By Stephen Smoot
The future and present of agriculture in West Virginia relies heavily on a vital local institution often mentioned, but with a mission not always fully understood or appreciated. West Virginia University Extension offices provide vital support for farmers and their operations, as well as organizing youth programs to teach and encourage the next generation of farmers.
Last March, for example. Harrison County’s extension service, like most throughout the state, put on a series of informational dinners. At the West Milford Community Center, Extension Agent Jennifer Friend welcomed area farmers to a presentation from Greg Halich, University of Kentucky Agricultural Economist.
These dinners offer practical information about specific challenges and opportunities related to farming. As described in a WBOY report, Halich discussed the merits of the practice of bale grazing, explaining what amounts to use and showing how to rotate them.
As Friend told the attendees, “it is a way that they don’t have to get the tractor out every day” while saving valuable time and fuel costs.
Extension agents remain available year round to assist farmers needing advice and facing challenges in the field. Recently hired Pendleton County WVU Extension agent Jessica Hoover stated that most questions in her area tend to focus on invasive species and livestock diseases.
Harrison County’s Extension Service Office also works on informing those in its area about biological threats, such as the boxwood blight that “affects one of West Virginia’s most popular landscape shrubs.” Its website also explains how herbicide contaminated compost “can do lots of harm” to the plant family that includes tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants.
Extension agents specializing in agriculture and natural resources also support gardeners. This includes master gardener classes that teach advanced techniques in growing food or other useful plants. The master gardener program also partners with Lost Creek Public Library in offering “a seed catalog with seeds that residents can use to shop for plants.”
The service also supports the 4H program, described on the website as “a free educational program for West Virginia youths in all 55 counties.” It focuses on the development of “head, heart, hands, and health” in youths mostly between the age of nine and when children enter high school. Participants in 4H can stay in the organization until the age of 21, but many gravitate toward Future Farmers of America in high school. Though based in farming, “4H programs are more diverse, exposing kids to concepts in science, engineering, technology, citizenship, and healthy lifestyles” through projects and programs. Those in 4H often report that it boosted confidence, public speaking skills, life skills, and overall knowledge.
For Harrison County, Friend has served as agriculture and natural resources agent. Her background, according to a WVU Extension Service release, includes a bachelors from WVU in agricultural and extension education and a masters degree in extension education from Colorado State University. The Braxton County native grew up in 4H and FFA, then advised FFA when a teacher for Nicholas County Schools.
She said in the release that “I’ve been preparing to become and Extension agent for a long time” and shared that her passion lay in developing and growing “youth agriculture offerings.”
Those seeking to reach the Harrison County office can call (304) 624-8650 or search online for extension.wvu.edu/harrison