Pennsylvania

An April freeze hit Pennsylvania orchards at the worst possible time, right when the apple trees were blooming. Growers across the state are working through a much smaller harvest this season.

The historically bipartisan Farm Bill turned political this week as majority Ag Republicans turned back every Democratic amendment and sent their Farm Bill budget to the House on a party-line vote.  It wasn’t just SNAP spending reforms Democrats went after, but Trump actions like tariffs, staff cuts, and USDA grant freezes.   “From ...

On Tuesday, Idaho senator Jim Risch and Maine senator Angus King introduced the Future Logging Careers Act, in an effort to support America’s family-run timber industry.  This legislation would allow teenage members of logging families to gain hands-on experience in the trade so they may carry on the family business. The Future Logging Caree...

The U.S. Apple Association announced the newest members of its leadership development program, the NextGen Apple Fellowship, last week, and several come from the Northwest.  Those selected to participate in the 2025 class include:      Julieta Castillo -- Marketing Coordinator Superfresh Growers (Yakima, WA) Zachary Cohen -- Sales Cohen Produce Marketing (Shiremanstown, PA) William Gant -- Produc

Republicans representing rural districts say they are confident that a Farm Bill will be passed within the first couple months of the year.  So, why is the GOP so confident they will replace the 2018 Farm Bill well ahead of the September deadline?  Re...

Not only is it still winter from a meteorological standpoint, but in several parts of the nation it still feels like winter.  Too soon, perhaps to consider how to deal with mosquitoes in the summer?  As Penn State University Extension’s Jamie Kopco points out now is a good time to learn more about biology of mosquitoes, so you can be prepared to deal with them.    “A lo...

Portland-based Morasch Meats is recalling its Northwest Naturals 2lb Turkey Recipe raw & frozen pet food, after samples tested positive for H5N1.  The Oregon Department of Agriculture say it was this pet food that led to the death of an indoor cat in Washington County.    “We...

The fun, the food, the exploration of a farmers market.  Whether it's a brief walk in your community or in a neighboring area, a short drive away.   “There are over 8000 farmers markets across the country,” noted USDA Under Secretary for Marketing and regulatory programs Jenny Moffitt.  “They're everywhere...

Two recent economic studies paint trade tariffs in a very harsh light. Several ag leaders spoke Wednesday about the results. Gary Wertish is president of the Minnesota Farmers Union. He cited one report by the World Agricultural Economic and Environmental Services...

Veterinarian shortages are not new. Anyone who ever needed a vet in the middle of the night will tell you that. And any rural vet called in the middle of the night will agree.  What is new is the realization that it is about to get worse.   “...