households. This publication highlights food insecurity, specifically in Southwest Virginia, which has particularly high food insecurity rates, and brings attention to initiatives and organizations striving to reduce its effects.
May 5, 2025
ALCE-323P
Mia Jones
Emily Gard
Nicholas Hamilton
Eric K. Kaufman
A Smart River for a Better Community
A Smart River for a Better Community
(PDF)
The article explores the emergence and significance of SmartRiver technology as an innovative solution to address challenges in river management. SmartRivers, which are equipped with advanced sensors and technology, offer real-time insights into river health. Rappahannock SmartRiver Initiative is used as an example. The article discusses both advantages and potential vulnerabilities associated with the integration of technology such as wireless sensor networks in the rivers. The importance of community-based participatory research (CBPR) approaches to ensure engagement and relevance in decision-making is emphasized. Furthermore, it highlights the need for effective communication strategies to raise community awareness and engagement in river management efforts.
May 19, 2025
ALCE-343P
Sonika Poudel
Mikel Ann Manchester
Eric K. Kaufman
Are you a Beginning Farmer?
You are likely asking yourself, “Where do I begin?” The purpose of this tool is to help you gather a solid basis of information as you consider your “start-up” situation. Once you have completed as much as you can of this worksheet (or if you have any questions along the way), please bring it to your local Virginia Cooperative Extension office to get guidance on where to go next: http://www.ext.vt.edu/offices/index.html. Good Luck! We look forward to helping you bring your farm vision to life!
May 12, 2020
ANR-91NP
Cathryn Kloetzli
Amber Vallotton
Kim Niewolny
Grape Production Injuries and Prevention
Grape acreage and production have been steadily increasing in the
US. In 2010 there were approximately 23,000 farms with a total of
944,800 acres producing grapes. Ninety percent of these farms are
smaller than 100 acres and about 16,000 of these were vineyards.
California accounts for about 90% of the total production in the
US. The next two largest grape producing states are Washington and
New York and they produce approximately 6% and 2% respectively
(NASS-USDA, 2014)
Oct 23, 2020
BSE-186NP (BSE-355NP)
Robert Grisso
Tony K. Wolf
Kim Niewolny
Unit Leadership: Best Practices for Local Budgets
Unit Leadership: Best Practices for Local Budgets
(PDF)
One key responsibility of VCE unit leader positions is the preparation, submission and approval of local budget requests. UCs/UEDs must also manage locally appropriated funds in full compliance with Virginia Tech (VT) and VCE policies and procedures.
Dec 4, 2025
VCE-1229NP
Bethany Eigel
Stuart J. Vermaak
Unit Leadership: Best Practices for Local Government Relationships
Unit Leadership: Best Practices for Local Government Relationships
(PDF)
VCE unit leaders foster strong relationships and maintaining open communication with local government officials to keep them informed of Extension activities and included in relevant initiatives. Unit leaders actively engage with local government, support community priorities, and seek opportunities to collaborate on initiatives that align with Extension’s mission and the needs of the locality.
Dec 5, 2025
VCE-1230NP
Bethany Eigel
Stuart J. Vermaak
Unit Leadership: Best Practices for Managing Unit Conflict
Unit Leadership: Best Practices for Managing Unit Conflict
(PDF)
VCE unit leaders use a coaching style to motivate, encourage, and support unit staff. Leaders foster a positive work environment and manage interpersonal dynamics within the unit, including conflict, to ensure a collaborative and productive team culture.
Dec 8, 2025
VCE-1231NP
Bethany Eigel
Stuart J. Vermaak
Unit Leadership: Best Practices for MOU Management
Unit Leadership: Best Practices for MOU Management
(PDF)
Unit Leaders, in collaboration with their District Director, represent VCE in negotiations with local government regarding new or updated Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs). These agreements outline the roles, responsibilities, and expectations between VCE and local partners while ensuring alignment with current VCE and Virginia Tech policies, guidance, and strategic priorities.
Dec 8, 2025
VCE-1232NP
Bethany Eigel
Stuart J. Vermaak
Unit Leadership: Best Practices for Office Leadership
Unit Leadership: Best Practices for Office Leadership
(PDF)
Unit Leaders, in collaboration with their District Director, represent VCE in negotiations with local government regarding new or updated Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs). These agreements outline the roles, responsibilities, and expectations between VCE and local partners while ensuring alignment with current VCE and Virginia Tech policies, guidance, and strategic priorities.
Dec 9, 2025
VCE-1233NP
Bethany Eigel
Stuart J. Vermaak
Unit Leadership: Best Practices for Recruitment
Unit Leadership: Best Practices for Recruitment
(PDF)
Unit Leaders, in collaboration with their District Director, work with the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) Human Resources office to develop and recruit for classified staff, wage and faculty employment positions. Unit Leaders ensure that hiring efforts align with VCE’s standards and attract candidates who are well-suited to serve the needs of the local community.
Dec 9, 2025
VCE-1234NP
Bethany Eigel
Stuart J. Vermaak
Unit Leadership: Best Practices for Unit Meetings
Unit Leadership: Best Practices for Unit Meetings
(PDF)
Unit leaders are expected to organize regular unit meetings, designed to foster team cohesion and identify opportunities for collaboration. Unit Leaders also share key district and state-level initiatives, and reinforce policies and expectations to ensure alignment with broader organizational goals.
Dec 9, 2025
VCE-1235NP
Bethany Eigel
Stuart J. Vermaak
Unit Leadership: Best Practices for ELC Engagement
Unit Leadership: Best Practices for ELC Engagement
(PDF)
VCE unit leader positions cultivate strong local relationships and partnerships which help the unit identify individuals who can serve on Extension Leadership Council (ELC) to reflect the needs and priorities of the community. Units can leverage the collective input of an ELC to guide programming decisions. and ensure that Extension programs remain relevant, responsive, and aligned with local interests.
Dec 10, 2025
VCE-1235NP
Bethany Eigel
Stuart J. Vermaak

Tags | VCE Publications | Virginia Tech