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Agriculture

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 ...

Penn State mobilizes to prevent avian flu in dairy cow herds

UNIVERSITY PARK — With nine states to date reporting dairy herds affected by a syndrome thought to be caused by a highly pathogenic strain of avian influenza, animal health experts and extension educators in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences have mobilized to provide dairy producers with information that can help protect their herds from infection. The rapidly evolving situation began in March, when the U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed that dairy cows in Texas and Kansas were infected with highly pathogenic avian influenza, or HPAI. Although the virus is generally ...

Penn State Extension offers syrup webinar

UNIVERSITY PARK — For those interested in the fundamentals of beekeeping or maple syrup production, Penn State Extension is offering a webinar, “Living on a Few Acres: Maple Syrup Production and Beekeeping,” on June 13 from 6-8 p.m. This session is designed for the beginning producer or homesteader and for those looking to become more self-sufficient in maple syrup production or beekeeping to extract honey. Participants can learn the techniques and skills that will enable them to begin maple syrup production, beekeeping and honey production. The “Living on a Few Acres” ...

Penn State Extension offers phone line for poultry, dairy information

UNIVERSITY PARK — For those with limited or no internet access, Penn State Extension poultry and dairy educators are offering an alternative educational method — timely production-related information via telephone. By calling (888) 665-2407, producers and hobbyists can listen to five-minute messages with tips on dairy or poultry production, the latest industry issues, and upcoming extension events. Extension educators cover various topics, such as food safety, feed management, health and disease. The phone line also will include new and emerging animal-agriculture industry ...

Penn State Extension offers dairy workshop

UNIVERSITY PARK — Youth interested in dairy or livestock industries can learn about these fields by attending "Youth Dairy and Livestock Day," a Penn State Extension workshop offered in three locations in June. Huntingdon County. The workshop will occur from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Friday, June 7, at the Huntingdon County Fairgrounds, 10455 Fairgrounds Access Rd., Huntingdon. York County. This event will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, June 18, at the York 4-H Center, 771 Stoverstown Rd., York. Crawford County. This session is slated for 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. ...