2012

Free Online Training For New 4-H Stream Team Volunteers January 4, 2013: Adults throughout Pennsylvania have a new opportunity to become volunteers for the 4-H Stream Teams Program. A free, online training will be held by Penn State Extension to teach interested adults how to form and guide youth in the 4-H Stream Teams Program.
This Cow Lives Up To Her Promis December 28, 2012: Everybody in the dairy industry loves to see a great cow, especially those wishing that cow was in their herd. That's the impetus behind Pennsylvania Holstein Association's favorite cow contest.
Carlisle Grain Marketing Discussion Group Meets Again This Season. December 28, 2012: What about these markets? Can you recall a time when prices for farm commodities have gone through such large price swings? I don’t know about you, but my expectations and planning from this past year makes little sense today. I have had to modify my expectations of success. This was another great reminder on the benefits of being flexible in our marketing strategies.
Annie's Project December 21, 2012: A National Cooperative Extension Program, is an eight-session class that empowers women in farming to manage information systems used in critical decision making and to build local net-works of like-minded friends.
2013 Crops and Pesticides: One-Day Seminars December 20, 2012: You can earn pesticide, nutrient management, and certified crop adviser credits and gain knowledge of key current crop management issues.
Biomass Energy and Pennsylvania’s Forests December 19, 2012: The idea of generating energy from biomass or biological material, particularly the byproducts of tree harvesting and thinning is receiving increased attention as an alternative and renewable energy resource to help reduce an over-reliance on imported oil. Communities are discussing biomass as it relates to job creation, sustainable harvesting, heat and energy opportunities, carbon use and storage, community health, and economic development.
Pennsylvania Farmers Celebrate Key Achievements December 18, 2012: Still Much to Accomplish! Pennsylvania Farm Bureau (PFB) says farm families will significantly benefit from recent changes to state laws that provide exemptions from considerable tax burdens and remove obstacles impacting agriculture transportation.
Now that the elections are over, are you ready for the next round? December 18, 2012: No joke: 2013 is a municipal election year in Pennsylvania. You’ll be voting for township supervisors, borough and city council members, school district directors, and other local offices.
New Educators Fluent in Dairy Languages December 7, 2012: It’s safe to say Ximena del Campo and Heather Weeks come from different worlds. Del Campo is from Ecuador and emigrated to the U.S. about 10 years ago. Meanwhile, Weeks grew up on a farm in Portsmouth, N.H., an idyllic town near the Atlantic coastline. On the surface, it might be hard to find things in common between these two women. But talk to them for a few minutes and you’ll find they share some connections beyond being recently hired as two of Penn State’s newest Dairy Extension Educators.
Fall Herbicide Applications December 6, 2012: Is your cover crop an assortment of winter annual weeds? Del Voight discusses getting a jump on your herbicide program with the pros, cons and recommendations of apply herbicides at this time of year.
Farm Transition Planning Workshop December 6, 2012: Bringing in the Next Generation. Penn State Extension, the Gettysburg Young Farmers and the Young Grower Alliance have teamed up to offer a workshop on how you can prepare yourself and your business for a transition to the next generation.
Start Farming’s Small-Scale Poultry for Beginning Farmers December 5, 2012: For new poultry owners, those interested in exploring a new venture or those interested in producing food for your family or for income from your property, to give prospective and beginning poultry raisers a general understanding of what it takes to have poultry. Penn State Extension of Lehigh County will host "Start Farming’s Small-Scale Poultry for Beginning Farmers" on March 14, 2013, 7 :00 - 9:00 p.m. at the Penn State Extension Office in Dauphin County, 1451 Peters Mountain Road, Dauphin, PA 17018.
Trial and Idea Garden End-of-Season Report November 29, 2012: Penn State Master Gardeners, Pat Welfley of Newport and Mindy Wenger of Carlisle, are my guest columnists for this week. Pat and Mindy evaluated annual flowering plants growing this season in the Penn State Master Gardeners’ Trial and Idea Garden, located at the corner of Claremont Road and Army Heritage Drive on the grounds of Claremont Nursing and Rehabilitation Center near Carlisle. Mindy and Pat selected a mix of new-to-the-market and tried-and-true varieties for trialing and evaluation. Here is their report:
Penn State DairyCents Mobile App Now Available for Android Devices November 28, 2012: GOING MOBILE ... Penn State's Dairy Team's mobile app is now available for download
Researchers Discover Another Invasive Fruit Pest. November 26, 2012: UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State researchers recently discovered the African fig fly in Pennsylvania for the first time, giving fruit growers across the state another invasive pest to be on the look out for.
