Nov. 15, 2024

Nominations for the B.A.R.N. Excellence in Agriculture Awards are OPEN!

We want to hear from you! Tell us about those in our ag community who deserve recognition for their exceptional work and efforts.


The Berks Agricultural Resource Network, BARN, is now seeking nominations for four award categories meant to acknowledge and encourage excellence in agriculture-related areas.


Entries are due on or before Wednesday, Nov. 20.


Submit Nominations!

Farm Taxes: Year-End Tax Planning

As the fiscal year ends, it's time for farmers to assess their financial standing and make strategic decisions to minimize tax liability. During Farm Taxes: Year-End Tax Planning, we'll cover key strategies and considerations for effective year-end tax planning, providing essential insights to help farmers navigate the complexities of tax preparation and optimize their financial outcomes.

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Advice for navigating tense farm and family conversations

We all know farming can be stressful, especially when prices are lower or weather conditions are difficult. Most farm families have been through these cycles before, but that doesn’t make them easier to navigate.


During stressful times, it’s easy to put critical conversations on the back burner or avoid any other confrontation or stress. It is also more likely that other legal disputes develop, including those with family, neighbors, financial institutions, equipment or input dealers.

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Setting the Stage for Farm Succession: Retirement Planning

Are you a farmer concerned about achieving your ideal retirement lifestyle while ensuring a smooth business transition to the next generation or operator? If you're unsure about how to cover your retirement expenses or how Social Security and Medicare fit into your plans, the Setting the Stage for Succession: Retirement Planning workshop is designed for you.

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Pond Management for Rural and Farm Pond Owners

Learn basic pond maintenance and how to address common pond issues including excessive plant and algae growth, nuisance wildlife, and fishery management.

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Farm Sense

Farm Sense is a four-session workshop that teaches farmers how to understand financial statements such as the cash flow statement, the balance sheet and the income statement.

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Oley Daal Fersammling

Saturday, Nov. 23

Pennsylvania Dutch Entertainment, Music, Food and Fellowship! In PA Dutch and English! All are Welcome, only $25! Event starts at 1 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 23, doors open at 12:30. TICKETS:...

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Soil Fertility and Nutrient Management

Starts Monday, Dec. 2

Join Penn State Extension Specialists and Educators for an informative four-session workshop on Soil Fertility and Nutrient Management. This workshop aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of soil fertility fundamentals that underpin effective farming practices and soil health.

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Biocontrol School

Thursday, Dec. 5

The Biocontrol School is a must-attend event for greenhouse and vegetable growers, as well as enthusiasts eager to explore the world of biological control. Expert speakers from industry, academia, and experienced growers will share the latest advancements in biocontrol research and application. Don’t miss this unparalleled opportunity to network with like-minded professionals and stay at the cutting edge of sustainable pest control practices.

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Cultivating Business Conference

Friday, Dec. 6

Discover growth strategies at this conference including Google, social media, AI marketing, farm funding, grants, retirement, legal tax tips, POS systems, finance apps.

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Dairy Housing Options: My Tie Stall is Worn Out, Now What? Tuesday, Dec. 10

Join Penn State Extension for Dairy Housing Options: My Tie Stall Is Worn Out, Now What? to explore dairy housing options, including tie stalls, freestalls, and bedded packs. We'll discuss low-cost milking facilities and updating tie stalls. This workshop is ideal for farmers looking to make a change, those taking over from the previous generation, or those starting from scratch.

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Webinar: Many Little Hammers-A Multitactical Approach to Managing Weeds in Your Cropping System

Despite the continuous technological innovation that has been developed in the last few decades, weeds still represent a big threat to our agricultural production. It has been estimated that, overall, weeds cause the highest potential crop yield losses, with animal pests and pathogens being less important. In this webinar, you will learn how this holistic approach can facilitate your weed management plan and how to combine many different strategies in order to improve the efficacy of weed control in your cropping system.

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Webinar: Advancing Sustainable Pumpkin Production: The Role of Cover Crops and Roller Crimper Systems

This webinar will focus on the integration of cover crops and roller crimper systems for no-till vegetable farming, with a special emphasis on pumpkin cultivation. Learn how these practices reduce soil erosion, enhance soil health, and suppress weeds while supporting productive yields. Featuring insights from field studies along California’s southern coast, this session will showcase practical solutions for improving sustainability in irrigated pumpkin production, offering valuable strategies for farmers, researchers, and agricultural practitioners alike.

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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

USDA to Begin Issuing $2.14 Billion to Agricultural Producers through Key Conservation and Safety-Net Programs

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced that it will begin issuing more than $2.14 billion in payments to eligible agricultural producers, and landowners—providing much needed support through key conservation and safety-net programs. Producers should soon receive payments from USDA’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) for their participation in these programs aimed to conserve natural resources and keep family farms economically viable. 

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Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Funding Opportunities

Explore the opportunities available through the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture’s (PDA) grant funding programs in an upcoming webinar presented by the Penn State Extension Energy Team and PDA. This session will highlight funding avenues designed to support energy innovation and business planning for agricultural operations. Participants will learn how to connect with technical assistance providers to enhance farm operations through the Agricultural Innovation Grant, which aims to implement new technologies, conservation, and renewable energy projects. Additionally, the Farm Vitality Grant will be discussed, offering financial support for business planning, ownership transitions, and long-term farm sustainability.

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Contact GRCA's Director of Lending and Business Outreach, Kayla Hayick to learn more 610.898.8387 | khayick@greaterreading.org

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


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Questions?:

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