Agriculture and Natural Resources

Agriculture programs, presented by the Agriculture Agent, help to sustain the profitability of agricultural production and enhance and protect the quality of our land and water resources. Virginia Cooperative Extension strives to improve the well-being of Virginians and increase producers' profitability through programs that help put research-based knowledge to work in people's lives.

Some similar programs in these two areas include:

Insect Identification

Farmers can submit insect samples for identification by bringing a live or dead insect sample (well preserved) to the Chesapeake Extension Office. Bring sample in a zip lock plastic bag. Master Gardener volunteers or Extension Agents will try to identify and make a recommendation if insect is a pest. If we are not able to identify, we will mail your insect sample to the Insect ID lab at Virginia Tech. You should have an answer in about 10-days.

Plant Disease Laboratory

Farmers can submit plant samples for disease identification by bringing a plant sample with root intact in a ziplock bag with one pint of moist soil to the Chesapeake Extension Office. If Extension Agents or Master Gardeners are not available or able to identify disease, we will mail to the Plant Disease Laboratory at Virginia Tech. You should have an answer in about 10-days.

Soil testing

Farmers can submit soil samples to the Soil Testing Laboratory at Virginia Tech by picking up soil sample boxes at the Chesapeake Extension Office. We will provide you with the application form and instructions so you will be responsible for taking your soil sample and mailing it to the lab. A report will be mailed to you from the Soil Testing Lab with recommendations for the plant/crop you plan to grow. Soil samples generally take two weeks to receive a report back in the mail.

Weed Identification

Farmers can submit weed samples for identification by bringing freshly dug weed with root wrapped in a moist paper towel inside a ziplock bag to the Chesapeake Extension Office. If Extension Agents or Master Gardeners are not available or able to identify weed, we will mail to the Weed ID Laboratory at Virginia Tech. You should have an answer in about 10-days.

In the area of Agriculture, there is some specificity that includes:

• Crop Field and Pasture Soil and Forage Testing
• Farmers’ Markets
• Fertilization and Forage Recommendations
• On-Farm Visits
• Private Pesticide Training and Recertification

Therefore, for your questions relating to agriculture, livestock, pesticides or farmers’ market, contact the Agriculture Agent (Watson Lawrence), as indicated below.

Phone: 757-382-6610 or by
Email: wlawrence@cityofchesapeake.net