Now that the elections are over, are you ready for the next round? November 26, 2012: No joke: 2013 is a municipal election year in Pennsylvania. You’ll be voting for township supervisors, borough and city council members, school district directors, and other local offices. The primary isn’t until May, and the general election won’t happen until next November, so why think about this now?
Jennifer Fetter Awarded the Achievement in Service Award at the 2012 National Association of Extension 4-H Agents' Annual Conference. November 21, 2012: Jennifer Fetter was recognized at the 2012 National Association of Extension 4-H Agents' annual conference this past October for her efforts with Penn State Extension 4-H Programming. The Achievement in Service award is given to educators with three to seven years of service
Professional Pest Managers' School - Grantville November 21, 2012: The 2012 Professional Pest Manager's School offers 40 category and 12 core credits that will help you keep up with changes in pesticide regulations, product information and your roles and responsibilities as a pesticide applicator. This program is adaptable to any individual working with pesticides
Educational Tools for Safer Pest Control in Childcare Centers November 21, 2012: New training modules are now available to help directors and staff in childcare centers better manage pests in their facilities. The development of these modules was funded by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Office of Children’s Health Protection.
Back to School Means a Return for Head Lice November 21, 2012: Each year as children head back to school, find their friends, and play in close-knit groups, head lice also make their return and spread quickly.
Cumberland County Couple Win PA Farm Bureau’s Excellence in Ag Award November 16, 2012: Jason and Sherisa Nailor of Cumberland County were selected Pennsylvania Farm Bureau’s recipients of the 2012 Young Farmer and Rancher “Excellence in Ag” Award during PFB’s 62nd Annual Meeting in Hershey.
Turkeys to Begin Trek to Holiday Tables November 16, 2012: Cumberland County Farmer Continues Processing Tradition
Experts Advise Hunters Not to Overreact to CWD Discovery in PA November 13, 2012: UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- The discovery this fall of chronic wasting disease in two deer on a game farm in southeastern Pennsylvania has hunters concerned, but they shouldn't overreact, according to experts in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences.
Farm Equipment Safety Takes Utmost Priority November 8, 2012: Agriculture continues to rank as one of the most dangerous occupations in North America.
Wildlife Tree Ornaments Workshop for Youth November 7, 2012: Help birds and wildlife find food during winter! The Penn State Master Gardeners in Cumberland County are hosting a “Wildlife Tree Ornaments” workshop for youth on Saturday, November 17, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon at the Cumberland County Extension Office, 310 Allen Road, Carlisle.
Favorite Fall Things November 5, 2012: Every season in the garden has something special to commend it to the gardener. Autumn is particularly rich in seasonal delights, both large and small. From mountainsides ablaze in color to woolly bear caterpillars, there is something at every turn to remind us of why we like to garden, even as the gardening season winds down. Herewith, two of my favorite fall things:
Introducing our newest staff member; Heather Weeks, Dairy Profitability Educator November 5, 2012: Heather earned a B.S. in Dairy Science from Virginia Tech in 2008 and a Master’s Degree in Agricultural and Applied Economics also from Virginia Tech in 2011.
Agri-Tourism – A Resource For Economic Growth November 1, 2012: Diversification: more than a Buzz Word The idea of branching out and growing or raising more than one farm product is as old as farming itself. Farms are better able to weather what nature brings if they place their bets on a wider variety of products. Increasingly diversification includes agricultural tourism. This is a form of farm diversification present in all counties of Pennsylvania, especially in the south eastern portion of the state.
College Farm in Boiling Springs, PA Dispenses Knowledge and Organic Sustenance to a Student Body November 1, 2012: What began as an environmental studies project in 1999 at Dickinson College has evolved into a flourishing organic farm. From a handful of eager student gardeners, who began with a small garden plot on campus that grew into a half-acre plot, gradually the program grew as it attracted greater student interest, says Matt Steinman, assistant manager of production for the farm.
