All schools in Upshur County will close at 1 p.m. today. All B-UHS sporting events today are canceled.

WVDA, WVU announce pilot project to improve W.Va. beef cattle

CHARLESTON – The West Virginia Department of Agriculture (WVDA) has announced a pilot project to help increase value of West Virginia cattle by improving cattle vigor prior to entering production channels. The project will examine available preconditioning methods, enhancing overall herd health, the use of electronic identification tags and utilizing a unified approach with producer engagement. The project is a joint effort between the WVDA and WVU Extension Service.

“We hope a combined effort between the WVDA, WVU Extension Service and livestock markets will prove positive results for West Virginia beef cattle production,” said Commissioner of Agriculture Kent Leonhardt. “Our goal is to enhance the quality of the beef coming out of the Mountain State. We hope to engage cattle producers, as well as industry stakeholders as part of this project.”

The pilot project will emphasize utilizing established Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) standards and encouraging producer and herd certification through educational seminars by subject-matter-experts. These seminars will focus on a wide range of beef cattle production topics including electronic identification for cattle, the importance of traceability enhancement and record-keeping accuracy, targeted testing for production cattle diseases, how to increase biosecurity opportunities for emergency preparedness and disease prevention and other potential herd management elements.

“The idea for the pilot project originated from presentations and discussions during Commissioner Leonhardt’s annual Livestock Market meeting in May. Stakeholders focused a lot on how to increase consumer demand, as well as growing industry trends requiring beef products be sourced from only Beef Quality Assurance certified producers or herds,” said State Veterinarian Dr. James Maxwell. “Programs, such as this pilot project, are designed to provide producers with new information through demonstrations to increase quality and value of cattle sold.”

Targeted sampling and seminars are slated to begin in July at the Jackson County Regional Livestock Market. Jackson County Regional Livestock Market’s proprietor Roger Mitchell, who is also President of West Virginia Livestock Market Association, offered to host the pilot project after discussions in May. If the pilot project is successful, it could be expanded to other approved tagging sites, livestock markets and other areas of the state.

For any questions or interest in this project, contact the WVDA’s Animal Health Division at 304-558-2214.

Share this story:

Local Businesses

RECENT Stories

Really Really Free Market and Community Potluck scheduled for Sunday, July 13

A community Really Really Free Market and potluck will be held Sunday, July 13, from 1–3 pm at Walnut and Chestnut streets, featuring free goods, services, food and opportunities to connect and volunteer.

Man arrested for attempted murder after allegedly attempting to run someone over in Walmart parking lot

Rayne Prince Marion Chuma was arrested and charged with attempted murder after allegedly trying to hit a man with his vehicle in the Buckhannon Walmart parking lot before leaving the scene.

Suspect held without bail in Brushy Fork Road robbery case

Bruno Martins Ferreira has been arrested and is being held without bail on felony robbery and conspiracy charges after allegedly participating in an armed robbery at a Brushy Fork Road residence, during which $12,000 was transferred from the victim’s bank account.

Upshur County Board of Education Agenda: July 8, 2025

The Upshur County Board of Education has released the agenda for its upcoming meeting scheduled for July 8, 2025.

City of Buckhannon calendar: July 7-11, 2025

Buckhannon has announced a series of July public meetings, bulky item and yard waste collections, family-friendly events such as Festival Fridays, deadline reminders for firefighter applications, and performances of “Mamma Mia!” at the Colonial Arts Center.

Sherry Esenwein

Sherry Esenwein, a devoted educator, animal lover, and Buckhannon native, passed away peacefully at 71 in Annapolis, remembered for her adventurous spirit, cherished family, and lifelong dedication to teaching and her beloved dogs.

Summer Basketball League kicks off

The Upshur County Summer Basketball League began its season last week, featuring multiple games with standout performances from players such as Josh Trent, Andrew Holcomb, and Sterlin Thropp, while several matches ended in forfeits.

Post 7 falls in twin bill to Charleston

Buckhannon Post 7 suffered two losses to Charleston Post 56 on Sunday, dropping the first game 14-0 by mercy rule and falling 5-2 in the second despite a late rally.

Upshur County Commission partners with development authority, eyes $550k in grants for proposed rec hub

The Upshur County Commission partnered with the Development Authority and authorized applications for $550,000 in grants, as well as a joint property transfer, to support construction of the proposed John C. Allen Regional Hub recreation complex.