Phil Blevins
This position is responsible for agriculture programming for Washington County with major emphasis in animal and crop and soil science including livestock production and marketing, tobacco, and forage production for livestock and dairy. Washington County ranks 8th in overall agricultural production, 3rd in cattle and calves, 4th in beef and 6th in dairy production in Virginia. Programming is directed so new technology and other successful production information is provided. Work in resource conservation, proper use of pesticides and urban horticulture are part of the agriculture program. In addition to these areas a significant effort is made to promote agriculture and its value. Agriculture commodities contribute over $50 million to the local economy.
Agriculture and Natural Resources Programming
- Livestock – programming focuses on herd improvement, value added marketing and production programs, risk management, as well as technology and methods to improve common practices.
- Forages – programming includes research plots in cool season varieties, small grain silage, and corn silage varieties. In addition work in the area of pasture and forage crop improvement and utilization.
- Row Crops – programming involves burley tobacco research trials, corn hybrid trials, and methods and technologies that enable the producer to improve profitability.
- Horticulture
- Commercial vegetables
- Urban Horticulture – programming includes a large Master Gardener program, turf research, and efforts to help local citizens solve urban horticulture problems
- Pesticide Training – programming involves certification and re-certification of private applicators as well as re-certification of commercial applicators.
Education
1980 University of Tennessee, Knoxville, TN, Bachelor of Science, Animal Science
Experience
- 1993-present Unit Coordinator and Extension Agent, Agriculture and Natural Resources, VCE-Washington County
- 1991-1993 Extension Agent, Agriculture and Natural Resources, VCE-Washington County
- 1989-1990 Extension Agent, Agriculture and Natural Resources, VCE-Montgomery County
- 1986-1989 Manager, Virginia Federation of DHIA's, Blacksburg, VA
- 1985-1986 Assistant Manager, Virginia Federation of DHIA's, Blacksburg, VA