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Agriculture

Extension hotline expands with dedicated Christmas tree line

UNIVERSITY PARK — A Penn State Extension toll-free hotline that provides quick updates on the latest disease and pest management issues for Pennsylvania vegetable, fruit and greenhouse growers has expanded to include new topics for the 2025 growing season. While the hotline is designed primarily for growers who do not use computer technology to make timely crop management decisions and to be informed of upcoming extension events and programs, anyone can call 800-PENN-IPM (800-736-6476) to access this information. As experts in agriculture and horticulture, Penn State Extension ...

Major step forward for the Resolution Copper Project

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Forest Service has posted the final environmental impact statement and draft record of decision for the proposed Resolution Copper Mining Project. These documents, now available on the Tonto National Forest website, represent an important step in advancing President Trump’s goal of emergency and mineral independence by boosting domestic mineral production. “The Resolution Copper Project is a prime example of how we can harness America’s abundant resources to fuel growth in rural America, reduce our dependence on foreign imports, strengthen our supply ...

Rollins announces plan to help combat New World screwworm

EDINBURG, Texas — U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins has launched an $8.5 million sterile New World screwworm (NWS) fly dispersal facility in South Texas and announced a sweeping five-pronged plan (PDF, 434 KB) to enhance USDA’s already robust ability to detect, control, and eliminate this pest. These urgent actions are necessary to finish the fight against NWS and protect the United States. NWS is a devastating pest that causes serious and often deadly damage to livestock, wildlife, pets, and in rare cases, humans. While NWS has been eradicated from the United States ...

Expanded hotline for animal-ag information offered

UNIVERSITY PARK — A Penn State Extension resource that provides timely, animal-agriculture production information via telephone has expanded for 2025. Designed by Extension’s Animal Systems unit primarily for those with limited or no internet access, the Animal Systems Hotline — available toll-free at 888-655-2407 — now features information on livestock production, in addition to the dairy and poultry advice offered previously. By calling 888-655-2407, producers and hobbyists can listen to messages — each typically three to five minutes long — with tips on dairy, poultry or ...

Look out for poison hemlock

UNIVERSITY PARK — As a county Extension educator, I regularly receive calls and emails about a variety of horticultural topics and this week has been no exception. From yellowing tomato leaves to mildew on greenhouse lettuce, the rainy, cloudy weather is perfect for plant problems. Recently, ...

Big Valley FFA holds its annual banquet

REEDSVILLE — The Big Valley FFA chapter held its annual FFA banquet on May 2 at the Reedsville Fire Hall with 194 parents, families and supporters in attendance. The event was held to celebrate the achievements and accomplishments of the Big Valley FFA chapter over the past school year. ...