Agriculture
The Pumpkin—a West Virginia tradition steeped in lore
FLAT TOP, W.Va. — With the exception of corn, perhaps no vegetable is as all-American as the pumpkin. Carved as a Jack-O’-Lantern or pureed into a Thanksgiving pastry, the pumpkin—and the pumpkin pie—are as American as, um, well, apple pie. In many ways, pumpkins are...
“Worm Moon of March” lore is accurate, says West Virginia gardener
FLAT TOP, W.Va. — Worms are already making their presence known in the upper layers of the soil in...
West Virginia’s northern panhandle was once prime U.S. sheep country
WHEELING, W.Va. — West Virginia may best be known for its vast mountain forests, but its northern...
West Virginia University professor unveils new “people’s tomato”
A West Virginia University plant pathology professor emeritus who has spent more than 70 years...
Commercial ramp harvest prohibited in Monongahela National Forest
Digging and eating ramps in the spring is a traditional activity throughout West Virginia, notably within the Monongahela National Forest in its eastern mountains. While collecting ramps for personal use is permitted in the forest within established limits, the...
Nursery and landscape industry growing in West Virginia
CHARLESTON, W.Va. — State and federal economic statistics show that the nursery and landscape industry and related employment has grown in West Virginia and will continue to expand through 2026, according to Julie Robinson, executive director of the West Virginia...
Maple Syrup Days on tap at six Pocahontas County farms
MARLINTON, W.Va. — Syrup production is thriving in Pocahontas County, where organizers of Maple Days events are welcoming new producers and expecting more attendees, thanks partly to a renewed interest in Appalachian customs. Six maple producers are opening their...
W.Va. encourages farmers to participate in 2022 ag census
CHARLESTON, W.Va — The W.Va. Department of Agriculture is encouraging all farmers and farm operations in the state to participate in the 2022 Census of Agriculture to ensure support for agriculture in West Virginia. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National...