Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station

The Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station (VAES) is the scientific research center of the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Virginia Tech, encompassing various academic departments both on and off-campus, including the Agricultural Research and Extension Centers (ARECs). With over 350 scientists from the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences, College of Natural Resources and Environment, and Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine, VAES collaborates with the Virginia Cooperative Extension (VCE) as part of Virginia’s Agency 229.

VAES, in partnership with the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA), focuses on innovation in agriculture, food, and health through basic and applied research. This research aims to improve the quality of life for individuals and families and strengthen Virginia's social and economic health. By employing advanced qualitative and quantitative methods, VAES research supports Virginia’s animal, plant, and seafood industries, promotes natural resource conservation, and benefits consumers statewide.

Explore our ARECs

An infographic showing the locations of the 11 Agricultural Research and Extension Centers (ARECs) on a map of Virginia. The graphic features the logos of the Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station and the Virginia Tech College of Agriculture and Life Sciences. The ARECs shown around the state are Middleburg AREC in Middleburg, VA, Eastern Virginia AREC in Warsaw, VA, Eastern Shor AREC in Painter, VA, Virginia Seafood AREC in Hampton, VA, Hampton Roads AREC in Virginia Beach, VA, Tidewater AREC in Suffolk, VA, Southern Piedmont AREC in Blackstone, VA, Reynolds Homestead Forest Resources Research Center in Critz, VA, Southwest Virginia AREC in Glade Spring, VA, Shenandoah Valley AREC in Steeles Tavern, VA, and Alson H. Smith Jr. AREC in Winchester, VA. The map also shows the locations of Blacksburg, VA and Richmond, VA.

AREC Field Day Calendar

Learn about Hatch/Capacity Funding

Helpful Tools and Grower Resources

Shenandoah Valley AREC
Alson H. Smith Jr. AREC
Virginia Seafood AREC
Southern Piedmont AREC
Hampton Roads AREC
Middleburg AREC
Reynolds Homestead FRRC
Tidewater AREC
Southwest Virginia AREC
Eastern Virginia AREC
Eastern Shore AREC

VAES Latest News & Updates

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Seed grants fuel new approaches to food packaging, cancer research, and 4-H evaluation , article
Three interdisciplinary Virginia Tech teams received $25,000 each through the Susan E. Duncan Innovation in Agriculture and Life Sciences Seed Grant program.
Date: Sep 10, 2026 -
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Using data to help wheat growers adapt to unpredictable weather , article
As weather becomes more variable, researchers are helping growers identify planting dates that protect yields and reduce the risk of spring freezes.
Date: Aug 26, 2026 -
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Experimental enzyme shows promise against fire blight disease , article
The study marks the first major research milestone in a national effort to develop new tools that help growers combat one of the most damaging diseases of apples and pears.
Date: Aug 10, 2026 -
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Feeding dairy cows to be more resilient to infection , article
New research focuses on strengthening cows’ immune systems through nutrition to address rising disease rates and industry challenges.
Date: Jul 31, 2026 -
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Keeping horses healthy while protecting pastures , article
Advancing equine management practices benefit horses, their owners, and the land they depend on.
Date: Jul 01, 2026 -
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Ancient millipedes still had secrets to tell , article
Researchers completed the first evolutionary history of Earth’s first land animals, pushing their origins tens of millions of years deeper into the past.
Date: Jun 12, 2026 -