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Agriculture

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, ...

Penn State Extension offers land-use webinar series

UNIVERSITY PARK — A Penn State Extension webinar series is aimed at helping community leaders navigate land-use challenges. The Summer/Fall 2025 Land-Use Webinar Series runs monthly through November. Sessions will feature Penn State experts and guest speakers discussing timely issues affecting municipal officials, planners, landowners and community organizations. Each 75-minute session will be recorded and made available to registrants for six months. Other programs in the series will include: — Sept. 17: “Current Pennsylvania Solar Development Trends: Update for Municipal ...

Juniata County Dairy Promotion pointers

Hi, my name is Jayde Sweger and I’m a Juniata County Dairy Miss. Being on the dairy court is so rewarding by being able to promote the dairy industry. Did you know that 73% of calcium available in the food supply is provided by milk and other dairy products that we consume every day. Milk ...

Learn about ponds in walk with Penn State Extension

UNIVERSITY PARK — Pond owners, pond managers, residents of lake communities and local officials can gain practical knowledge from an upcoming Penn State Extension workshop focused on the basics of pond water quality, ecology, and plant identification and management. The “Twilight Pond Walk” will occur in multiple locations in August and October. Participants can choose the location and date that works best for them. • Venango County: 7-9 p.m. Aug. 19, at the Aikin property, 706 Lake Creek Rd., Cooperstown. • Mercer County: 7-9 p.m. Aug. 20, at the Balunek property, 447 ...