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University Land Use/Dairy Relocation Information

Virginia Tech’s Master Campus Plan and Expansion of Near-Campus Dairy Programs

Every five years, the university reviews its vision for the future in its strategic plan and documents the changes required to its campus in the campus master plan. In 2008, under the leadership of former Dean Sharron Quisenberry, the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences initiated a comprehensive study of agricultural land uses on or near campus to support the university’s future expansion while preserving the integrity of all agricultural programs.

To accomplish these goals, some of the agricultural programs located on the east side of the 460 bypass will be relocated to Kentland Farm over time. Kentland Farm was the location identified by the study as the site best suited to satisfy the needs of the agricultural programs.

Expansion of Near-Campus Facilities

The expansion of the Virginia Tech Corporate Research Center (CRC) along Tech Center Drive and the Virginia Tech Montgomery airport runway most significantly and imminently impact the college’s programs, most notably the dairy program located along Southgate Drive.

Additional expansion projects for recreational sports and residential facilities will affect equine programs east of the 460 bypass and poultry programs on West Campus Drive. The university, in close collaboration with representatives from the college and departments, reviewed the impacts and timing of these projects and developed a phased plan that was reviewed by the Board of Visitors in March 2009. 

Relocation to Kentland – An Opportunity for Strengthening the University’s Agricultural Programs

Virginia Tech is fully committed to the agricultural programs, which are an integral part of Virginia Tech’s future, and to facilitating the necessary changes associated with the relocation. While any change has the potential to pose challenges, the college welcomes the relocation and consolidation of the agricultural programs at Kentland Farm as an opportunity for:

  • Modernizing facilities;
  • Exploring avenues for future growth and further integration of its programs across all mission areas; and
  • Solidifying agriculture as part of the university’s core.