From early response to helping farmers secure recovery grants, Virginia Cooperative Extension agents have led the way.
When Hurricane Helene swept through Southwest Virginia in September 2024, Virginia Cooperative Extension agents were among the first to respond. But their work didn’t stop once the storm cleared.
For more than a year, agents from the 21 counties of the Southwest District have been helping farmers document losses, navigate federal and state recovery programs, and rebuild their operations.
That ongoing commitment was recognized in February, when the Virginia Agribusiness Council presented the agents with the 2025 Land Grant University Award at Extension’s winter conference at the Inn at Virginia Tech.
The recognition came as a surprise for the 450 people in attendance. Jim Riddell, a retired Extension leader and agent, took the podium under the guise of sharing an account of Extension’s history. Instead, Riddell, who is also vice president of the Agribusiness Council’s Board of Directors, called the agents to the stage for the award.
“You mounted an all-hands-on-deck effort to help,” Riddell said. “Your people, your farmers, your community — they will never, ever forget you for this. I’ve never been prouder to say I was an Extension agent.”
As the agents received a standing ovation, Grayson County Extension Agent Kevin Spurlin said he was overcome with emotion.
“The emotions came from knowing that we responded to the crisis not for recognition, but because our communities needed us,” Spurlin said. “We were there helping our clients, who are also our neighbors, family, and friends.”
In the days immediately following the storm, agents assessed more than $174 million in damages across 3,672 farms. Using those assessments, agricultural economist John Bovay estimated that long-term losses to farmers, landowners, and businesses in Virginia could range between $416 million and $630 million.
Lee County Extension Agent Amy Byington worked with agricultural partners across the state to quickly set up the Southwest Virginia Agricultural Relief Program. The program matched farmers with donated hay, feed, fencing, and other supplies, distributing more than $500,000 in materials through 10 collection and distribution sites.
“We are so grateful to all the people who donated supplies and support,” Byington said. “From fellow farmers and agribusinesses to individuals across the state, that response helped meet immediate needs during a critical time for Southwest Virginia agriculture.”
