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Agriculture

Hamby named NIFA director

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced the appointment of Dr. Jaye L. Hamby as the Director of the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA). As Director, Dr. Hamby will lead USDA’s efforts to advance agricultural innovation, community outreach, and fostering the next generation of agricultural leaders. “Dr. Hamby’s deep-rooted experience in agriculture—from hands-on work in farming to decades of leadership in research and innovation—makes him the ideal choice to lead NIFA,” said U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins. Dr. ...

USDA announces new FPAC leadership

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced key presidential appointments to the Farm Production and Conservation (FPAC) mission area. These appointees will lead efforts to advance President Trump’s America First agenda and ensure that farmers, ranchers, and producers have the support they need to keep feeding, fueling, and clothing America. “FPAC is the most farmer-facing mission area at USDA, housing the Farm Service Agency, the Risk Management Agency, and the Natural Resources Conservation Service—agencies producers rely on every day,” said U.S. ...

USDA to conduct maple syrup inquiry

HARRISBURG — USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will conduct the 2025 Maple Syrup Inquiry in the Northeastern Region. The survey will collect information from approximately 1,800 Northeastern producers. Maple syrup producers, processors and commodity markets rely on the data from this survey to make informed business decisions and help promote the industry. “The Northeastern Region produced 5.05 million gallons of maple syrup in 2024. Vermont was the top Maple Syrup state with 53% of the United States’ maple syrup,” according to David Knopf, director of ...

‘Plants in the Park’ series to run April to November

UNIVERSITY PARK — Penn State Extension will offer “Plants in the Park: Plant Identification Walk” on multiple dates and locations from April to November. Led by Cathryn Pugh, forestry and wildlife extension educator, each session will feature a leisurely walk through a state park, where participants will discover common plants and learn the basics of plant identification. The workshop will cover botany terminology, plant identification of common species and wildlife uses of plants. Walks will be up to 0.5 miles on gentle paths, with restrooms nearby. Participants should wear ...

New Center for Plant Excellence launched

MANHEIM — Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding and Pennsylvania State University College of Agricultural Sciences Dean Dr.Troy Ott launched the new Center for Plant Excellence on March 21. The initiative is aimed at advancing research, innovation, and business growth in Pennsylvania’s diverse, plant-based ag sector. The center will be led by the PSU Southeast Research Center. “This center will enhance Pennsylvania’s global competitiveness by combining forces with some of our strongest agriculture producers and our world class land-grant university,” said Secretary Redding. ...

Workshop to cover water quality issues with roadside springs

UNIVERSITY PARK — Penn State Extension will hold the “Water Quality Issues with Roadside Springs” workshop in multiple locations throughout Pennsylvania from April to September. The workshops, which are free to attend, are scheduled for the following dates and locations: • May 21 from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m. Penn State Extension’s Potter County office, 1 N. Main St., Room 216, Coudersport. • June 12 from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Penn State Extension’s Centre County office, 420 Holmes Street, Bellefonte. • June 14 from noon to 1:30 p.m. Penn State Extension’s ...