When the owners of, Willow, a Tennessee Walking horse, could no longer afford to keep her, they turned to Danelle Southerly, who owns a horse farm near Timberville.  Danelle agreed to take her in and care for her for the rest of her life.  Over the years, Danelle has adopted several more horses and created Willow Haven Farm Sanctuary.  On WSVA's Spotlight on Valley Agriculture, Danelle talks about the mission of her non-profit sanctuary.
https://whfsanctuary.org/#home

WSVA Spotlight on Valley Agriculture - Willow Haven Farm Sanctuary

If you have never planted potatoes, and you're thinking about doing it this year, Andre Viette has some advice on which potatoes to plant, different varieties and when to plant them.

In the Garden with Andre Viette - Planting Potatoes

The Long Acre Farm, located in Grottoes, Virginia, is a charming elderberry and herb farm with a rich history. Originally known as The Wunderlich Farm, it dates back to around 1825 and is recognized as a Virginia Century Farm, indicating over 100 years of continuous farming. The farm spans 21 acres, with a focus on growing nine varieties of elderberries, including six American, two European, and one cross.

Cody and Paige Wilmer, who moved to the farm in 2016, have cultivated a thriving elderberry business. They harvest both the flowers and berries to produce syrups, honeys, and other products. The farm also grows gooseberries, mulberries, and various currants, and keeps bees and a few chickens and sheep.



WSVA Spotlight on Valley Agriculture - The Long Acre Farm

Host Jeff Ishee had an engaging discussion with Rosemary Life, the new Extension Agent in Rockingham County, about her role and initiatives. Allie King provided insights into Farm Credit construction loans, explaining their benefits for farmers. Additionally, Dr. Eric Bendfeldt shared information about a Soil Health Podcast, emphasizing the importance of soil health in sustainable farming.

Jeff Ishee's Valley Farm Forum

Growing peaches can be rewarding, especially when you bite into one of peaches you've grown in your garden.  Andre Viette has some advice on growing and tending to your peach trees, including pruning and preventing disease.  Plus, Saint Patrick's Day is Monday, Andre talks about Shamrocks.  It's not just a decoration you see in March; it's a plant!

In the Garden with Andre Viette - Peaches and Shamrocks - 3/15/25

Springs here and the grass will be growing soon...along with the weeds. Andre Viette talks about lawn care on this episode of In the Garden with Andre Viette. Mark Viette also talks about tomatoes and some of his favorite varieties, plus deer damage to plants and trees, caused in part by this winter's snow.

In the Garden with Andre Viette - Lawn Care, Tomatoes and Deer Damage - 3/15/25

The warm temperatures since February and March have brought plants into bloom earlier, and many plants are blooming early and some, that normally don't start showing new growth until May or June, are already coming out.  Andre Viette talks about the early growth and how to adjust when you do things, based on this years warmer temperatures.

In the Garden with Andre Viette - Everythings Early! - 5/3/25 Hour 1

There's a bunch of helpful websites to use when you're planning a trip. On WSVA "Early Mornings", Ron Doyle, our Gray-Haired Tech Guy, has a list of sites, including many you may not be familiar with. 
Ron's website is: www.grayhaired.tech.

Websites to help you plan and on vacation

Poison Ivy can cause an itch and rash and cause you discomfort for weeks!  Andre Viette talks about the plant, and ways to control and kill it, in your garden, lawn and fields.  

In the Garden with Andre Viette - Poison Ivy - 6/21/25 Hour 3

It was 100 years ago that Charles Wampler Sr, a poultry farmer in Dayton, VA, started what became the modern poultry industry. In 1922, when he hatched 52 turkey eggs at Sunny Slope Farm, which led to the modern-day hatcheries. Amy Roscher with the Virginia Poultry Federation talks about plans for the Virginia Poultry Festival, September 13, 2025 at the Rockingham County Fairgrounds.   The festival will include displays spotlighting the history of the industry, a barbeque chicken contest, food and music by the local group, Jack and Davis Reed.  The festival will run from 11 a.m. - 3 p.m.
https://www.vapoultry.com/

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