News

Groundbreaking celebrated on $65 million animal diagnostic lab addition at Penn State

Agriculture October 20, 2026

UNIVERSITY PARK — Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding and Pennsylvania State University College of Agricultural Sciences Dean Troy Ott broke ground on a $65 million, 46,000-square-foot, two-story addition to the university’s Animal Diagnostic Laboratory. On the heels of the recent groundbreaking on a $94 million new lab at University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, and the opening of the Keystone Animal Diagnostic Center on PSU’s Beaver Campus in May, this is the third expansion of Pennsylvania’s world-class veterinary lab system this year. “Supporting ...

$94 million Pennsylvania Veterinary Diagnostic Lab at UPenn to advance animal health

Agriculture October 20, 2026

KENNETT SQUARE, Pa. — Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding and University of Pennsylvania Dean of Veterinary Medicine Andrew M. Hoffman celebrated another milestone for Pennsylvania’s $132 billion agriculture industry recently, breaking ground on a new, $94 million laboratory at the New Bolton Center, the large-animal campus of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. “Science continues to reveal critical connections between animal health, human health, and the health of our environment,” Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding said. “Penn ...

Students can learn the craft of meat processing through Penn State apprenticeship program

Agriculture October 20, 2026

UNIVERSITY PARK — Each year, aspiring meat processors in Pennsylvania improve their skills by participating in the Butcher School Apprenticeship Program — a hands-on job training opportunity offered by Penn State Extension. The program includes three weeks of related technical ...

Women in Dairy Conference slated for Nov. 4

Agriculture October 20, 2026

UNIVERSITY PARK — The 2026 Women in Dairy Conference, slated for Nov. 4 at the Jordan Center, 720 Curtain Rd., State College, will give women in the dairy industry the opportunity to learn, connect and explore emerging opportunities with likeminded people. The conference will explore the value of dairy components, production and economics of beef-on-dairy crosses, and the connection between water and animal nutrition. Breakout sessions will address calf management, workforce resources, and the impact of new dietary guidelines on dairy demand, providing practical insights ...

Funding available for agriculture projects

Agriculture October 20, 2026

BURNHAM — The Mifflin County Conservation District has announced the grant application period for agricultural operations through the Agriculture Conservation Assistance Program. The ACAP application deadline is Friday, Oct. 30, 2026 at 2 p.m. Eligible projects include, but are not limited to barnyard improvements, manure storages, mortality composters, grazing management, streambank fencing, stream crossings, and livestock walkways. Funding for the ACAP Program was originally created through the American Rescue Plan Act and the Clean Streams Fund and was established with the ...

Birth Announcements

Local News October 20, 2026

BENUEL LYNN ZOOK Benuel Lynn Zook was born at 1:43 p.m. on Tuesday, October 13, 2026, at UPMC Harrisburg to Willie and Rachel Zook of Belleville. Benuel was 4 pounds, 11 ounces and 17 inches. KATIEANN DENA YODER Katieann Dena Yoder was born at 11:05 a.m. on Sunday, October 18, 2026, at WellSpan Evangelical Hospital to Enos and Betsy Yoder of McClure. Katieann was 7 pounds, 10 ounces and 19 ½ inches.