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Agriculture

Native plant kits available from Penn State Extension

UNIVERSITY PARK — Interested in reducing stormwater runoff, mitigating water pollution, conserving water, and supporting wildlife and pollinators? To help nurture more watershed-friendly properties, Penn State Extension will offer Master Watershed Steward Watershed-Friendly Native Plant Kits for sale until June 18. These kits are designed to help individuals incorporate more native plants into their property. Plants are available for pick up in September from locations in the following counties: Allegheny, Berks, Bucks, Chester, Cumberland, Delaware, Erie, Lancaster, Lehigh, ...

Plans needed for Snyder Co farmers, operations

MIDDLEBURG — The Snyder County Conservation District reminds farmers and agricultural, livestock and equine operations that they need the following plans, regardless how small the operation: • A manure management plan (MMP) or nutrient management plan (NMP) if you produce or utilize manure, and • An agricultural erosion and sedimentation plan (Ag. E&S Plan) or conservation plan if you raise crops or hay or graze pastures. If you do have these plans, check if they are up to date and reflect your current operation. If you do not have the plans or are not sure if your ...

Sign up for Grassland Conservation Reserve Program through June 28

HARRISBURG — The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that agricultural producers and private landowners can now sign up for the Grassland Conservation Reserve Program (Grassland CRP). The signup runs through June 28, 2024. Grassland CRP, offered by USDA's Farm Service Agency (FSA), is a voluntary working lands conservation program that enables participants to conserve grasslands and provide important conservation benefits for wildlife, soil health and carbon sequestration, all while continuing most grazing and haying practices. More than 2.3 million acres from ...

Penn State campus launches ’24 Butcher Apprenticeship Program

UNIVERSITY PARK — Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences has announced the launch of its 2024 Butcher Apprenticeship Program, which is designed to revolutionize education and meet the growing demand for skilled professionals in the meat processing industry. This session will run from July 22 to Aug. 22 at Penn State's University Park campus. Hosted by Penn State Extension, the Butcher Apprenticeship Program is a comprehensive initiative to provide hands-on training and education for individuals aspiring to become proficient butchers. This program is tailored to equip ...

Big Valley FFA chapter holds annual banquet

REEDSVILLE — The Big Valley FFA chapter held its annual FFA banquet on May 10, 2024 at the Reedsville Fire Hall. Nearly 140 people, including parents, families and supporters, were in attendance. The event was held to celebrate the achievements and accomplishments of the Big Valley FFA chapter over the past school year. The meal was donated by the Wilson family, with pork donated by Mike Kauffman. “It took a village to pull off this event, but ultimately, it was the members that made it happen. They subdivided themselves into committees and worked together to pull it all ...

Mifflin Co. Ag Land Preservation Board accepting applications

BURNHAM — Applications for the Mifflin County Agland Preservation Program will be accepted by Mifflin County's Agricultural Land Preservation Board until the close of business on June 28, 2024. Generally known as the "Conservation Easement Program", Mifflin County's Agricultural Land Preservation Program is now preparing to enter its 31st year of operation. The purpose of the program is to permanently preserve our most valuable and productive agricultural land through the purchase or donation of conservation easements, often called "development rights". This program is designed as a ...