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Agriculture

Backyard beef, sheep, goats topic of Extension webinar

UNIVERSITY PARK — For those wanting to learn more about raising beef, sheep or goats on smaller tracts of land, Penn State Extension is offering a webinar, “Living on a Few Acres: Backyard Beef, Sheep, and Goats,” Oct. 9 from 6 to 8 p.m. This session is designed for the beginning producer or homesteader and for those looking to become more self-sufficient in beef cattle, sheep and goat production. This event is perfect for anyone interested in learning the fundamentals of starting a beef, sheep or goat enterprise, according to organizers. Participants can learn about breed ...

Mexico confirms NWS case

WASHINGTON — Mexico’s National Service of Agro-Alimentary Health, Safety, and Quality (SENASICA) has confirmed a new case of New World screwworm (NWS) in Sabinas Hidalgo, located in the state of Nuevo León, less than 70 miles from the U.S.-Mexico border. This is now the northernmost detection of NWS during this outbreak, and the one most threatening to the American cattle and livestock industry. Sabinas Hidalgo is located near the major highway from Monterrey, Nuevo Leon, to Laredo, Texas, which is one of the most heavily trafficked commercial thoroughfares in the ...

USDA secures new long-term fire-retardant agreement

WASHINGTON — U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins recently signed a new five-year contract for American made fire retardant with Perimeter Solutions, supporting the U.S. Forest Service and Department of the Interior’s aerial wildland fire suppression programs. The agreement secures significant savings, putting the American taxpayer first, while strengthening our manufacturing base by keeping fire-retardant production made in America. “At USDA we are negotiating contracts that respect the American taxpayer and align with President Trump’s common sense business mindset ...

Grant agreement covers N.C. agricultural losses

WASHINGTON — U.S. Deputy Secretary of Agriculture Stephen Vaden recently met with agricultural leaders and producers in North Carolina and announced additional U.S. Department of Agriculture assistance to help producers recover from Hurricane Helene. Deputy Secretary Vaden signed a block grant agreement with the North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (NCDA&CS) that provides recovery assistance to eligible North Carolina farmers. In July, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins announced additional disaster assistance for farmers and producers for ...

Rollins announces USDA reorganization

WASHINGTON — U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins recently announced the reorganization of the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), refocusing its core operations to better align with its founding mission of supporting American farming, ranching, and forestry. Over the last four years, USDA’s workforce grew by 8%, and employees’ salaries increased by 14.5% - including hiring thousands of employees with no sustainable way to pay them. This all occurred without any tangible increase in service to USDA’s core constituencies across the agricultural sector. USDA’s ...

Course offers preparation for pesticide applicator certification exam

UNIVERSITY PARK — Prospective pesticide applicators can gain a foundation of knowledge about safe and effective handling of pesticides by attending the “Pesticide Applicator Short Course: Learning Together Live,” a Penn State Extension workshop and classroom-based course. Each session ...