Clyde Craig

The U.S. Department of Agriculture will provide $242,335.25 to ten projects to enhance the production, processing, and consumption of specialty crops in West Virginia. W.Va. Commissioner of Agriculture Kent Leonhardt, praised the value of the projects and of the Specialty Crop Block Grant program for development in the Mountain State. “From education to research, Specialty … Read more

The West Virginia Department of Agriculture is inviting milk producers and the public to discuss the state of the dairy industry in West Virginia and will host five meetings in November to gather input, according to Commissioner of Agriculture Kent Leonhardt. “The dairy industry is struggling across the country, just as it is here in … Read more

Officials with the W.Va. Department of Agriculture warn that 18.7 percent of the Mountain State as of October 3, 2019, is under severe drought status. The severity is worst in the southern and southwestern counties, notably in Mingo, Mercer, Monroe, Summers, and Kanawha and adjacent areas. These areas may experience potential crop loss, as well … Read more

Industrial hemp farmers in West Virginia more than quadrupled crop production in 2019 compared to the previous year, according to the West Virginia Department of Agriculture. This year, 132 farmers grew 641 acres of industrial hemp, according to Commissioner of Agriculture Kent Leonhardt—a significant increase from the 155 acres grown in 2018. “We must be … Read more

Officials at the state Department of Agriculture are offering the following recommendations to farmers whose livestock are suffering from water shortages as a result of drought. Commissioner of Agriculture Kent Leonhardt says steps can be taken to remedy some problems now and as winter approaches. “When the weather gets this hot, farmers have to use … Read more