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Agriculture

Protections for Pactola Reservoir-Rapid Creek Watershed finalized

WASHINGTON — Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland has signed Public Land Order 7956, finalizing protections for the Pactola Reservoir-Rapid Creek Watershed on the Black Hills National Forest from the potential effects of mineral exploration and development. This order follows a request from the U.S. Forest Service to close 20,510 acres of National Forest System land to sale or exchange and mineral entry and leasing, for a 20-year period, subject to valid existing rights. Non-federal lands and minerals are not subject to the withdrawal. This action responds to requests from Tribes ...

Dairy servings provide vital calcium and other nutrients

Hi. My name is Natalee Zug, a 2024-25 Juniata County dairy maid. Are you always looking to try something new for dinner in your household? My mom likes to make sure that our family’s dinners aren’t boring. Here is one of my favorite recipes that my mom makes for us. Our family loves everything cheesy! This recipe contains just that. Remember, it is important to be sure to get your three servings a day of dairy. Dairy is good for your body and brain. Did you know drinking milk and eating dairy goods makes it easy for kids to receive the bone building calcium and other ...

United States has prevailed in dispute over biotech corn

WASHINGTON — United States Trade Representative Katherine Tai has announced that the United States has prevailed in its dispute under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) challenging certain Mexican biotechnology measures concerning genetically engineered (GE) corn. The USMCA panel agreed with the United States on all seven legal claims, finding that Mexico’s measures are not based on science and undermine the market access that Mexico agreed to provide in the USMCA. “We commend the dispute settlement panel for its thorough and impartial assessment, which affirms ...

Fill a Glass with Hope to provide fresh milk supply to Pennsylvania food banks

HARRISBURG — The tenth anniversary of the Fill a Glass with Hope® charitable milk distribution program was celebrated on Jan. 3 at the PA Farm Show in Harrisburg with a $181,500 total donation thanks to generous sponsors of the 2025 program year. Joining Feeding Pennsylvania to announce the tenth anniversary launch were supporters: Two-time Super Bowl Champion and Former NFL quarterback Charlie Batch, of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Detroit Lions; Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding; Feeding Pennsylvania CEO Julie Bancroft; PA Dairymen’s Association Executive ...

New program will support U.S. wood processing facilities

WASHINGTON — U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack recently unveiled a new program to support American wood processing facilities. USDA Rural Development is partnering with USDA Forest Service to provide funding through the new Timber Production Expansion Guaranteed Loan Program (TPEP). The program will support the processing and utilization of wood products from National Forest System lands to improve forest health and reduce the risk posed by wildfires, insects, and disease and the detrimental impacts they have on communities and critical infrastructure ...

Final $300M in automatic assistance for farm loan borrowers

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced the final approximately $300 million in assistance to distressed direct and guaranteed farm loan borrowers under Section 22006 of the Inflation Reduction Act. Over the past two years, USDA acted swiftly to assist distressed borrowers in retaining their land and continuing their agricultural operations. Since President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act into law in August 2022, USDA has provided approximately $2.5 billion in assistance to more than 47,800 distressed borrowers. The assistance is expected to provide ...