March 19, 2025

Growing Berks Economic Development Plan - Adopted

The fact-finding portion of the county's ag study, Growing Berks: Agriculture's Economic Impact and a Roadmap for Its Future, is now complete. The study compiled available data, incorporated comments from personal interviews and focus groups and used the information to quantify the contribution of agriculture to the county and regional economy and identify key areas of strengths and weaknesses.

Apply for our Berks County Outstanding Youth Awards

Outstanding 4-H Awards

Two outstanding youth currently enrolled in a Berks County 4-H Club will be selected from active membership based upon age, achievements, participation, and accomplishments. Special consideration and attention given to community service and involvement in the Berks County Fair. Special recognition and a $350 cash award, compliments of Fulton Bank, will be presented during the awards ceremony.

Outstanding FFA Member Awards

The winners of this award must be outstanding in their field of agriculture and a recent Keystone Award winner. The selection will be based on overall involvement in their respective organization on all levels with special consideration and attention given to community service and involvement in the Berks County Fair. Cash award of $350, compliments of Fulton Bank, will be presented to two outstanding FFA members at the awards ceremony.

America is turning 250 years old in 2026! Here in Berks County, we have some exciting things in the works.

Show Us Your Berks! Please help us show off our Amazing Ag Community! Please share with your friends and neighbors! We need your help to showcase our rich history of Agriculture. We are looking for stories, photos, collectibles and memorabilia to exhibit or showcase. Feel free to reach out to 610-378-1844 if you have any questions.

Please send contributions to:

DeptofAg@berkspa.gov

Berks County Department of Agriculture

1238 County Welfare Road

Leesport, PA 19533

Adopt a Cow Coloring Contest - Vote for Your Favorites

We couldn't think of a better way to choose the WINNERS of our first-ever Adopt A Cow Coloring Contest than asking dairy farmers like you to vote on your favorites! With over 6,000 submissions, we've narrowed it down to 20 entries from students from three different grade levels.

2025 Dairy Producer Survey | Center for Dairy Excellence

The Center for Dairy Excellence assists dairy farm families in the decision-making process and serves as a catalyst for collaboration to strengthen the broader industry. The Dairy Excellence Foundation supports programs that cultivate and inspire that next generation of Pennsylvania dairy.

DEP: Check Your Eligibility Now! Penn Energy Savers Rebates Are Coming Soon To Help Eligible Households Upgrade To Energy Efficient Appliances, Do Building Retrofits

Pennsylvanians will soon be able to apply for Penn Energy Savers rebates to help individual households and multifamily buildings upgrade to energy efficient appliances and do building retrofits to reduce home energy bills.

The Department of Environmental Protection received $258 million in federal Inflation Reduction Act funding to help families lower their energy bills through two programs.

County of Berks - Avian Influenza Resources

Sick birds or cows should be reported immediately. Sick livestock including chickens, turkeys or other birds contact: PA Bureau of Animal Health and Diagnostic Services

24/7 hotline 717-772-2852 option1 and leave a message for the veterinarian.

Request a FARM Record-Keeping Book

The Center for Dairy Excellence has free copies of Animal Care Protocol Record-Keeping Books available for Pennsylvania dairy producers and veterinarians. The intent is to help Pennsylvania dairy farm families comply with National FARM requirements associated with record keeping. One book should cover three program years.

Watershed Fellowship - Schuylkill River Greenways

Do you know a graduating senior or current college student who is interested in environmental education, communications or just getting involved with a thriving watershed nonprofit? Send them our way-we are looking for our 2025 Watershed Fellow. Click the link below for job details and requirements. Applicants must be 18 by the June start date.

Penn State Extension Dairy Events

Dairy Field Day | Thursday, April 17

Enhance your dairy expertise with hands-on demos and expert-led sessions on business, calf care, nutrition, and tech. Connect with peers, explore tools, and gain practical farm skills!

Women Rooted in Agriculture: Jersey Acres Farms & Stone Mountain Wine Cellars | Friday, May 23

Experience farm and winery tours, wine tasting, and a paint-and-sip session while learning how to diversify your dairy business with expert insights from the Penn State Extension Dairy Team.

If anyone is interested in transportation for these events, please contact the Berks County Department of Agriculture at 610-378-1844 or DeptofAg@berkspa.gov.

Private Water Supply Education & Water Testing Webinar

Tuesday, April 1 | 6:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

A free water test included. The Penn State Extension will host a webinar on Tuesday, April 1 on Private Water Supply Education and Water Testing from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

Pa Land Institute

Saturday, April 5 | 8 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Please join the Attorney Joan London, along with the Berks County Planning Commission and the Berks County Department of Agriculture for the PA Land Institute. Come hear about the Recent Land Use Court Decisions and Pending Legislation, The New Berks County Comprehensive Plan, the Berks County Agricultural Land Conservation Program and the recently adopted Growing Berks Agriculture Economic Study.

Find your next event, from credit courses to weekend family fun, on the Berks Ag Event Calendar. This calendar is a community effort to benefit farmers and non-farmers alike! Browse events by photo tiles, list, or calendar view. Search by titles, topics, audience or other criteria. Click the event title for more details on each event.

Berks Ag Event Calendar

Contact GRCA's Director of Lending and Business Outreach,

Kayla Hayick to learn more 610.898.7761 | khayick@greaterreading.org

Archived Newsletter and Grow Together Blog

Did you know we archive all of the newsletters?

Archived Newsletters

The Grow Together blog features seasonal topics!

Grow Together Blog

A cooperative effort between the GRCA and the Berks County Department of Agriculture through the support of the Berks County Commissioners.

Subscribe to the Ag Newsletter

Questions?:

Contact Berks County Department of Agriculture at 610-378-1844 or DeptofAg@countyofberks.com