Power Outages and Freezer Failures October 31, 2012: Hurricane Sandy reminds us that we need to be prepared for power outages. The loss of power could jeopardize the safety of frozen food. To keep food safe, keep the door closed and control the temperature.
Penn State Extension Office - Dauphin County 95th Annual Meeting October 19, 2012: The Board of Directors cordially invites the public to attend 95th Annual Meeting of the Penn State Extension Office - Dauphin County on Monday, November 19, 2012, at the Dauphin County Agriculture & Natural Resources Center 1451 Peters Mountain Road, Dauphin, PA 17018. This year's program "Food Forecast: How International Food Trade will Affect Your Food Prices"
Woolly Bears On the Move October 16, 2012: “Brown and furry, caterpillar in a hurry….” Why does the woolly bear cross the road? To get to the other side! Woolly bear caterpillars are a familiar and friendly sight in autumn, as they cross roads and sidewalks on sunny days, searching for that perfect spot under bark or in a log or rock cavity to hibernate for winter.
Dive Deeper Summit Participants Eager to Gather Again Next Year October 9, 2012: Youth Water Educators from around the Mid-Atlantic Region gathered together in Harrisburg, PA for a day of learning, networking, and sharing resources. The Dive Deeper Summit, hosted by Penn State Extension on September 27, 2012, was the first of its kind for most participants.
Penn State Extension Offers Aquatic Pesticide Course for Credits October 5, 2012: Penn State Extension is offering an Aquatic Pesticide Course for pond applicators that is approved for three Category 9 Recertification Credits from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.
Spotted Wing Drosophila (SWD) as of Oct. 3, 2012 and Your Winter Plans October 3, 2012: It’s getting a little late in the season to do much about SWD for this year, but here are some observations that you might want to consider as you make plans for next year.
Storage Tips for Winter Vegetables October 3, 2012: The demand for locally grown produce continues to rise in Pennsylvania, providing excellent opportunities for producers to extend their marketing season in the fall and winter. Proper storage management in vegetables such as winter squash, onions and carrots will result in less decay, fewer losses and more high quality product to sell to eager consumers during the cold months.
2012 Rain Gardens Workday Workshop Offered September 27, 2012: Do you know what a rain garden is? Would you like to learn more about rain gardens and how to include one in your own landscaping to help protect our Chesapeake Bay Watershed? Then join the Master Gardeners to learn more: about how rain gardens work and what native plants to include; how to properly plant, mulch, and prune; and how to identify and manage weeds. Stop by to watch and learn, or participate as a hands-on volunteer. Take-home information will be available at the Rain Garden “How To” Tent at Dippin' Dairy on Market Street.
Managing Your Milk Margin to Improve Your Dairy's Cash Flow September 27, 2012: Designed for dairy producers and managers. Dates available to schedule this workshop are: February 12, 13, 14, 21, 26, 28, 2013 and March 12, 13, 14, 19, 21, 2013. 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Registration fee: $40.00 per farm.
Fall-Blooming Perennials September 27, 2012: Perennials that bloom in the fall add vivid color to the garden at a time when it is pleasant to get out into the garden again, as milder temperatures and clear blue skies herald the turn of the seasons from summer to autumn.
Harrisburg Preps for Dairy Extravaganza September 13, 2012: Country's largest dairy show set to begin Saturday HARRISBURG, Pa. — The Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex is a flurry of activity as organizers prepare for what has been billed as the largest national dairy show in the country. Dairy cattle will begin arriving Thursday to prepare for the weekend shows.
National Farm Safety Week September 16 -22 and last edition of “The PSU Ag Safety Newsletter” September 13, 2012: Agricultural Safety & Health…A Family Affair is the theme for National Farm Safety & Health Week 2012, which runs from September 16 – 22.
Hints for Preventing Combine Fires September 7, 2012: Combine owners have invested heavily in the purchase, maintenance and storage of this important piece of farm machinery. And since a combine fire can result in a significant financial loss, owners should be constantly monitoring the machine for timely maintenance functions that can reduce the risk of a costly fire. This list of hints to safe combine maintenance can go a long way to preventing combine fires.
POLLINATOR FRIENDLY GARDEN CERTIFICATION September 7, 2012: Pollinator insects are declining, but there's hope! Learn how you can be part of the solution.
