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

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.

High Point Construction takes over lead in men’s golf league

High Point Construction took the top spot in the Buckhannon Country Club Bob Cupp Memorial Golf League after defeating Sam’s Pizza, while Highland Landscaping and Feola’s Flowers tied for second place.

Task force arrests three for selling Delta 8 to people under age 21, issues four additional warrants

After a year-long investigation, the Mountain Region Drug and Violent Crime Task Force arrested multiple individuals and issued warrants in Upshur County for allegedly selling Delta 8 THC products to individuals under 21.

ATV crash kills 65-year-old woman in Upshur County

Patricia L. Campbell, 65, of Ohio, died after being ejected from an ATV rollover crash in Upshur County on July 4; the investigation continues.

Willard Hampton Rice, Jr.

Willard Hampton Rice, Jr., 84, of Sandusky, a retired Ford Motor Company employee who enjoyed hunting and spending time with family, passed away July 3 and is survived by his wife, children, and grandchildren.

Buckhannon Banter: Get the local lowdown for July 2, 2025

This week in Buckhannon, local organizations plan events and clinics — including a big July 4th celebration — and several community initiatives aim to engage residents of all ages.

Emergency agencies stress need for coordinated incident plans during large events with road closures

Emergency officials emphasized the need for incident action plans and coordination with public safety agencies for large events that close major streets, citing upcoming car shows and other street-closure events to ensure fast, safe emergency responses.
BUHS Sports

B-U now in Class AAAA in all sports; moved to new South Region after WVSSAC restructuring

Buckhannon-Upshur High School will compete in Class AAAA — the highest division — for all sports and has been moved to the new South Region under a two-year realignment by the West Virginia Secondary School Activities Commission.

Stockert Youth and Community Center Board Meeting Agenda: July 3, 2025

The Stockert Youth and Community Center Board will meet July 3, 2025, with an agenda set to discuss organizational matters and upcoming events.