Grayson County Adventures

As the Carroll County intern, I spend a lot of time with both Steve and Suzanne. Suzanne, the commercial horticulture agent, covers three counties: Carroll, Grayson, and Wythe. As her intern I often get to join her on her trips to these places.

Today we went to Grayson County to see some things and visit with some people there. Our first stop was to see the new NRCS New River Hill Farm. We got to see some of the facilities there including the barn where they are hoping to host activities and a lot of the contests they are planning on doing. There are several ponds on the property as well. The farm was donated to be used for educational purposes. There is so much potential there! I hope to one day see it being used for all sorts of exciting activities in the area. There are so many great ideas out there already. Now to just get them started!

After visiting the NRCS farm, we went to a homeowner in Grayson to look at some of his fruit trees, particularly an apple tree that is having some problems. We also went to try to talk to an organic elderberry grower who is growing 18 acres. We also visited with a farmer who is looking to grow barley. Grayson County has a lot of interesting small-scale agriculture.

We also made a stop at the Matthews State Forest so that I could see the orchard. I learned that the Matthews State Forest is made up of 566 acres that was conveyed to the Virginia Department of Forestry by Judge Jack Matthews with the vision of a state forest to provide for the scientific, educational, and research needs for Southwest Virginia's public. He also wanted to continue working to bring back the American Chestnut that was devastated by blight. There is a heritage apple orchard there as well that Judge planted. 

I notice how in extension an agent can be stretched very thin. There is so much to be done that needs to be balanced with grower visits and calls! It is so important though to get out and make yourself known and available to the community.