Penn State Partners to Create a National Agriculture Safety Website August 28, 2012: Penn State has partnered with other land grant institutions to develop a new farm-safety section for a national agriculture website created by cooperative extension agents. The online resource covers critical agriculture safety questions, such as grain bin entrapments, cattle hauling, ATV safety, and confined space hazards.
Pennsylvania Cattlemen’s Field Day Set for September 8 August 28, 2012: Pennsylvania Cattlemen Association’s Summer Field Day will be held on Saturday, September 8, 2012, hosted by Dan & Seth Snyder - Stone Ridge Manor, 654 Cold Spring Rd., Gettysburg PA. The Snyder’s of Stone Ridge Manor are registered Hereford cattle breeders and participate in Total Herd Reporting as well as utilizing ultrasound for carcass data. Through the use of these valuable tools, combined with consistent use of proven genetics, emphasizing calving ease, feed efficiency, desirable yields, and grade quality, they are constantly moving forward to meet the needs of today's cattleman. Farm highlights include an annual fall sale, selling Hereford Bulls to a multi-state customer base. Preview the bulls during the field day.
Worms: Bag or Web? August 27, 2012: Is it a bagworm or a webworm? This summer, both of these native moths seem very prevalent. The one to worry about is the bagworm, which can cause serious damage to conifers; the fall webworm is more of a nuisance than harmful, causing little damage to trees.
Downy Mildew on Impatiens August 27, 2012: This fungal disease is a fairly new problem which has cropped up on garden impatiens this summer, causing almost complete defoliation of plants, leaving just bare stalks as a reminder of what was once a beautiful plant.
Fall Garden Day, September 15 August 21, 2012: Join local educators and Penn State Master Gardeners for an informative morning of fall gardening topics. As summer ends and the weather cools, autumn is the perfect time to work outdoors in the garden. Learn from the experts how to plan and plant for a beautiful and productive garden.
Pesticide Applicator Short Course - York County August 20, 2012: The purpose of this class is to prepare you for the certified pesticide applicator exam in Core and Categories 06, 07, and 23. Exams will be offered (at an additional fee) on October 22. Classes will be held at the Penn State Extension Office in York County, 112 Pleasant Acres Road, York, PA 17402. Class dates are October 15, 16, 18 & 19, 2012 (9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.)
Trial and Idea Garden Tips and Tours August 16, 2012: Penn State Master Gardeners in Cumberland County will host free “Tips and Tours” at their Trial and Idea Garden on Saturday, August 25, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. The Trial and Idea Garden is located on the grounds of Claremont Nursing & Rehab Center, 1000 Claremont Road, Carlisle, PA at the corner of Army Heritage Drive and Claremont Road. This rain-or-shine event is free and everyone is welcome; no registration is required.
Reptiles in Our Forests August 15, 2012: Pennsylvania is home to a diverse population of reptiles that inhabit our woodlands, wetlands, and waters. These turtles, lizards, and snakes play an important role in helping to sustain a healthy, functioning ecosystem. On Thursday, September 13th, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Wildlife Biologist, Aura Stauffer, and Forester, Mike Wright, will present a program on reptiles in our forests at the Cumberland Woodland Owner’s Association. The meeting will be held at 7:00 p.m. at the Cumberland County Extension Office which is located at 310 Allen Road in Carlisle. You do not have to be a member and there is no cost to attend.
StrongWomen Strength Training Program Offered! August 13, 2012: Penn State Extension will be offering StrongWomen in several locations this fall. This strength training program is geared for middle-aged to older women and men and is based upon years of research on how strength training and proper nutrition improve the health of people of all ages. The program was developed to help women increase their strength, bone density, balance, and energy and help them look and feel better. Participants meet two times a week for one hour sessions and there is a fee to participate in the program. Participants may want to provide their own hand and ankle weights.
Mellow Yellow in the Garden August 13, 2012: When we think of color in the garden, we usually picture the bright colors of flowers – yellow, pink, red, blue, purple, white, and orange. But the predominant color in any garden or landscape, and the one that tends to get overlooked because of its ubiquity, is the green of foliage.
