Virginia farmers are fighting back against a venomous pest: fire ants

From venomous bites to anaphylactic shock, fire ants pose a serious threat to Virginia’s livestock and field crops.

The state’s Farm Bureau shows us how farmers are using bait treatments and quarantine protocols to combat this invasive species.

Related Stories
Potato growers now have a fresh benchmark for comparing fertilizer, pesticide, and pest-management practices across major production states.
Officials say the tool could give Florida citrus growers another option against a disease that has devastated production for decades.
Farmdoc economist estimates 2024 colony stock losses at roughly $175 million, with rebuilding and renovation costs near $161 million.
Lawmakers advance FY27 agriculture funding bill, highlighting support for rural development, school lunches, disease response, and water issues.
National Pork Producers Council President Rob Brenneman joins us to discuss Prop 12 provisions in the House’s Farm Bill as it heads to the Senate for debate.
Researchers say stronger rootstocks are helping growers fight citrus greening.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

Wed, 11/19/25 – 7:30 PM ET | 6:30 PM CT | 5:30 PM MT | 4:30 PM PT
As we continue our Countdown to Convention sponsored by Culver’s, we see how FFA helps students and alums like Kat Walker build skills for life through ag education.
American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) economist Bernt Nelson provides an updated outlook on the current U.S. cattle market.
Farm CPA Paul Neiffer discusses the status of USDA disaster aid, including delays to Stage 2 of the SDRP program, and what farmers should watch for as lawmakers negotiate an end to the government shutdown.