Local Programs
Improving Genetics, Health, and Management of Small Ruminants in Southwest Virginia
Sponsored by the Virginia Tobacco Region Revitalization Commission, the project is a partnership (or collaboration) of Abingdon Feeder Cattle Association, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Virginia Tech Southwest Agricultural Research and Extension Center, Small Farm Outreach Program at the Virginia State University, Virginia Sheep Producers Association, Coalfield Sheep Association, New River Valley Sheep and Goat Club, and Southwest Virginia’s small ruminant producers.
Soil Testing Information
Soil testing information including forms/boxes can be picked up at our office. There is NO COST for commercial farm samples, and $10 fee for home gardens per sample for a basic soil test analysis. You mail forms and boxes to the Virginia Tech Soil Testing Lab to determine pH and fertilizer needs. Your results are normally returned within 2 weeks.
Participating in a 4-H Camp Experience
Virginia 4-H specializes in the camping experience. There are a variety of overnight and day camps available year-round. Some camps are held locally in Scott County while others are held at the Southwest Virginia 4-H Center or other 4-H Educational Centers in Virginia.
We are currently taking applications for Teen Leaders (ages 14 - 18) or Counselor-in-Training (ages 12-14) at Junior 4-H Camp for the 2023 season. Below is an application link for each position. If you need a hard copy of the application, please contact the Scott County 4-H Agent. To be considered, applications must be submitted by December before the camping summer.
Teen Leader: https://tinyurl.com/ScCo4-H2023TeenAp
Counselor-in-training: https://tinyurl.com/ScCo4-H2023CITAp
In School Enrichment
4-H offers programming in each of the following areas: Animal Science; Citizenship; Communication and Expressive Arts; Natural Resources and Environmental Education; Family Sciences; Foods, Nutrition and Health; Careers and Economic Education; Leadership and Personal Development; Plants, Soils and Entomology; and Science, Engineering and Technology.
To view a full list of Scott County 4-H In School Programs, download the document below.
4-H Projects
- 4-H Leaf Taxonomy Project - This project allows youth to create a leaf collection showcasing the diversity of tree species in our area. The youth who register will receive a Common Native Trees of Virginia Identification Guide with page protectors and a folder to store leaves. Registration begins mid-August and books are due the second Friday of December each year. To learn more or to register, visit: https://tinyurl.com/ScCo4-HLeafProject22
- 4-H Insect Collection Project - This project allows youth to create an insect collection showcasing the diversity of insect species in our area. The cost of this project is $10. Participants will receive 55 insect pins, an insect pinning block, and an insect display box. Registration begins mid-August and insect collections are due the first Friday of October each year.
- 4-H Chick Chain Project – The 4-H Chick Chain Project teaches youth management practices for growing and raising chickens. Participants are required to pay $10 for this project. Participants will receive 10 sex-link (Rhode Island crossed Barred Rock), vaccinated for Mareks disease, chicks to raise into mature pullets. Members will keep record of their project in a 4-H Chick Chain Project Record Book. Registration begins early March and project record books are due the third Friday of October. Registration for this project will resume March 2023.
- 4-H Mini-Garden Project –Participation will help youth develop garden management skills, learn to grow healthy produce, develop record-keeping skills (income and expenses), and contribute to your home food supply. Participants will receive plant seeds to plant a garden. Members will keep record of their project in a 4-H Mini Garden Project Book. Registration begins early March and project record books are due the third Friday of October. Registration for this project will resume March 2023.
- 4-H Forestry Project - Participants will receive free seedlings and keep a record of their tree(s) for a year. Registration begins beginning of January. Registration for this project will resume January 2023.
4-H Competitions
Scott County youth interested in developing public speaking skills or mastering performance abilities are encouraged to register for this academic year competitions. Youth have the option to showcase a talent, conduct a science experiment, deliver an original speech or presentation, preform a section of a book, and design a table. If you are interested in competitions, please contact the 4-H Agent.
Engaging with Communities
Virginia Cooperative Extension specialists in community viability work with Extension agents, campus-based faculty, organizational partners, communities, and individuals to further opportunity and build capacity in five program areas:
- Leadership & Planning
- Community Enterprise and Resiliency
- Community Food System and Enterprises
- Community Planning
- Emerging Community Issues
Examples of our work include training county elected officials, educating entrepreneurs, facilitating collaborative projects, supporting the growth of community food systems and local economies, enhancing agent skills and community capacity in facilitation and leadership, conducting problem-driven research, and creating publications and tools that address critical community needs.
Do you have a question about Community Viability?
Perhaps one of the Community Viability specialists below can help you. Contact a Community Viability specialist or direct a question to them using our Ask an Expert system.