About Us

Conducts research and extension programs focusing on production and utilization of forage crops. In Virginia, forage and forage related commodities account for over 36% of the gross farm receipts. In the last 30 years, beef cattle numbers have increased over 62% in the Southern Piedmont Region of Virginia. This region of Virginia represents a unique environment in terms of forage production. Commonly grown cool-season grasses produce well in the spring and fall, but high temperatures and inconsistent rainfall limit growth during the summer months. This results in cool-season pastures being underutilized in the spring and fall and overgrazed during the summer months. The goal of my research program is to develop grazing systems that will reduce seasonal variation in forage yield, allowing producers to increase stocking densities and improve pasture profitability.

Southern Piedmont AREC
2375 Darvills Road
Blackstone, VA   23824-0448
E-mail: makenny@vt.edu
Phone: 434-292-5331
Fax: 434-292-5623