Department of Conservation and Recreation
Conserve. Protect. Enjoy.
Department of Conservation and Recreation
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This article was originally featured in the Small Farm Outreach Program (SFOP) Summer 2026 Quarterly newsletter (PDF) published by the Cooperative Extension at Virginia State University.
Meet Alex Hessler, the Department of Conservation and Recreation’s Small Farm Nutrient Management Specialist. Alex joined DCR in March 2025 and supports small farms throughout the state by working with farmers to create site-specific nutrient management plans that match crop needs while also protecting natural resources. Read on to learn more about his role with DCR:
What inspired you to pursue a career in nutrient management, and what drew you specifically to working with small farms? For seven years beginning in 2014 I was the manager of Homefield Farm, the nine-acre educational organic farm at Virginia Tech providing food to on-campus dining halls. Since 2019, my wife and I have run our own vegetable farm, Riverstone Organic Farm, in Floyd. Being as efficient and productive as possible is particularly important when acreage is limited, and I find that challenge fascinating. Nutrient management is a cornerstone of achieving great yields while sustaining the health of the soil and surrounding environment.
What advice would you give to a small farmer who wants to improve soil health but doesn’t know where to start? Start by taking soil tests and address any major nutrient deficiencies in your soil. Soil fertility and soil health are interconnected: healthy productive crops and cover crops grow bigger and add more organic matter to the soil. Find ways to integrate cover crops into the rotation whenever possible. In pastures, use temporary electric fencing to rotate animals around pastures instead of letting them graze the entire pasture continuously.
Are there any emerging practices or technologies you’re excited to introduce to small farmers in Virginia? The Pre-Sidedress Nitrate Test (PSNT) is a fast and simple way to get a snapshot of how much nitrogen is available in the soil. It can help a farmer decide whether to add additional nitrogen to a crop early in the season. Considering today’s fertilizer prices, now is a perfect time to reach out to DCR about having a PSNT done on your farm.
What are you most looking forward to in your new role, and how can farmers connect with you or access your support? I’ve had so much fun visiting with farmers throughout Virginia since I started. I look forward to meeting and learning from more farmers each year. Anyone can reach me at 540-290-3602 or alex.hessler@dcr.virginia.gov to start a conversation about nutrient management on their farm.
The Small Farm Outreach Program (SFOP), a part of Cooperative Extension at Virginia State University, educates and empowers small, limited-resource, socially disadvantaged and veteran farmers and ranchers to own, operate and sustain farms and ranches independently with agricultural training programs that improve farm management skills and quality of life. Reach out to the Virginia Small Farm Outreach Program directly at (804) 524-3292 or smallfarm@vsu.edu.
Categories
Soil and Water Conservation
