The Berks County Department of Agriculture partnered with the Berks Ag Resource Network for the Pennsylvania Friends of Agriculture’s Ag Literacy Week. This year’s book The Soil in Jackie’s Garden was donated to Berks County elementary school classrooms and read by volunteers from the agriculture community. Over 1,000 students in 12 school districts were educated about the importance of agriculture. | |
Growing Berks: Agriculture's Economic Impact and a Roadmap for Its Future | The fact-finding portion of 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. | | | |
Emergency Commodity Assistance Program (ECAP) | To be eligible, producers must meet the following requirements: Be actively engaged in farming. Have an interest in input expenses for a covered commodity. Have reported acreage of eligible commodities to FSA for the 2024 crop year planted and prevent plant acres to FSA on an FSA-578, Report of Acreage form. | | | |
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.
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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
or
Berks County Department of Agriculture
1238 County Welfare Road
Leesport, PA 19533
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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. | | | | Bill Beam Appointed as Administrator for the Farm Service Agency | | Bill Beam will serve as the Administrator for the Farm Service Agency (FSA) within Farm Production and Conservation. Bill is from Elverson, Pennsylvania where he owns and operates Beam Farms Inc. with his family. In addition to growing corn, soybeans, wheat and hay, Beam Farms has a sawdust and wood shavings business that serves the wood industry and agriculture throughout Pennsylvania and surrounding states. Bill has served on various boards and committees including the Pennsylvania Soybean Board, United Soybean Board, United States Soybean Export Council, Rural Investment to Protect Our Environment and Tel Hai Board. Bill formerly served as Deputy Administrator of Farm Programs for FSA in the first Trump Administration. | |
Enhancing Program Access and Delivery for Farm Loans | The Farm Service Agency (FSA) has introduced new rules to make it easier for farmers and ranchers to get and use farm loans. These changes will help them make more money and invest in their farms. FSA is working to make these loan programs easier to access and use, especially for those who need it most. | | | |
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. | | | |
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.
| | | | Grow PA Scholarship Grant Program | |
This program helps in-state students pay for school and builds the workforce in PA for in-demand occupations.
The Grow PA Grant Program provides grants (maximum award $5,000 per year) to students who meet the qualifying criteria. A student can receive a Grow PA Grant for a maximum of four academic years.
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Ag in the Classroom
June 24-25 | 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
| K-12 Educators are invited on a two-day bus tour to visit and learn where your food and fiber comes from! This year's curriculum includes visits to Over Home Alpacas, Clover Farms, Sweet Street Desserts and Reading Phillies Turf Management. | | | |
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Food for Profit: Pricing Your Proteins Webinar
Tuesday, April 22 | Noon - 12:30 p.m.
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Discover insights on pricing strategies and market trends that can enhance your profitability. Our expert presenters will guide you through optimizing pricing structures and provide strategies such as bundling to help you gain a competitive edge.
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Financial Planning for Flock or Herd Profitability Webinar
Tuesday, April 22 | 7 p.m. - 8 p.m.
| Gain valuable insights on record-keeping strategies that drive profitability in your sheep or goat operation. This session will inspire you to review and refine your records, equipping you with the tools to turn data into actionable insights. By learning how to assess and apply key metrics, you’ll be empowered to make informed, strategic decisions that can enhance the productivity and financial health of your livestock enterprise. | | | |
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Weed Control in Horse Pastures Webinar
Thursday, April 24 | Noon - 1 p.m.
| Discover effective strategies for managing weeds in horse pastures without immediately reaching for herbicides. While some weed presence is natural, excessive growth can disrupt pasture health and productivity. This webinar will equip you with the knowledge to assess weed issues, explore non-chemical management options, and determine when, if ever, herbicides are necessary. Empower yourself to make informed decisions that support both your horses and your land. | | | | 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. | | | | |
Greater Berks Development Fund assisted with the purchase of vacant farmland in Ontelaunee Township. Acquiring PIDA financing of $271,750 was able to help complete the project and allow the family to grow and continue their crop farm operations.
| | | Archived Newsletter and Grow Together Blog | | Did you know we archive all of the newsletters? | | The Grow Together blog features seasonal topics! | | A cooperative effort between the GRCA and the Berks County Department of Agriculture through the support of the Berks County Commissioners. | | | | |
