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Agriculture

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 ...

How many Colorado potato beetles are too many?

STATE COLLEGE — If left unchecked, leaf-feeding Colorado potato beetles can completely defoliate potato vines in a matter of days. Potato plants can tolerate up to 20–30% defoliation prior to flowering, 5–10% defoliation after flowering, and 30% defoliation at tuber formation before a ...

Penn State Extension expands beekeeping education

UNIVERSITY PARK — With the growing challenges facing honey bee health, Penn State Extension is working to equip beekeepers with science-based resources to help them raise resilient colonies — from beginner publications to advanced online training in breeding techniques. Among the most notable recent updates is the newly revised Beekeeping Basics publication, a 172-page guide designed to provide individuals with a solid foundation in beekeeping. Designed for beginning, hobbyist or professional beekeepers, the updated edition features a new design and layout, new illustrations, ...

USDA announces food purchase plans for communities in need

WASHINGTON — U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins recently announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) intent to purchase up to $67 million in fresh seafood, fruits, and vegetables from domestic producers to distribute to food banks and nutrition assistance programs across the country. These purchases are being made through Section 32 of the Agriculture Act of 1935 and will assist producers and communities in need. Fiscal year to date, USDA has provided more than $600 million in purchases, all which benefit the charitable feeding network. “These purchases ...

Dairy farm workshop to focus on technology adoption

UNIVERSITY PARK — Smart farming tools and technologies potentially could transform modern dairy operations by enhancing productivity, improving animal health and lowering costs. To explore these ideas, a Penn State Extension workshop, “Milking the Data: What Drives Technology Adoption on Farms,” will be June 11 from 9:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Penn Stater Hotel and Conference Center, 215 Innovation Blvd., State College. This workshop is aimed at dairy farmers, calf and herd managers, dairy advisors, and veterinarians. The session will cover: • Why some technologies are ...