Weekly Roundup by Pennsylvania Dept. of Agriculture

 

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Department of Agriculture Highlights Safe, Effective Spotted Lanternfly Trap   Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding was joined by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Penn State Extension and agriculture industry leaders to highlight opportunities Pennsylvania residents and businesses have to effectively treat and manage spotted lanternfly. At the Indiana County Conservation District, the department demonstrated how to use a circle trap to eliminate large numbers of spotted lanternflies without harming beneficial pollinators or small animals. Recap

"If you live in a quarantine zone for the spotted lanternfly, you know well by now that they're a nuisance to outdoor life and are destructive to plant life," said Redding. "Through research, public-private partnerships, and boots-on-the-ground efforts we have learned more about this pest and how farmers, business-owners, homeowners, and communities can best manage it." See More

Secretary Redding attended the Turner Dairy Producer Luncheon Meeting in Pittsburgh, PA, highlighting the many producers and processors who help feed the commonwealth and the world.   Last October, the Dept. had the opportunity to visit Chuck and Turner Dairy Farms as part of the Food That Fuels PA tour.  See More

While spending time Chester and Lancaster county, Secretary Redding had the chance to see how diverse Pennsylvania agriculture is by visiting:     To-Jo Mushroom Production Facility, Chester Co. New Bolton Center, School of Veterinary Medicine, Chester Co. Octoraro Native Plant Nursery, Lancaster Co. See More

Secretary Redding met with USDA NRCS, Denise Coleman, State Conservationist and Shannon Wehinger, PACD Director of Communications and Education, and others for a discussion on the importance of farm conservation and preservation. See More

Agriculture Secretary Calls for Innovative Research to Grow Pennsylvania Agriculture and Tackle Complex Challenges   Secretary Russell Redding called for research proposals on issues critical to sustaining and growing Pennsylvania’s $132.5 billion agriculture industry.   “Research is the first critical step toward managing the costly and complex challenges of today and developing innovative solutions to tomorrow’s challenges,” said Redding. Read More

Gov. Wolf Announces Funding to Support Student Agriculture, Manufacturing Career Awareness Program in Berks, Chester   Governor Tom Wolf announced new funding for the Chester County Economic Development Foundation (CCEDF), through Pennsylvania’s Manufacturing PA Training-to-Career Program (MTTC), to create a program that will help students explore the link between agricultural and manufacturing careers in Berks and Chester counties. Read More

Gov. Wolf Feeds Farm Growth, Invests $1.15 Million in Beginning Farmers   Governor Tom Wolf announced awards of $1.15 million in tax-exempt, low-interest financing for two Lancaster County farms through the Next Generation Farmer Loan Program. The program gives beginning farmers access to affordable capital to purchase farmland or agricultural equipment, lowering interest rates and boosting farm profits through a unique state-federal-private industry partnership. Read More

Office of the Assistant Secretary for Administration to hold "USDA Small Business 201 Workshop" The “USDA Small Business 201 Workshop” will serve as an opportunity to network with USDA program and contract officers, other small businesses, partners, stakeholders, and other organizations focused on supporting and growing businesses across the country. Part I of the event, scheduled on April 13, 2022, from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm EDT, will focus on the contracting and procurement tools and resources, as well as mission area overviews. Part II, scheduled for April 14, 2022, from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm EDT, will focus on USDA programs, contracts, and procurement opportunities.  Register

Center for Dairy Excellence Student Leader Scholarship   Thanks to a new partnership between the Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association, the Dairy Excellence Foundation, and Tröegs Independent Brewing to support the next generation of dairy, there are ten $3,000 Student Leader Scholarships available to undergraduate students for the 2022-23 academic year.    The purpose of these scholarships is to provide recognition, encouragement, and financial assistance to outstanding students enrolled in academic programs that support the dairy industry.    Applications are currently being accepted online. Deadline for applying is on May 1, 2022. Apply Now

PennAg Industries Association Scholarship Program   PennAg will be awarding $1,000 scholarships to students enrolled in higher education programs focused on agriculture. Any student employed by a current PennAg member and/or any student whose parent is employed by a current PennAg member is eligible to apply.   Deadline: May 3, 2022 Apply Now

Second Chance Month Reentry Week: April 24-30, 2022   As 90 percent of incarcerated individuals prepare to leave the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections at the conclusion of their prison sentences, partners throughout the state are doing their part to help set them up for a successful reentry.

H-2A Temporary Agricultural Program   H-2A is a U.S. Department of Labor (USDOL) program facilitated by the State to assist agricultural employers to find the temporary workers they need for agricultural or certain food process work. When U.S. workers are unavailable, qualified employers may become certified to bring in temporary nonimmigrant foreign guest workers to fill these jobs. Employers must provide paid transportation, free housing, and wages specified by federal and state laws.

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