The Evolution of a Farm Stay Bed and Breakfast August 13, 2012: MOUNT JOY -- How do you find time to travel, or visit with people, when you are managing the nonstop demands of a dairy farm? This was the dilemma in 1959 for a young Eileen Benner, who had just moved with her husband, Galen, to farm in Mt. Joy, PA, down the road from where she grew up. Initially, Galen had farmed steers and the couple grew tomatoes on the 130-acre farm. Eileen's two brothers also farmed nearby. But by 1965, Galen had switched to dairy farming with about 50 cows. Eileen had helped with the farming up until the dairy started, at which time she decided to focus on the house and raising children.
Like Always, Ag Progress Days Features Something for Everyone August 13, 2012: UNIVERSITY PARK -- Penn State's Ag Progress Days will once again show the many faces of agriculture, bringing together people with a wide range of perspectives on the production of food, fuel, and fiber. This year's expo will feature several new or special attractions: A renewable energy showcase, a new crops, soils, and conservation building, a special focus on the 4-H Robotics Program, a pollinator garden and a special hands-on science of reproduction exhibit. Popular features returning to Ag Progress Days include learning about careers in agriculture and related fields, a Marcellus Shale center, information from the Pennsylvania chapter of the American Chestnut Foundation, research and conservation tours, children and family activities, machinery and equipment demonstrations, the equine experience, and farm safety demonstrations.
Emerald Ash Borer Now in 28 PA Counties August 13, 2012: If you want proof for how the emerald ash borer can leap across the landscape, check out the latest map from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources.
Visit the New Crops, Soils and Conservation Building at Ag Progress Days July 31, 2012: Come visit us at the new J.D. Harrington Crops, Soils, and Conservation Building at Ag Progress Days - August 14-16, 2012
Armyworms Make Meal Out of PA Sweet Corn & Soybeans July 31, 2012: Midstate crops from sweet corn to soybeans are recovering from the first round of attacks by a tiny worm with a big appetite. An infestation of armyworms, 1½-inch-long critters that move across fields in armylike fashion, has devoured crops and left devastation in its wake.
Pennsylvania Farm Bureau Priorities Included in Reauthorization of Federal Transportation Laws July 24, 2012: (Camp Hill) – Key changes to regulations affecting the operation of farm trucks shepherded by Pennsylvania Farm Bureau (PFB) have been included in legislation signed by President Obama that reauthorizes federal highway and transportation funding through 2014.
Are All Calories Equal? July 20, 2012: When trying to lose or maintain weight, most people will decide a certain number of calories they will eat each day to reach their goal. Does it matter how much of these calories come from fat, protein, or carbohydrates? If 1600 calories daily is the amount you need to lose weight, should you lose the same amount of weight no matter what kind of diet you are on? This article will answer these questions and describe the results of a recent study published on this topic.
Tomato Leaf Roll July 17, 2012: Q: The leaves on my tomato plant are curling upward. I’ve never seen this before. What’s happening to my plant?
Summer Garden Experience July 17, 2012: Penn State Extension’s Summer Garden Experience will be held July 28, 2012 at the Penn State Southeast Ag Research and Extension Center in Manheim, PA from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Uninvited Guests: Yellowjackets July 16, 2012: With warm summer weather comes more outdoor activities, and the possibility of running into stinging insects like yellowjackets. Yellowjackets are actually a type of wasp that are often mistaken for bees. They can be quite aggressive,especially when their nest is disturbed, and unlike bees, they can sting more than once.
Ticks Making a Comeback July 13, 2012: A resurgence in the tick population in Pennsylvania is resulting in an increased number of tick bites and Lyme disease cases.
How Much Drinking Water Does Your Horse Need? July 12, 2012: Temperatures are soaring in many parts of the country, it's important to remember how crucial water is to keeping horses healthy. Always ensure your horses have access to fresh, clean water at an appropriate temperature, and ensure they're drinking the fluids provided.
Shrub of the Month: 'The Bride' Pearlbush (Exochorda x Marcrantha 'The Bride') July 5, 2012: ‘The Bride’ pearlbush has been around in the nursery industry for several decades, but it is not utilized as often as other spring flowering shrubs such as forsythia, azalea, spirea, and deutzia.
