PDA Roundup: Wolf Administration Highlights Investments in Agriculture Workforce, Spotlights Central Columbia FFA

Having trouble viewing this message? View web version.

Are you just getting started in farming? Our Agricultural Business Development Center is dedicated to helping you get started + connecting you to the resources, tools and opportunities available.  Learn More

Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding joined agriculture education students and industry professionals at Central Columbia High School to celebrate National FFA Week, highlighting Wolf Administration investments strengthening hands-on learning promoting agriculture and food system career pathways. Learn More Live Recording

Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding visited Good Brotha's Book Café in Downtown Harrisburg to participate in a discussion on race and food accessibility. Learn More

Wolf Administration Highlights Investments in Agriculture Workforce, Spotlights Central Columbia FFA   Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding and Department of Education Career and Technical Education Director Lee Burket were joined by Pennsylvania FFA members and industry stakeholders at Central Columbia High School. There, they highlighted the Wolf Administration’s investments to promote hands-on agricultural learning opportunities that promote pathways to careers in agriculture. Read More

Ag Department Extends Proposal Deadline for $1 Million in Grants to Grow Vegetable, Fruit, Nut, Nursery Specialty Crop Market   The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture has extended the deadline for grant proposals to increase the visibility and competitiveness of the state's horticultural specialty crops including fruit, vegetable, nursery, flower, and nut products. Proposals for approximately $1 million in funding through the federal Specialty Crop Block Grant program, are now due March 18, 2022. Read More

Top-Performing Bulls to Sell in Live, March 25 Pennsylvania Livestock Evaluation Center Auction   Beef producers will have the opportunity to buy some of the best genetics in the northeast at Pennsylvania's Livestock Evaluation Center in Pennsylvania Furnace, Centre County, Friday, March 25, at noon. The 49th Performance-Tested Bull Sale will be held live, with an option to bid online. Read More

USDA Commits $215 Million to Enhance the American Food Supply Chain   U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary Tom Vilsack announced that USDA is making available up to $215 million in grants and other support to expand meat and poultry processing options, strengthen the food supply chain, and create jobs and economic opportunities in rural areas. Read More

Inaugural Hemp Survey Sets Benchmark in Pennsylvania The U.S Department of Agriculture's National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) conducted the first-ever National Hemp Survey. The survey was sent to 20,500 producers to gather information on the acreage, yield, production, price, and value of hemp. The data will be used to assist producers, regulatory agencies, state governments, processors, and other key industry entities. Read More

Mental Health Workshops for Ag Professionals   If you’re an agriculture professional who works with livestock producers, join the Center For Dairy Excellence for one of six mental health workshops happening across the state! You’ll gain specific training on how to navigate mental health issues in the farm community. Learn More

Pennsylvania Native Plant Society Grants Open for Enrollment   Pennsylvania Native Plant Society announced that small grants will be awarded to groups working on projects focused on outreach, education and research related to native plants. The number of proposals and amount to be funded will be based on available budget and number of applicants. In addition to financial support, PNPS will assist with obtaining native species for the project.    Grant maximum for 2022: $500.00 Deadline: The application deadline for 2022 is 11:59 PM (EST), March 1, 2022. Learn More

PA Dept. of Agriculture Announce Crop Insurance deadline   You can't control the weather, but you can control your risk. Protect your assets with crop insurance. Apply by March 15.   Don't wait for the unknown to happen. Protect your assets with crop insurance. Learn More

AGChoice Farm Credit Announces New Startup Grant For Youth Ages 16-21   AgChoice Farm Credit launched a new grant opportunity for youth ages 16 to 21, offering five $2,500 jumpstart mini grants to youth who launched a small farming business in the last two years or plan to start one in the next two years.    Grant funds must be used for agriculture purposes to start a farm business within two years of receiving the grant. Fund use examples include operating expenses, equipment, livestock and other startup costs. Applicants must be ages 16 to 21 as of January 1, 2022 and reside within AgChoice Farm Credit’s territory.    Deadline: April 1, 2022 Register

Upcoming Collaborations with the Rodale Institute   Free Technical Assistance for Organic Transition In partnership with the Rodale Institute, the PA Department of Agriculture offers free on-farm technical assistance for Pennsylvania producers interested in transitioning to organic. Rodale provides one-on-one on-farm consultations on topics such as: Weed management guidance, Crop rotation planning, and more.   Transitioning from a Conventional to an Organic Production System Are you a farmer interested in learning more about organic practices? The PA Department of Agriculture’s PA Preferred Organic Program collaborates with the Rodale Institute to offer a free service to farmers interested in support for transitioning to organic. Visit the webinar below to hear from farmers and others regarding how this program works.

On-Farm Technical Assistance

Watch Webinar