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Agriculture

Pennsylvania dairy industry reaches ‘HPAI-free’ status

HARRISBURG — Pennsylvania’s dairy industry has reached a critical “stage four” milestone granting HPAI-free status in the USDA’s National Milk Testing Strategy, making Pennsylvania the first major U.S. dairy-producing state to achieve this status. The designation indicates that Pennsylvania’s milk supply has been tested adequately to rule out the presence of the virus in the state’s dairy cattle. This achievement is the result of months of collaboration among the Department of Agriculture and federal, industry, and academic partners. While Pennsylvania is the first major ...

Penn State Extension sets meeting in Juniata County

PORT ROYAL — Penn State Extension will hold a 2+2 meeting March 18, 2025 from 7 p.m to 9 p.m. at Spruce Hill Grange, 20378 Rte. 75, Port Royal. All updates will provide 2 core and 2 category Pennsylvania pesticide license credits. Learn more about problems that pester your crops while earning credits for your pesticide license. Penn State Extension Educator Ryan Spelman will offer a presentation on a range of disease and pest issues that were observed in 2024. Penn State Extension Educator Danny Kline will cover the basics of pest management, safe handling and use of pesticides, ...

Government hopes to curb wasteful spending at USDA

WASHINGTON — Recently, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins addressed more than 400 USDA staffers, stakeholders and friends and pledged to bring greater efficiency to USDA to ensure it better serves American farmers, ranchers and the agriculture community. She reviewed findings from the Department of Government Efficiency and welcomes the opportunity to optimize the USDA workforce and stop wasteful spending. “I welcome DOGE’s efforts at USDA because we know that its work makes us better, stronger, faster, and more efficient. I will expect full access and transparency to ...

Penn State Extension holds egg production event on March 22

LEWISTOWN — Whether individuals have an established small poultry flock or are considering starting one, knowing how to manage a surplus of eggs is essential, according to organizers of an upcoming Penn State Extension workshop, “Small Flock Egg Production: From the Coop to the Kitchen.” The workshop will occur March 22 from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. It will be a hybrid event, meaning that registrants can choose to attend either virtually or in person at the Mifflin County office of Penn State Extension, 152 E. Market St., Lewistown. The session will cover best management practices ...

Pointers from Juniata County dairy ambassador

My name is Noah, and I’m a Juniata County dairy ambassador. As the population ages, healthy aging becomes increasingly important to everyone. Diet plays an important role in this, and dairy products are foods that have gained lots of attention for their contributions to promoting good ...

FFA members receive Keystone Degrees

LEWISTOWN — Eight members of the Big Valley FFA received the prestigious Keystone Degree at this year’s annual Pennsylvania Farm Show in Harrisburg. Hayley Carson, Olivia Fisher, Brooke Jenkins, Rylee Jenkins, Montana McKee, Savannah Oden, Claudia Rheam and Alivia Snook were given their ...