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Agriculture

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 ...

4-H Wildlife and Forestry Field Day scheduled for May 9

UNIVERSITY PARK — Penn State Extension will hold the 4-H Wildlife and Forestry Field Day, an event where youth from across Pennsylvania can explore their interest in wildlife and forestry. This year, the event will be open to external participants, including those not involved in 4-H. The field day will be May 9 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Penn State Ag Progress Days site, 2710 W. Pine Grove Rd., Pennsylvania Furnace. Registration will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 10 a.m. The event will be held rain or shine. This year’s theme is Head, Heart, Hand, Health and ...

ServSafe certification accelerated course offered by Penn State Extension in Centre County

STATE COLLEGE — Penn State Extension is offering the “ServSafe Review and Exam,” a one-day recertification course designed for individuals renewing their ServSafe food protection manager certification. The course will be offered April 6 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at State College Municipal Building, 243 S. Allen St. State College. This accelerated program is appropriate for individuals who have completed the ServSafe course in the past and are looking to recertify. It covers key food safety concepts, including core principles and best practices; safe food purchasing and handling; ...

More farms preserved in Pa. than any other state

LEBANON — Governor Josh Shapiro and Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding visited Talview Dairy Farm in Lebanon County on Oct. 15 to celebrate a major milestone in Pennsylvania’s history — the preservation of more than 6,600 farms and 650,000 acres of farmland for agricultural use across the Commonwealth, the most farms of any state in the nation. The Farmland Preservation Program is a collaborative effort between state and local governments and nonprofit organizations, united in the goal of preserving prime farmland for future generations. At Talview ...