Virginia State University is hosting its annual Agriculture Field Day at Randolph Farm, its 416-acre research farm in Petersburg, from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. Friday, July 30.

The free event signals the reopening to the public of the farm, which has been closed since the start of the pandemic.

A range of topics and presentations will be covered during field day, including cultivating vegetables and berries, managing goats and sheep and a new demonstration site showcasing cattle production.

Participants also will tour the farm’s revamped hydroponics and aquaponics production facility, both growing sectors of Virginia’s agriculture industry.

“COVID highlighted the importance of agriculture to the world,” stated Dr. M. Ray McKinnie, dean of VSU’s College of Agriculture. “This field day is an opportunity to showcase how robust the industry is in Virginia.

“Nearly everything we eat and wear begins with agriculture, and while most people only think of farming, there are diverse sectors in the industry that positively impact our daily lives.”

William Crutchfield, director of the Virginia Cooperative Extension Small Farm Outreach Program at VSU, said this will be the first time in nearly 30 years that cattle have been part of the university’s field day.

“As more small farmers and producers are diversifying their farm operations and adding cattle, there’s a need for them to understand best practices for grazing these animals,” he said.

The farm is located at 4415 River Road in Petersburg.

The event is free, but pre-registration is required at www.ext.vsu.edu/calendar. Click on the event and then click on the registration link.

Persons with a disability who may need assistive devices or services may contact Tina Cabrera at tcabrera@vsu.edu or (804) 524-5836 or TTD (800) 828-1120.