Farm Show Exhibit to Be Taken to New Levels July 5, 2012: The inaugural Today's Agriculture Display, unveiled prior to the 2012 Pennsylvania Farm Show, showed how crops are grown and food animals are raised. Hold on tight because discussions are underway and the exhibit will be taken to a whole new level in 2013! Many organizations, with employees who are passionate about the agriculture industry, are collaborating to develop a bigger and better display: larger area; better use of visual media; more ways to become engaged; even more farmers and industry representatives available to answer questions; and a closer connection to the food on your plate. Stay tuned for more information about the 2013 exhibit -- you won't want to miss it! This landmark exhibit will be on display January 4-12 at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg.
Penn State Extension Launches New Online Beekeeping Course July 2, 2012: UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Beginner and experienced beekeepers and those thinking about taking up backyard beekeeping can get the information they need to be successful from Beekeeping 101, a new online beekeeping course offered by Penn State Extension.
Central Pennsylvania Farmers Can Apply for Crop-damage Loans July 2, 2012: Farmers in 21 Pennsylvania Counties are eligible for aid, mostly emergency low-interest loans, to cover losses from this spring’s unusual weather.
Summer Lawn Care July 2, 2012: When it comes to maintaining summer lawns, a little laziness is a good thing. “The spring recipe for lawn care is to fertilize, mow up to twice a week and treat for weeds, but you should back off on all those practices during the summer,” says Pete Landschoot, Turfgrass Specialist for Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences.
Farmers Urged to Watch for Armyworm in Fields and Grass June 28, 2012: UNIVERSITY PARK, PA — Pennsylvania farmers and homeowners should remain aware of possible armyworm infestations that could continue to appear within the next week in hay pastures, grain fields, and lawns near agricultural fields.
Pennsylvania Farmers Urged to Report Crop Damage Promptly June 28, 2012: HARRISBURG -- Pennsylvania farmers are reminded to report crop damage to their crop insurance agent and local Farm Service Agency office within 72 hours of discovery. ''Farmers are already seeing widespread crop damage from armyworms and late blight,'' said Agriculture Secretary George Greig. ''Help ensure you get the most out of your crop insurance policy by reporting damage to your crop insurance agent immediately.''
Brown Rot Preharvest Alert June 25, 2012: June 25, 2012. Brown rot is a major disease of stone fruits and warm, humid weather favors brown rot infection. Two species of fungi are responsible for brown rots: Monilinia fructicola and Monilinia laxa which can infect blossoms and cause brown rot on fruit. M. fructicola is the specie that is known and widespread in Pennsylvania orchards. M. laxa is suspected of causing blossom blight early in the season but has not yet been identified in PA orchards.
Poison Hemlock is the Weed for This Week — Bill Curran and Dwight Lingenfelter, Penn State Weed Science June 25, 2012: Poison hemlock has exploded over the last several years, particularly along roadsides but it can also be found in pastures and along field edges. Much of it is now blooming, so everyone is noticing the large plants with white blossoms. Poison hemlock is native to Europe, northern Africa, and western Asia and was introduced to North America as an ornamental garden plant. It is infamous as a poisonous plant and hemlock tea reportedly killed the Greek philosopher Socrates in 399 BC. The plant contains a number of closely related pyridine alkaloids with the main one being coniine, a colorless, volatile and strongly alkaline oil. All parts of the plant are poisonous and some studies have shown toxicosis at 0.25% fresh wt (of the animal’s weight) for horses and 0.5% for cattle. That would be 2.5 to 5 lb of material per 1000 lb animal. Mature seeds are the most poisonous. The alkaloids are reportedly lost by slow drying or boiling, but we would not count on dry hay being OK. Poison hemlock is biennial, so those flowering plants will finish their lifecycle when they set seed. Biennials are more susceptible to control with herbicides in the first year of growth when they are rosettes, rather than now, near the end of their lifecycle. Mowing the plant in late flower should set it back and may even control it and prevent seed production in areas where mowing is possible.
PA Preservation Board Protects Nearly 2,400 Acres of Farmland June 21, 2012: HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania Agricultural Land Preservation Board protected 2,389 additional acres on 28 farms from development through the state’s nationally recognized farmland preservation program.
Nursery IPM Field Day June 19, 2012: Penn State Extension’s Nursery IPM Field Day will be held July 19, 2012 at Rockleman’s Nursery, 5134 Bentz Road, Spring Grove, PA 17362 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Join Tim Abbey, York County Commercial Horticulture Educator, to discuss problems encountered on ornamental plants in production nurseries and garden centers.
