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Agriculture

4-H animal science contests attract youth across Pa.

UNIVERSITY PARK — Pennsylvania 4-H'ers recently competed in animal science knowledge contests at Penn State's University Park campus. Youth aged 10-18 participated in events such as the dairy bowl, horse bowl, hippology contest, livestock skillathon, and rabbit and cavy bowl and skillathon. They also competed in animal judging events for dairy, horse and livestock and in a new meat judging contest for seniors. "These events deepen youths' knowledge of their 4-H project interests," said Kirsten Dubbs, Penn State Extension 4-H animal science specialist. "Our dedicated 4-H volunteers ...

Exhibits, demos are a staple of Penn State’s Ag Progress Days

UNIVERSITY PARK — Farmers and others involved in production agriculture looking to explore the latest agricultural goods, services, equipment and technology can find everything they need at Penn State's 2024 Ag Progress Days. The event will be held Aug. 13-15 at the Russell E. Larson Agricultural Research Center at Rock Springs, Centre County. The event will feature more than 400 commercial and educational exhibits, along with various field demonstrations and workshops. Exhibitors will cover nearly every product category, including field machinery, milking systems, animal genetics, ...

Greenhouse and hydroponic production are topic of webinar

UNIVERSITY PARK — For those interested in learning about greenhouse fundamentals and hydroponic vegetable production, Penn State Extension is offering a webinar, "Living on a Few Acres: Greenhouse and Hydroponic Production," from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Aug. 8. This session is designed for new and beginning producers and for those looking to become more self-sufficient in using greenhouses or hydroponics in vegetable production. This event is perfect for anyone who is interested in learning the basics of greenhouse management and hydroponic production, organizers said. Participants can ...

Tips to help make the Honor Roll in food safety and allergen awareness

WASHINGTON — Parents and caregivers will soon begin the familiar routine of preparing and packing school lunches for their children. Parents and caregivers play a crucial role in safeguarding their children’s health by ensuring these lunches are safe from foodborne illness and allergens for those with food allergies. The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) Food Safety and Inspection Service encourages you to follow these food safety tips and be allergen aware for a wholesome, worry-free return to the classroom. “Children are particularly vulnerable to foodborne illness as ...

‘Outdoors For All Day’ at Point State Park

​PITTSBURGH — Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis visited Point State Park in Pittsburgh on July 20 to highlight opportunities for all Pennsylvanians to get outdoors and experience the Commonwealth. Davis presented a proclamation from Governor Josh Shapiro​ to the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources announcing July 20 as Outdoors for All Day, highlighting the Commonwealth’s wealth of public outdoor spaces that make Pennsylvania a place for a Great American Getaway for all Pennsylvanians. The agency supports hundreds of outdoor-related projects annually, having ...

Opportunity to grow Pa. meat-processing businesses

​HARRISBURG — Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding recently announced the opening of the 2024-2025 Very Small Meat and Poultry Processor Reimbursement Grant Program. The grant program supports the development and expansion of current or future meat and poultry processing operations across Pennsylvania, offering reimbursement funds to cover costs associated with opening or expanding operations, or obtaining a grant of inspection from the USDA's Food Safety Inspection Service. “Pennsylvanians are seeking out local farms more than ever, and this grant directly addresses that desire ...