East Juniata students explore history, theater at Renaissance Faire
McALISTERVILLE — Students from East Juniata High School's AP Literature and Intro to Theatre classes traveled to the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire on Oct. 1 to explore connections between history, literature and the performing arts. The students attended the Faire's annual School Days ...
Mifflin County measles cases near 170
LEWISTOWN - Mifflin County accounted for nearly one-quarter of Pennsylvania’s newest measles cases as its total climbed to 167, according to the latest state figures. The county added 14 cases between Wednesday and Friday, matching Lancaster County for the largest increase during that period. Pennsylvania added 58 cases, raising its statewide total from 1,078 to 1,136. Only Lancaster County, with 415 cases, has reported more infections than Mifflin County. Chester County ranks third with 87 cases. Mifflin County’s total has increased by 74 cases since Sept. 21, when the ...
Buckwheat growers hope new markets can help it reach more tables
PENN YAN, N.Y. (AP) — Buckwheat crops sway in the breeze as bees bop between the plants' tiny white flowers. Underneath, small seeds begin to darken, a sign that harvest nears. Paige Hansen leans down, holding between her fingers the plant whose seeds could soon turn into one of her food ...
USDA Increases Investment in Regenerative Pilot Program
WASHINGTON — The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced increased financial assistance for the Regenerative Pilot Program from $700 million to $1 billion in fiscal year 2027, providing more producers with the opportunity to adopt conservation systems that improve soil health, water quality, and long-term farm resilience. Producers can now apply for assistance with regenerative practices. Additionally, USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service is making improvements to the program, including using NRCS’s locally led conservation model to allow State Technical Advisory ...
New research grants to develop eco-friendly alternatives to petroleum-based plastics
HARRISBURG — Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding recently announced that the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture is accepting proposals for two grants aimed at reducing plastic waste and creating new market opportunities for Pennsylvania farmers. The first grant will support development of a recycling program for plastics used in producing, harvesting, packaging, and transporting crops and nursery plants to market. The second grant will support research to develop alternatives to petroleum-based plastics for use on farms. “Many Pennsylvania farmers have few alternatives to ...