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Agriculture

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 ...

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 ...