Zeke Barlow

The Reynolds Homestead Forest Resources Research Center (FRRC) in Critz, Virginia, was created in 1969 to study forest biology, including genetics, physiology, and soils. Specific projects include harvesting to increase forest health and productivity, site preparation, forest fertilization, loblolly pine physiology, and forest herbicide testing. Facilities include 780 acres, a two-acre pond, house, apartment, lab and office space, greenhouse, coolers, two tractor sheds, and an additional seven acres dedicated to the continuing education center and the Reynolds family museum house and cemetery.

The Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station conducts research on food and fiber systems, their impact on the environment, and their relation to the future needs of Virginia, the nation, and the world. VAES faculty are located at 11 Agricultural Research and Extension Centers and within the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, the College of Natural Resources and Environment, and the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine at Virginia Tech. AREC faculty and staff, along with faculty based at the main campus, deliver research and Extension programs at these sites, which represent the commonwealth’s diversity and take advantage of the unique characteristics and challenges found in each location. The ARECs serve not only as field-research sites and field laboratories for undergraduate and graduate students, but also as program sites for producers, school groups, and the state's citizens.

The mission of the Shenandoah Valley Agricultural Research and Extension Center is to provide agricultural producers and Extension educators in Virginia and the mid-Atlantic region with applied, research-based information on the soil, animal, and plant components of forage-based livestock systems. We also strive to preserve the historic "McCormick Farm"-- site of the invention of the McCormick grain reaper that started the mechanical revolution in agriculture. It is also our goal to open the center to adults and youth for educational opportunities on McCormick history as well as sustainable agricultural, environmental and wildlife practices.

The Southern Piedmont Agricultural Research and Extension Center is dedicated to tobacco, small fruits, forages, and other field and specialty crops research and educational programs to address the needs of the agricultural industry so it will continue to be a viable component of the state's economy.

Situated in the heart of Virginia’s horse country, the Middleburg Agricultural Research and Extension (MARE) Center is one of Virginia Tech’s 11 ARECs. Philanthropist Paul Mellon donated the 420-acre farm to Virginia Tech in 1949 to foster research that improved pasture and animal productivity while enhancing the land. The center was used primarily for beef cattle research for 40 years, but was rededicated to equine research and teaching in 1992. Today, the MARE Center continues to play a critical role in the discovery, outreach, and education missions of Virginia Tech’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. Through collaborations with academic and industry partners around the world, the center advances the health and well-being of the horse through innovative research efforts and exceptional educational programming in equine science.

The mission of the Hampton Roads AREC is to provide leadership in production and health of specialty crops, water management, and environmental sustainability through nationally-recognized research and extension programs. The HRAREC focuses on ornamental, turf, fruit, and vegetable crops, and water quality and management in agricultural and urban ecosystem

Located near Warsaw in Virginia's coastal plain, the Eastern Virginia Agricultural Research and Extension Center serves Virginia’s grain and soybean industries through research and educational programs leading to improved varieties and crop management practices.

Located in Painter, Virginia, the Eastern Shore Agricultural Research and Extension Center is committed to supporting commercial vegetable and agronomic crop production. The center grows more than 25 agricultural crops annually for research and Extension studies. New, state-of-the-art applied research that is relevant to local farming operations is essential to ensure the Eastern Shore remains a leader in commercial agriculture production.

The Alson H. Smith Jr. Agricultural Research and Extension Center serves Virginia’s commercial fruit and value-added, horticultural food crops industries through research, educational programs, development of sustainable production systems and technologies, and increased public knowledge of horticultural opportunities and benefits.

The mission of the Virginia Seafood Agricultural Research and Extension Center is to provide education, scientific, and technical guidance, support and leadership to the commercial seafood and aquaculture industries throughout Virginia and the United States. Our faculty work collaboratively with other researchers, Extension agents, and industry to address the challenges and needs of our seafood and aquaculture stakeholders; ensuring safe, sustainable, and wholesome seafood for all of us to enjoy.