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Agriculture

Pumpkin production up, snap beans down in Pennsylvania

HARRISBURG — Pennsylvania pumpkin production is estimated at 1.09 million cwt, up 19% from the 2023 estimate, according to David Knopf, director of the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS), Northeastern Regional Field Office. The average yield per acre is estimated at 160 cwt, 10 cwt below the 2023 average yield of 170 cwt per acre. Area harvested is estimated at 6,800 acres, up 26% from last year. The value of production totaled $32.0 million, up 72% from 2023. Pennsylvania snap bean production is estimated at 378 thousand cwt, down 7% from the 2023 estimate. ...

4-H members visit local schools during Pa. Ag Literacy Week

LEWISTOWN — Pennsylvania Ag Literacy Week 2025 was March 17-21. The program focused on connecting volunteers from the agricultural community with local classrooms to share the story of agriculture. This year, the PA Friends of Agriculture Foundation chose the book “The Soil in Jackie’s ...

Beef Council supports agriculture education during Ag Literacy Week

BEDFORD — The Pennsylvania Beef Council partnered with volunteers across the beef industry to bring agriculture education to classrooms across the state. Pennsylvania Ag Literacy week connects volunteers from the agriculture community with local elementary school students to share the story ...

Penn State releases a newly updated beekeeping publication

UNIVERSITY PARK — A newly updated Penn State Extension publication, Beekeeping Basics, is aimed at helping individuals become successful beekeepers by learning about honey bee biology and how to manage bee colonies. Designed for beginning, hobbyist or professional beekeepers, the publication provides a comprehensive introduction to essential beekeeping practices. This edition features a new design and layout, new illustrations, color photos, and updated content. Individuals can learn about bee biology, hive management, equipment needs, and best practices for sustainable and ...

Redding visits 10th generation dairy farm

MIDDLETOWN — Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding celebrated National Ag Day in March with the Nissley family on their 10th-generation dairy farm in Middletown to see some of the progress supported by the Shapiro Administration’s strategic investments in the future of their farm and farms like it across Pennsylvania. The Nissley family took advantage of a Pennsylvania Farm Vitality Planning Grant in 2024 to support the legal and business planning services they needed to keep their farm in the family. This February, the business received one of the first Pennsylvania ...

Mifflin County accepting Agland Preservation Program applications

BURNHAM — Mifflin County’s Agricultural Land Preservation Board has announced that applications will be accepted until the close of business on May 30, 2025 for the Mifflin County Agland Preservation Program. Generally known as the “Conservation Easement Program,” Mifflin County’s Agricultural Land Preservation Program is now preparing to enter its 32nd year of operation. The purpose of the program is to permanently preserve our most valuable and productive agricultural land through the purchase or donation of conservation easements, often called “development rights”. ...