News

This is the week 2 newsletter for the spring 2026 Everybody Walk Across Pennsylvania Program - week of April 13, 2026. The program is an 8-week virtual biannual program.

A newly revamped lineup of trainings designed to better support today's conservation professionals.

Weekly scouting report compiled by Kelly Piccioni, Penn State Extension, Schuylkill County. This week's scouting data contributors: Kelly Piccioni, Penn State Extension; Don deMackiewicz, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Penn State Extension

The jointing stage marks the beginning of the application window for Palisade EC and other products aimed at reducing plant height to minimize the risk of lodging.

Alfalfa weevil larvae are becoming active, particularly in southern counties and south-facing fields. Scout your fields to detect their damage but recognize that some fields in eastern counties have resistant populations

Scout in now for mites in your timothy fields. Mites are easily overlooked, but can cost significant yield and quality.

Populations of this pest species, which are becoming more common in Pennsylvania, can grow in fields planted annually with small grains.

No rain is currently forecasted for April 7–15. These are excellent conditions for powdery mildew in both apple and peaches. If apples are at tight cluster and peaches are at petal fall, control must start now.

The apple and peach phenology reports track the development of fruiting buds throughout the bloom window across Pennsylvania.

This is the week 1 newsletter for the spring 2026 Everybody Walk Across Pennsylvania Program - week of April 6, 2026. The program is an 8-week virtual biannual program.

Weekly scouting report compiled by Kelly Piccioni, Penn State Extension, Schuylkill County. This week's scouting data contributors: Kelly Piccioni, Penn State Extension; Don deMackiewicz, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Penn State Extension

Most erosion occurs prior to canopy closure in the months of April, May, and June, so this is a good time to inspect fields and take action if excessive erosion is observed.

Here we go again. The fuel price, in addition to all other escalated costs, will impact the bottom line for your farm. Take time to understand and evaluate all your costs with each crop you grow.

Resilience Coordinated Agricultural Project (RCAP) is currently recruiting a spring cohort. This university-managed program seeks farm management strategies in exchange for soil test analysis and monetary stipends.

Early burndown herbicide applications can be effective and certain factors should be considered for effective weed control.

Recommendations for small grain herbicides, nitrogen fertilizer carriers, and issues with adjuvants.

Pennsylvania vineyard and winery owners are encouraged to connect with Penn State undergraduate students who are enrolled in a viticulture course.

The forecast suggests that April 1 – 2 will trigger apple scab infections, and growers should keep an eye on April 3 – 5. Closely monitor your location. General tips for disease management during this time are discussed.

New initiative aims to expand knowledge and access to wind energy for homes, farms, and communities

Weekly scouting report compiled by Kelly Piccioni, Penn State Extension, Schuylkill County. This week's scouting data contributors: Kelly Piccioni, Penn State Extension; Don deMackiewicz, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Penn State Extension

We are approaching the time when allium leafminer will become active in PA and growers need to start now to prepare for this pest.

Many plant sales are scheduled throughout Pennsylvania. Sales support educational programs and feature plants chosen for local growing conditions. Details are listed below by county.

Learn how to safely preserve food at home through Penn State Extension's workshops on Home Food Preservation.

Penn State Extension offers in-person cooking and nutrition workshops in Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Lebanon, and York counties.

This bi-monthly article is a collection of forest health observations, plant and animal phenology, important upcoming dates, and hunting season changes.