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Agriculture

Fitzgerald earns appointment to PA FFA State Officer Nominating Committee

LEWISTOWN — Most FFA members spend their high school years learning the fundamentals of leadership, service and agricultural education. Very few, however, are ever asked to help choose the next leaders of the entire Pennsylvania FFA Association. This spring, Big Valley FFA member Abbie Fitzgerald joined that select group. Fitzgerald, a junior in The Mifflin County Academy of Science and Technology’s Agricultural Sciences program, has been appointed to the Pennsylvania FFA State Officer Nominating Committee, one of the most prestigious and influential student leadership roles in the ...

Juniata County Dairy Promotion pointers

Whole milk nutritional facts Since 2012, only 1% and fat free (skim) milk have been offered in school lunches serviced by the National School Lunch Program. These guidelines were set in an effort to reduce the amount of saturated fat consumed by children. However, it may have been a ...

Mifflin County Agricultural Land Preservation program applications accepted until May 29

BURNHAM — Mifflin County’s Agricultural Land Preservation Board has announced that applications will be accepted until the close of business on May 29, 2026 for the Mifflin County Agland Preservation Program. Generally known as the “Conservation Easement Program,” Mifflin County’s Agricultural Land Preservation Program is now preparing to enter its 33rd 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 ...

FSA farm loans available for underserved groups

MIFFLINTOWN — Sarah M Porch, Farm Loan Officer for USDA's Farm Service Agency in Juniata/Mifflin/Perry/Dauphin County reminded producers recently that FSA has funding reserved specifically for use by targeted underserved groups and beginning farmers. These loan programs are designed to help farmers purchase and operate family farms. "With these loan programs, FSA hopes to help reverse the declining number of farmers and ranchers across the United States and especially here in Juniata/Mifflin/Perry/Dauphin County," Porch said. "These loans help to encourage and assist them in owning ...

Load sharing within the equine foot topic of Extension webinar

UNIVERSITY PARK — For those working with or caring for horses, Penn State Extension is offering a webinar, “Load Sharing of the Equine Foot and Hoof Casting,” April 8 from noon to 1 p.m. This session is designed for equine owners, farriers and veterinarians looking to support load sharing in the equine foot, explore hoof anatomy and weaknesses, and discover practical strategies, including frog pads, pour-in products and casting. This session will examine how structural weaknesses such as caudal failure, thin soles, and weak quarters affect soundness and performance, and ...

‘Western Cattle Feeders Meeting’ workshop April 8

UNIVERSITY PARK — Beef cattle producers and industry professionals can explore factors that influence meat tenderness at an upcoming Penn State Extension workshop, “Western Cattle Feeders Meeting.” The workshop will be April 8 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Westmoreland County office of Penn State Extension, 214 Donohoe Rd., Greensburg. The two-part educational session highlights the latest research and practical insights from Penn State experts. Tara Felix, extension beef cattle specialist and associate professor, will share updates on current animal science research at Penn ...