Stephen Barts

Agriculture has long been, and continues to be a driving force in the economy of Pittsylvania County. This position has paralleled the changes in agriculture within the County. Pittsylvania County remains the largest tobacco producing county in Virginia. As a result, a large portion of the Crop and Soil Sciences program focus remains on providing the most current information to tobacco growers on varieties and production practices. Pittsylvania County is the site of many field demonstrations and on farm research conducted by the staff of the Southern Piedmont Agricultural Research and Education Center. Commercial grain production is also a mainstay of the County’s agricultural background and program efforts have been extended to include corn, soybeans and small grains such as wheat and barley. In addition, production assistance is provided to specialty crop producers in the areas of wine grapes, tree fruits, vegetables, and commercial horticulture. The Crop and Soil Sciences program continues to be committed to providing the information and services that assist individuals in the agricultural community.

Education
2006 Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Blacksburg, VA, Bachelors of Science, Crop and Soil Environmental Sciences – AgroEcology.

Experience
2004 - Field/Lab Assistant, Virginia Tech Small Grains Program, Blacksburg, VA
2006 - 2007 - Technical Service Agronomist (Eastern Division) – Horizon Ag Products, Modesto, CA
2007- Present – Associate Extension Agent, Agriculture and Natural Resources, VCE–Pittsylvania County Office, Chatham, VA