Summer Ventilation: Fan Efficiency and Maintenance June 19, 2012: Poor maintenance can reduce efficiency of ventilation systems by as much as 40%. The ventilation system of your dairy consumes about 21% to 24% of the energy used on the dairy. This does not mean that you should shut off the fans for the summer, but it does mean you should be looking at the efficiency of those fans.
Reading This Article Could Save Your Life — Rob Meinen, Department of Animal Science June 19, 2012: The recent tragic death of three Pennsylvanians at a Maryland manure storage should act as a reminder of the risks associated with all manure storages. Injuries and fatalities are commonly associated with confined space manure storages that are enclosed, such as beneath animal quarters, or belowground reception and pump out pits. However, these deaths occurred at a non-enclosed earthen dairy manure storage that was open to the atmosphere. For many of us these open-air storages are not thought of as confined spaces. It is important to realize that these storages still meet the definition of a confined space in terms of occupational safety and health. This is because the areas are not designed for normal worker/human occupation and often do not have means of egress. In a common storage situation, once you cross beyond the fence you are entering a confined space.
Management Options for Brown Marmorated Stink Bug in Pennsylvania Fruit Orchards - 2012 Perspective June 5, 2012: The brown marmorated stink bug (BMSB), Halyomorpha halys (Stål) (Heteroptera-Pentatomidae) continues to dominate the list of potentially most damaging insect pests in Pennsylvania fruit orchards. Since the pest explosion during the 2010 season, this invasive exotic pest dictates most insect pest management activities in Pennsylvania orchards.
Late Blight Confirmed on Tomato and Potato in Pennsylvania June 5, 2012: Today late blight was confirmed on tomato and/or potato in Franklin and Blair County, PA.
Safety Tips for Grilling and Campfires June 1, 2012: Every year Americans look forward to summer vacations, camping, family reunions, picnics, and the Fourth of July. Summertime, however, also brings fires and injuries due to outdoor cooking and recreational fires. Annually, there are almost 3,800 Americans injured by gas or charcoal grill fires. (Source: CPSC) Summertime should be a time of fun and making happy memories. Knowing a few fire safety tips and following safety instructions will help everyone have a safe summer.
2012 Summer Turf & Ornamental School May 31, 2012: Penn State Extension’s Summer Turf and Ornamental School will be held July 12, 2012 at the Masonic Village in Elizabethtown, PA from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Beware of Hot Hay — Marvin Hall, Penn State Forage Specialist May 30, 2012: This time of year, farmers often know the hay they are baling is wetter than they’d like, but they are taking a chance, hoping to save a better-quality product versus letting the rain cause the crop to deteriorate in the field. Unfortunately, moist hay can quickly become hot hay which can ignite through spontaneous combustion.
Basil May 23, 2012: If you are like me, I start gardening at the dinner table. Today I’m thinking of homemade Italian spaghetti sauce, gourmet herbal vinegar, fresh garden salad, and Italian pesto. Why, you may be asking, because I’m getting ready to sow the basil seeds, one of the world’s most delightful herbs.
Pollinator Celebration and Butterfly Container Workshop May 23, 2012: National Pollinator Week is June 18 to 24, 2012. To mark the occasion, join Penn State Master Gardeners in Cumberland County for a Pollinator Celebration Program and Butterfly Container Workshop on Saturday, June 16, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. at the Cumberland County Extension office, 310 Allen Road, Carlisle.
Invasive Plants and Pests Tour for Woodland Owners May 22, 2012: On Saturday, June 9, 2012, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., the Cumberland Woodland Owners’ Association is sponsoring an “Invasive Plants and Pests Tour” at Pine Grove Furnace State Park.
Herbaceous Ornamental of the Month: Jack Frost Brunnera (brunnera macrophaylla) May 15, 2012: What perennial grows well in shade, offers beautiful variegated foliage, and is deer resistant? It is the 2012 Perennial Plant of the Year, ‘Jack Frost’ Brunnera. Grown primarily for its exquisite silver and green variegated foliage, Brunnera macrophylla ‘Jack Frost’ enjoys moist, but well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter.
