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Agriculture

USDA announces $230M in food purchases for communities in need

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) intends to purchase up to $230 million in fresh seafood, fruits and vegetables from American farmers and producers to distribute to food banks and nutrition assistance programs across the country. These purchases are being made through Section 32 of the Agriculture Act of 1935 and will assist producers and communities in need. Fiscal year to date, USDA has provided more than $924 million in purchases, all which benefit the charitable feeding network. This is one of many actions USDA has taken to support smaller scale family farmers ...

Green industry updates, pesticide credits offered via Penn State webinars

UNIVERSITY PARK — Green industry professionals have the chance to learn the latest information on pest, disease and weed management, and earn Pennsylvania pesticide recertification credits, by attending webinars hosted by Penn State Extension. The “Green Industry Update” series will include the following webinars: • “Woody Plants,” 1-2 p.m. Aug. 19. • “Core Training,” 1-2 p.m. Aug. 26. • “Turf,” 1-2 p.m. Sept. 2. • “Right-of-Way Plant Invaders,” 1-2 p.m. Sept. 9. Participants can earn pesticide applicator recertification credits in various ...

A step-by-step guide for growing rice

Many of us think of rice as a plant that grows in flooded fields, and that’s because the kind of rice we’re most familiar with — the long-grain, wetland variety called lowland rice — can be considered semi-aquatic, although it’s technically a grass. Lowland rice would be challenging to grow in a home garden, but another, less common variety can be cultivated more easily in typical backyard conditions. Duborskian rice, a Russian short-grained dryland, or “upland” rice, is a highly ornamental plant that can even be grown in containers, where its 2-foot-tall green and gold ...

Wild violets are having a great year

UNIVERSITY PARK — No growing season is without challenges, but this year is especially challenging with the rains and humidity that have been present. Weeds are having a great year, much to the chagrin of gardeners and farmers. Even with proper weed management tactics, soil moisture from ...

Government officials to discuss industry at Ag Progress Days

UNIVERSITY PARK — Agricultural innovation, Pennsylvania’s livestock industry and the federal farm bill are among the topics that will take center stage when government officials gather to discuss agricultural policy matters at several public events during Penn State’s Ag Progress Days, starting Tuesday and running through Thursday at Rock Springs. State and federal government elected officials and agency representatives, Penn State experts, and industry leaders will be on hand to explain current and proposed policies and engage with stakeholders on issues affecting Pennsylvania ...

Penn State Extension to offer water education summit for educators

UNIVERSITY PARK — Educators or others involved in environmental education who are interested in teaching youth about water can learn about engaging tools and resources to support water education at a Penn State Extension workshop scheduled for September. The Dive Deeper Summit will be Wednesday, Sept. 24, and Thursday, Sept. 25, at Best Western Premier, The Central Hotel and Conference Center, 800 E. Park Dr., Harrisburg. This workshop is designed for formal and nonformal educators; K-12 teachers and environmental educators; 4-H leaders and youth program coordinators; ...