Jeff Ishee

Source: American Farmland Trust news release American Farmland Trust (AFT) is set to expand its national soil health research efforts after receiving nearly $5 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Natural Resources Conservation Service through the Conservation Innovation Grants On-Farm Trials program. The five-year initiative will create a coordinated Soil Health Management Systems Network spanning 35 trial farms in 14 states, including Virginia.

Source: KY Farm Bureau October 28 - Kentucky Farm Bureau (KFB) has named Brandon and Taylor Henning of Breckinridge County as its 2026 Outstanding Young Farm Family. This annual award honors a young couple or individual who demonstrates exceptional management skill, innovation and leadership in production agriculture while remaining deeply involved in their community and the Farm Bureau organization. The Hennings placed second in the 2025 contest.

Source: Maryland Department of Agriculture (Annapolis, MD) -- The Maryland Department of Agriculture (MDA) recently announced that approximately $100,000 will be awarded to 11 urban farms and community gardens through the inaugural Urban Agriculture Grant Program. The funding will help urban producers grow their operations, strengthen neighborhood connections and expand access to healthy, fresh food, particularly in communities with limited access to grocery stores and local produce.