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Agriculture

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 ...

Joint fire memo signed ahead of fire season

WASHINGTON — U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins and U.S. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum recently signed a joint memo (PDF, 693 KB) on wildfire preparedness, ensuring our two Departments are working in close coordination this fire season. USDA will work across President Trump’s cabinet and with our trusted state, local, and Tribal partners to ensure our nation’s wildland firefighting system is highly coordinated and focused on fighting wildfires quickly and effectively. Just beforehand, Secretary Rollins and Secretary Burgum received a 2025 operational fire ...

Dairy facts from Juniata County Dairy Ambassador

Hi, I’m Jackson Campbell, a Juniata County Dairy Ambassador. I want to share some dairy facts and maybe a joke or two. Prepare to be a-mooo-sed. Dairy cows have an excellent sense of smell and can detect odors up to six miles away. A dairy cow can eat up to 100 - 150 pounds of feed a ...

Big Valley FFA officers get high marks from operating committee

LEWISTOWN — When Abbie Fitzgerald stepped in front of the Mifflin County Academy of Science and Technology’s operating committee meeting on Thursday, May 8, the Big Valley FFA member didn’t expect to be graded. After all, the final school bell had rung hours earlier. Nonetheless, ...