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Agriculture

USDA announces key staff appointments, promotions

WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) recently announced the names of individuals who hold senior staff positions in Washington, D.C. Eric Deeble has been promoted to Deputy Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs Before becoming the Acting Deputy Under Secretary for Marketing and Regulatory Programs, Dr. Deeble joined USDA as the Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Office of Congressional Relations. Previously, Dr. Deeble worked at the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition, where he served as policy director. He has also served as a senior policy ...

USDA to measure quarterly bee colony loss

HARRISBURG — The U.S. Department of Agriculture's National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will be collecting information about colony loss in the honey industry throughout the United States. The next Quarterly Colony Loss survey will be conducted during October of 2024. This survey collects information about colony inventory and loss from more than 400 producers with honeybee colonies in the Northeastern Region of the United States. "The information from these surveys directly impacts our region's beekeepers and honey producers," said Kevin Pautler, acting director of the ...

4-H members compete at Junior Horse and Dressage Championship Shows

CENTRE HALL — The 10th annual Pennsylvania State 4-H Junior Horse Championship and 4th annual Pennsylvania State 4-H Dressage Championship Shows were held July 20-21 at the Centre County Grange Fairgrounds in Centre Hall. More than 130 4-H members from across Pennsylvania exhibited horses in ...

Learn about comprehensive planning in Pa.

UNIVERSITY PARK — Penn State Extension is hosting a free webinar designed to help the public, landowners, business owners, local municipal officials and planning commissioners understand the importance of comprehensive planning. "Comprehensive Plans in Pennsylvania: What Are They and Why Do They Matter?" will occur from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Sept. 18, and will be repeated from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Tuesday, Sept. 24. In Pennsylvania, local and county governments have the authority to create and implement comprehensive plans — a tool for guiding decision-making on ...

​​Pa. awarded over $1M in federal grants

HARRISBURG — Pennsylvania received $915,758 in federal funds for 10 projects to increase the visibility, quality, and competitive standing of the state’s specialty crops, including fruit, vegetables, mushrooms and nuts. The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture received an additional $94,363 to administer the program, bringing Pennsylvania’s total award to more than $1.01 million. The funds are a portion of $72.9 million awarded nationwide through the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Specialty Crop Block Grant Program. “Pennsylvania is a national leader in mushrooms, ...

Mifflin County 4-H Horse and Pony Club competed Aug. 12-13

Sixteen members of the Mifflin County Horse and Pony Club were at the District Show. One member showed in the beginner division, which does not advance onto the State Competition. The 15 riders showing in divisions with advancement to the State Competition did just that. Bringing back 16 District Championships, All 15 members of the Horse and Pony Club will now compete in Harrisburg at the Farm Show Building for the PA State Horse Show, Oct. 24-27, 2024.