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Agriculture

State waivers approved to remove unhealthy foods from SNAP

WASHINGTON — U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins signed waivers to amend the statutory definition of food for purchase for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Programs (SNAP) in Indiana and Iowa, each commencing in 2026. Earlier in May, Secretary Rollins signed the first-ever waiver of this kind in Nebraska. “President Trump has given our nation a once in a generation opportunity to change the health trajectory for our entire country. On my first day as Secretary, I sent a call to states to innovate, and Governors Jim Pillen, Kim Reynolds, Mike Braun, Sarah Huckabee ...

Sweeten this summer on Scooped: An Ice Cream Trail

CARLISLE — Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding and Department of Community and Economic Development Secretary Rick Siger had a sweet start to their summer recently at Destiny Dairy Bar, one of 51 PA Preferred® creameries featured this year on Scooped: An Ice Cream Trail. “Pennsylvania ice cream is the sweetest you’ll find anywhere,” Secretary Redding said. “Meeting a farm family, seeing where they work their magic, and trying fresh-made local ice cream makes summer even sweeter when you know your purchases help support Pennsylvania farms and keep our economy ...

Relief for livestock producers impacted by drought or wildfire

WASHINGTON — U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins has announced the release of Congressionally mandated Emergency Livestock Relief Program (ELRP) payments to cover grazing losses due to eligible drought or wildfire events in 2023 and/or 2024. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA) is leveraging existing Livestock Forage Disaster Program (LFP) data to streamline payment calculations and expedite relief. Emergency relief payments are automatically issued for producers who have an approved LFP application on file for 2023 and/or 2024, and do ...

USDA serves up food safety guidelines for summer cookouts

WASHINGTON — As friends and families get ready to kick off summer by firing up the grill and serving foods at a cookout, the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) shares some tips to keep your celebrations safe. “Food safety is a year-round priority, but it’s especially important during summer months when we’re cooking outdoors and handling food in warmer temperatures,” said FSIS Administrator Dr. Denise Eblen. “We have simple but effective steps that can keep you and your family safe while enjoying those outdoor ...

USDA invests $200M in timber production

WASHINGTON — The U. S. Department of Agriculture has announced a $200 million investment to implement the USDA Forest Service’s National Active Forest Management Strategy, a key initiative to increase timber harvest, improve forest health and productivity, reduce wildfire risk and support rural prosperity in forest communities. The strategy supports President Trump’s Executive Order: Immediate Expansion of Timber Production by streamlining burdensome regulations, leveraging emergency authorities, and expediting project approvals—ensuring faster access to critical timber ...

Recipe for summer treat from Juniata County Dairy Princess

Summer is here and as the new Juniata County Dairy Princess, I want to share a sweet treat you can enjoy. My name is Kera Bentz. I was recently crowned as your 2025 dairy princess. I have served on this committee for the last six years and my passion for the dairy industry grows more every day. My goal for this year is to share information about the dairy industry to all age groups of people. I hope to encourage people to drink more milk and to understand the importance of consuming dairy three times a day. To kick off my summer as princess, I want to share a fun summer treat everyone ...