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Agriculture

USDA invests $7M in wetland mitigation banking program

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is investing $7 million to support the development of wetland mitigation banks for agricultural producers through the Wetland Mitigation Banking Program (WMBP). Through wetland mitigation banks, wetlands are restored, created or enhanced, generating credits that can be purchased by producers looking to compensate for unavoidable impacts to wetlands at another location. The funding is available to Tribes, government entities, nonprofits and other organizations. "Wetlands provide important ecosystem services, like storing ...

USDA to measure Northeast production of milk

HARRISBURG — Thousands of milk producers across the country will receive surveys from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) as the agency collects information for the 2024 Milk Production reports. NASS conducts the Milk Production survey in the region every January, April, July, and October. The survey asks milk producers to provide the number of milk cows in the herd, number of cows milked, and total milk production for the first day of the month. The dairy industry relies on monthly Milk Production reports to make decisions about ...

USDA measures 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 July 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 NASS ...

Dairy Maid promotes National Dairy Month

Hi. My name is Ella Zimmerman, and I am a Dairy Maid for Juniata County Dairy Promotion. Did you know June is National Dairy Month? Dairy products are some of my favorite foods — milk, cheese and ice cream are a few of my favorites. Because I have so many dairy products that I like, I can ...

Hoffman among 91st class of Mid-Atlantic Master Farmers

RICHLAND — If there was an ‘Oscar Award’ for farming, the Mid-Atlantic Master Farmer would be it. Presented by American Agriculturist/Farm Progress, in cooperation with Penn State Cooperative Extension and Horizon Farm Credit, it is the lifetime achievement award of agriculture that recognizes exemplary role models of outstanding management, land stewardship and community leadership. This year’s Master Farmer Award winners include Chris Hoffman, owner of Lazy Hog Farm in Juniata County. The 2024 Mid-Atlantic Master Farmers each have unique operations, and they encompass ...

Evangelical’s ’24 Dairy Baby hails from Juniata County

LEWISBURG — It certainly would have been fitting to raise a glass of milk to celebrate the birth of baby McKinley on Saturday. Yes, milk. Cheers! After all, June is National Dairy Month, and McKinley Haven Kelly Huber, was the first baby born in June at Evangelical Community Hospital's The Family Place in Lewisburg at 8:14 a.m. Saturday. As Evangelical's 2024 Dairy Baby, McKinley, the daughter of Randy and Marissa Huber, of Evendale, Juniata County, was presented with gifts including an Old Mill Creamery gift card, "Addicted to Milk" onesie and a cow lovey as well as the honor of ...