Breaking News

Agriculture

Pesticide recertification credits offered at workshop

UNIVERSITY PARK — An upcoming Penn State Extension workshop will offer pesticide applicators, arborists and landscapers the opportunity to earn pesticide recertification credits before September deadlines while gaining practical insights on pest identification, fertilizer rules and safety. The “Landscape Meeting” workshop will be Sept. 23 from 9 a.m. to noon at Penn State Extension’s York County office, 2401 Pleasant Valley Rd., York. Landscape and turf-care professionals have a timely opportunity to earn pesticide recertification credits before license renewal deadlines at ...

Hardwood lumber grading the focus of workshop

UNIVERSITY PARK — Anyone working in the lumber industry who needs a basic understanding of hardwood lumber grades may benefit from a three-day Penn State Extension workshop. The “Hardwood Lumber Grading Short Course” will be Tuesday, Oct. 7, through Thursday, Oct. 9 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Livestock Evaluation Center, 1494 W. Pine Grove Rd., Pennsylvania Furnace. This workshop is designed for new and experienced individuals working in the lumber industry, from sawmill operators and wholesalers to sales staff and wood product manufacturers. The course will cover the ...

Pennsylvania’s Animal Diagnostic Laboratory System to expand

HARRISBURG — The Pennsylvania Animal Diagnostic Laboratory System (PADLS) will expand, adding a new location at Penn State University’s Beaver Campus in Monaca. Funded by a $6 million investment secured by Governor Josh Shapiro in the bipartisan 2024-25 budget, the expansion will increase Pennsylvania’s capacity to respond to animal disease outbreaks, speeding diagnoses for farmers in the western part of the state, lowering their business costs, and helping protect their animals and investments. The new lab will join the system’s three cutting-edge labs: the PA ...

USDA announces $675.9 million in disaster assistance for Florida

WASHINGTON — U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins recently met with agricultural leaders and producers in Florida and announced additional U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) assistance to help producers recover from Hurricanes Idalia, Debby, Helene and Milton. Secretary Rollins signed a block grant agreement with the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS) that provides recovery assistance for Floridian farmers. In this agreement, FDACS is receiving $675.9M in funding to administer a program that will cover infrastructure, citrus, and timber losses ...

Juniata County Fair offers stage for local talent

PORT ROYAL — The sweet scent of competition will rise again at the 171st Juniata County Fair, where home bakers will square off in a series of contests that celebrate tradition, skill, and Pennsylvania’s deep agricultural roots. From airy angel food cakes to the quintessential apple pie, the fair’s baking competitions draw entrants of all ages and backgrounds, each hoping their creation will claim a coveted blue ribbon and a shot at state honors. Angel Food Cake: A test of precision Among the most anticipated events is the 21st Annual Incredible Angel Food Cake Contest, ...