Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station

Virginia Agricultural Experiment Station (VAES)

As the 1862 land grant university of Virginia, VAES expands on the Hatch Act of 1887's mission to perform basic and applied research on agricultural, environmental, natural, and community resource issues related to the future needs of Virginia, the region, the nation, and the world.

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.

AREC Field Day Calendar

Explore our ARECs →

VAES Latest News & Updates

Video Item

Virginia Tech student creates opportunity for expanding domestic edamame production , video
Through innovative research in integrated weed management, a Virginia Tech student is helping pave the way for U.S. farmers to grow edamame on a larger scale. By testing cover crop combinations, termination timings, and edamame cultivars, the project addresses one of the biggest production challenges—weed control—while reducing reliance on herbicides. The findings aim to provide farmers with sustainable tools to meet growing consumer demand for this high-value crop.
Date: Jun 04, 2025 -
Article Item

In memoriam: Seth Parker, Shenandoah Valley Agricultural Research and Extension Center , article
Parker joined the Shenandoah Valley AREC in September 2023 as a production agriculture technician, helping care for more than 900 acres of farmland and livestock.
Date: May 30, 2025 -
Article Item

Virginia Tech researcher tackles corn disease with data , article
Date: Mar 20, 2025 -