Today was West Virginia Agriculture and Conservation Day at the Legislature. The well area surrounding the Senate and House chambers was filled with informational booths run by agencies from around the state. A few booths provided snacks related to their agencies. Visitors and legislators could sample chips and hot salsa, honey, or ice cream, all made in West Virginia for today’s events.
Standing next to a large taxidermed coyote, Christopher Croson welcomed and spoke with guests who came to inspect the still, curious-looking animal. A wildlife biologist, State Director of the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service for the USDA, explained that the service is mainly in charge of livestock protection from predators. They assist farmers in a hands-on environment to handle predator and livestock interactions, recommend procedures and assist in choosing guard dogs, and they also provide services in regards to removing predators, if needed. This is all carried out to make life safer and less stressful for livestock in the state.
Most complaints are against coyotes when it comes to livestock protection. There has been recent negative attention given to black vultures in the state because they are a foreign predator. However, there have only been three confirmed livestock predations this year, which is not too much of a concern. Black vultures are scavengers and only eat young livestock if they are very hungry. Farmers do need to alert the inspection service if there is a problem on their property.
Extension agents from West Virginia University and West Virginia State University were in attendance to represent each university, respectively. West Virginia State University gave small tomato plants to visitors and along with gardening advice. West Virginia University provided gardening calendars and information about their community programs to passersby.
Among numbers of other agencies, also present were the West Virginia Forestry Association, the West Virginia Department of Agriculture, the West Virginia Beekeepers Association and the West Virginia Beef Industry Council.
