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Agriculture

USDA Forest Service invests over $232M to support schools, roads

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service is issuing more than $232 million to support public schools, roads and other municipal services through the agency’s Secure Rural Schools program. The program was reauthorized for fiscal years 2021 through 2023 through the Infrastructure Law. Fiscal year 2023 funds will be paid to 745 eligible counties in 41 states and Puerto Rico. “National forests and grasslands cover more than 193 million acres, including across rural counties that are important partners in helping sustainably manage resources,” said ...

Mifflin Co. accepting applications for Ag Land Preservation program

BURNHAM — Mifflin County's Agricultural Land Preservation Board has announced that applications will be accepted until the close of business on June 28, 2024 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 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 ...

PSU to launch 2024 Butcher Apprenticeship

UNIVERSITY PARK — Penn State University is launching its 2024 Butcher Apprenticeship Program, 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, 2024 at University Park, PA. The Butcher Apprenticeship Program, hosted by Penn State Extension, is a comprehensive initiative to provide hands-on training and education for individuals aspiring to become proficient butchers. This program is tailored to equip participants with the necessary skills, knowledge, and expertise ...

Team horse power

Nyah Shirk, a member of the Mifflin County 4-H Horse and Pony Club, was asked to join Team Horse Power - Pennsylvania 4-H Horse Program. She joins current Mifflin County 4-H members Julia Dillon, Sylvia Decker and Savannah Sowers. Team Horse Power is comprised of teens who must exhibit a sincere interest in the equine industry, have good communication skills and time management. Candidates must be at least 14-years-old and have successfully completed Level I and II of the 4-H Horsemanship Skills Program. The candidate must be recommended by one 4-H leader, have the support of the ...

Judges selected for All-American Jersey Shows

REYNOLDSBURG, Ohio — The judges have been selected for The 72nd All-American Jersey Shows, sponsored by the American Jersey Cattle Association (AJCA) of Reynoldsburg, Ohio. The largest exhibition of Registered Jersey™ cattle in the world, the three shows of The All American, will be held Nov. 8-11, 2024, in conjunction with the North American International Livestock Exposition (NAILE) in Louisville, Ky. Mike Berry, Powell Butte, Ore., will judge The All American Jersey Show on Sunday and Monday, Nov. 10-11. This will be his second time to officiate the open show. He has also ...

State agencies spraying public forests in May

UNIVERSITY PARK — With warmer weather, it’s not just humans that get more active. There are many pests that could be affecting forests in the next few months. Some are established statewide and have cyclical population spikes and lows; others are newer and spreading across the state. Here’s an overview of pests that are expected to make a large impact and/or spread further within Pennsylvania this year, and what can be done or is happening to address them. As in years’ past, this May, state agencies are coordinating the spraying of hundreds of thousands of acres of public ...