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Agriculture

Central Juniata Livestock Club notes

MEXICO — We held our July meeting at Walker Grange in Mexico ( changed location because of pending storms). We had a picnic meal and discussed items concerning the 4-H Fair. July 19 is the day to get pens ready for the Fair (sawdust in pens, put up “thank you” posters for last year’s buyers. Please have your project books complete and ready to hand in to your Leader on July 19 or 20. Our club display is on the fair theme. Please email your project pics to Hope Jacobs. “Summer Splash” will be our theme for our club’s auction basket (tub). We will be putting beach ...

Farm fatality report underscores hazards

UNIVERSITY PARK — In 2024, 19 people died of injuries suffered in farm-related incidents in Pennsylvania, according to researchers in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences. The Penn State Agricultural Safety and Health Program in the Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering — which also is affiliated with Penn State Extension — releases the “Pennsylvania Farm Fatal Injury Summary” annually. Researchers and extension educators use these data to identify hazards and risks associated with agricultural production and to inform the development of training ...

Rollins provides update on bird flu strategy

WASHINGTON — U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins recently provided an update on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s comprehensive, five-pronged strategy announced in February to combat Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI). After reaching a record high due to the Biden Administration’s lack of action, wholesale egg prices have now dropped 64%, with retail prices falling 27% from their peak earlier this year. We must remain diligent, and egg farmers and producers can continue to utilize USDA resources to conduct biosecurity assessments before the fall. “When ...

Ag Department warns to discard raw milk from dairy

HARRISBURG — The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture warns consumers to immediately discard Meadow View Jerseys brand raw milk purchased since April 1, 2025, with sell-by dates between April 15 and July 8, 2025. Milk samples were tested and confirmed to be contaminated with Campylobacter after patients reported symptoms of campylobacteriosis after having consumed the products. Milk was sold in glass half-gallon, and plastic half-gallon and gallon containers. Milk was sold at the farm’s store in Leola and a number of retail stores in southcentral ...

Penn State Extension to offer ‘Blueberry 101’ webinar series

UNIVERSITY PARK — Interested in learning about blueberry production? Penn State Extension will hold the “Blueberry 101” webinar series from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays, from Sept. 30 to Oct. 21. This four-part series is aimed at new and experienced blueberry growers, small-fruit growers, small-fruit crop consultants, and small-fruit educators. Leading experts will share research-based strategies for managing common challenges in blueberry cultivation. Participants can learn current options for managing insect, weed and disease pests and the role of proper fertility and nutrition ...

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 ...