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Agriculture

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”. ...

Big Valley FFA members attend leadership conference

HARRISBURG — Four Big Valley FFA members got a chance to see what life was like in the State Capitol in Harrisburg and advocate for a cause they felt strongly about. FFA members Lily Breon, Marlee Basom, Montana McKee and Alivia Snook had the opportunity to travel to three-day State ...

Penn State offers swine health monitor training online course

UNIVERSITY PARK — Interested in becoming a swine health monitor for fairs and shows in Pennsylvania? Penn State Extension is offering an online course, the Pennsylvania Show and Fair Swine Health Monitor Training, to help individuals prepare to take on that role. Swine health monitors act as the eyes and ears of a show or fair veterinarian. They are the first line of defense in preventing major disease outbreaks by recognizing symptoms of four common diseases for swine: classical swine fever, African swine fever, foot and mouth disease, and the bacterial infection Streptococcus equi ...

Rollins announces aggressive travel agenda to expand market access

WASHINGTON — U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins will visit six international markets in her first six months as Secretary to expand markets and boost American agricultural exports. At a time when the agricultural trade deficit is at nearly $50 billion following the previous administration’s little to no action in the international marketplace, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is working to diversify global markets, strengthen existing markets, and hold existing trading partners accountable for their end of the deal. “President Trump has the backs of ...