Falcon Banding May 10, 2012: Wednesday, May 9th was a big day for two little peregrine falcons. At the Rachel Carson State Office Building, on a 15th floor ledge, there has been a nest of falcons for thirteen years.
Tree of the Month: 'Winter King' Hawthorn (Crataegus viridis) May 10, 2012: Everyone loves flowers, but most trees only bloom for a few weeks out of the year. Those that have attractive summer foliage, fall color and interesting bark offer more than one season of beauty and really earn their keep in the garden.
Youth Summer Garden Camp May 8, 2012: Penn State Master Gardeners are offering a Summer Garden Camp for youth ages 8 to 11 or in grades 3 to 5 at the Penn State Extension office on Allen Road in Carlisle. There will be five sessions of growing, learning, hands-on fun on Tuesday mornings from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon on the following dates: June 12, June 26, July 10, July 24, and August 7, 2012.
Planting Is Underway May 8, 2012: Several of you may have already noticed some farming equipment on the roads in the last month or so. If you did happen to see farm equipment traveling the roads, you were most likely seeing manure spreaders, agricultural sprayers, tractors with tillage equipment, and planters. Due to the mild winter weather, some farmers were working the ground in February, making field applications of fertilizer or manure, and planting field corn and alfalfa in late March.
A True Blue Flower May 3, 2012: I went for a walk last Sunday, enjoying bright sunshine and blue skies, and encountered a delightful but little known native wildflower, blue-eyed grass, blooming along the way. It’s not really a grass, being a member of the Iris family, but it really does have a true blue flower. For me, that’s reason enough to recommend it for the garden, although some garden writers dismiss it as too inconsequential for inclusion in the garden. Often, the beauty of a plant is in the details.
Restoration of the American Chestnut May 3, 2012: On Thursday, May 10th at the Cumberland Woodland Owners’ Association meeting, Dave Armstrong with PA Chapter of the American Chestnut Foundation (PA-TACF) will give a presentation on the restoration of the American chestnut. Mr. Armstrong will speak about the reintroduction of the American chestnut that should be disease resistant. He will talk about the different stages of reintroduction and the success of each stage. The mission of the PA-TACF is to restore the American chestnut to the forests and woodlands of Pennsylvania and the Mid-Atlantic states. The meeting will be held at 7:00 P.M. at the Adams County Extension Office which is located at 670 Old Harrisburg Road, Suite 204, Gettysburg PA 17325-3404. You do not have to be a member and there is no cost to attend.
Growing Potatoes in the Garden May 2, 2012: Potatoes are a very easy vegetable to grow. They are categorized as early season, mid-season, and late season, ready for harvest in 60, 80, and 90 days respectively.
Tree Planting Tips April 20, 2012: Let’s say you want to plant a tree this spring. Perhaps the beauty of spring-flowering trees has inspired you, or perhaps you need to replace a tree damaged by the Halloween snow last fall. But do you know the right way to plant a tree? You may be surprised to find that it’s not what you may have been taught.
Mulching Tip - Keep the Weeds & Seeds in the Dark! April 12, 2012
Dauphin County Annual 4-H Benefit Auction April 11, 2012: Dauphin County 4-H will be having their Annual 4-H Benefit Auction on Saturday April 21, 2012, starting at 9:00 a.m., at the Halifax Fire Department, 22 South River Road, Halifax, PA.
Looking for New Master Gardeners April 11, 2012: Penn State Extension - Dauphin County is now accepting applications from Dauphin County Gardeners for the next Master Gardener Training Program. An information session to acquaint applicants to the Volunteer Master Gardener Program will be held on Wednesday, June 20, 2012, from 7:00 – 8:00 p.m., at the Dauphin County Agriculture and Natural Resources Center, 1451 Peters Mountain Road, Dauphin, PA 17018.
During National Nutrition Month, Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Offers Practical Ways to Enjoy Food While Eating Less March 12, 2012: Food is meant to be enjoyed, but eating less is the key to weight management and disease prevention, according to the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans. During National Nutrition Month®, the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics (formerly the American Dietetic Association) encourages everyone to "Get Your Plate in Shape."
Soil Testing FAQs March 8, 2012: Now that spring is in the air, many people have been stopping in to the Extension office to purchase a soil test kit. Here are answers to some frequently-asked questions about soil testing.

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