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Agriculture

USDA accepting applications for Climate Change Fellows

WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is hiring 40 Climate Change Fellows to help with the record numbers of applications from farmers, ranchers and rural small businesses seeking funding for clean energy projects under the Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). The new positions are being funded by the Inflation Reduction Act, the nation’s largest-ever investment in combating the climate crisis, a key pillar of Bidenomics and part of the Investing in America agenda. “The administration is hard at work making sure as many people as possible can access ...

Industries that preserve biodiversity through using sustainable development

Family Features Many industries around the globe are prioritizing sustainable development to ensure a healthy planet for the future. For the Mexican avocado industry, success depends on the conservation of natural resources, soil, forests and water, which is why it is working to reduce its impact to protect the natural environment. One important priority is supporting biodiversity - the variety of plants and animals in one region or ecosystem - through environmentally friendly and responsible practices. Most Mexican Hass avocados exported to the U.S. begin their journey in ...

Juniata Co. square dancers compete at PA farm Show

HARRISBURG — Juniata County square dancers competed at the 108th Pennsylvania Farm Show in Harrisburg on Jan. 8. This is the 27th year of the Juniata County club. Over the years, the club has had 93 sets — 86 received blue, five received red and two received white. There are three ...

Penn State Extension to host ‘Meat and Taste with Extension’

UNIVERSITY PARK — Anyone interested in learning more about beef, pork and lamb meats may want to attend the “Meat and Taste With Extension” event from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. Feb. 8 at the Penn State Extension county office in Westmoreland County. This Penn State Extension workshop will teach participants how to prepare these meats for a diverse and hearty family meal. This event will cover topics such as where meat cuts come from on the animal, meat grading and quality factors, meat handling practices, and cooking techniques. Jonathan Campbell, meat extension specialist and ...

Mifflin County Conservation District announces grant application period

BURNHAM — Farm operations can now apply for funding through the Agriculture Conservation Assistance Program (ACAP) to install best management practices such as waste storage facilities/mortality composters, forest and grass buffers, stream and wetland restoration, and heavy use area protection to name a few. Funding for the ACAP Program was created through the American Rescue Plan Act and the Clean Streams Fund and was established with the goal of reducing nonpoint source pollution to surface and groundwater supplies. The program is administered by the State Conservation Commission ...

Dairy products essential in delicious baked goods

My name is Caylee Imes and I am a Juniata County Dairy Miss. I have been on the Dairy Promotion Committee for eight years. I also take ballet, tap and jazz classes, as well as horse riding lessons. I am involved in 4-H, in the rabbit club, cake decorating club and livestock club. Not only are dairy products great for providing your body with 13 essential vitamins and minerals, they also make delicious baked goods. Here is a recipe I like to use in my cakes. White layer cake 1 1/2 cups salted butter, room temp 2 1/4 cups sugar 4 egg whites 3 tsp vanilla extract 3 cups ...