Nov. 15, 2023

Ag Biz Masters

AgBiz Masters is an FSA Certified interactive learning series designed specifically for young and beginning farmers. The two-year program takes a blended learning approach with on-demand, eLearning modules and activities, coupled with live webinar instruction.

The registration fee is $225, however when you successfully complete the course and if you reside within Horizon Farm Credit's territory, they’ll reimburse you the whole fee, making the course FREE!

USDA Launches Initiative to Enhance Competitiveness of the U.S. Specialty Crops Industry

Agriculture Deputy Secretary Torres Small announced that the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) is initiating a new effort to further support the U.S. specialty crops sector and increase the competitiveness of its products as part of the Biden-Harris Administration's efforts to build new, more and better markets that catalyze opportunity for American farmers.

Pennsylvania State Grange Celebrates 150 Years of Rural Activism

The State Grange was formed in 1873 as industrialization was reshaping the largely rural United States. Today the Grange combines tradition with a desire to remain relevant.

Partnership Connects Cash to Farmers for Conservation

Farmers are about the see an influx of funds for conservation.

That was the message from Terry Cosby, head of USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service, during a visit to a Berks County dairy farm thriving with conservation assistance.

The Oct. 19 gathering was a celebration of opportunity through partnership — a longstanding collaboration between the host farmers and a multiagency agreement formally creating a new Center for Agriculture Conservation Assistance Training.

Sweet Potato or Yam?

Is it a sweet potato or yam? What many call a yam is actually a sweet potato (Ipomoea batatas). Although they may look and taste very similar, the true yam and sweet potato are not botanically related. Sweet potatoes belong to the morning glory family Convolvulaceae while yams belong to a different family called Dioscoreaceae.

Pennsylvania Leads All Other States in the Chesapeake Bay Watershed in Conserved Land Acreage

The Chesapeake Bay Program, a coalition of federal, state, and private/local collaborating organizations, recently released a report that points to strong progress being made toward its ambitious 2025 land conservation goals. In particular, the report points toward strong results for conservation progress in Pennsylvania, which leads all other states in the Chesapeake Bay watershed in conserved land acreage.

Ag Department Invites Proposals for $1 Million in Grants to Boost Sales and Quality of Pennsylvania Vegetable, Fruit, Nut, Nursery Crops

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture is accepting proposals for $1 million in grants to increase the competitiveness of the state's horticultural specialty crops including fruit, nut, vegetable, nursery, honey, and floral products. Projects will be funded through the U.S. Department of Agriculture Specialty Crop Block Grant program, which is administered by the state.

NRCS Announces Pennsylvania Conservation Funding Opportunities for FY 2024

The USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is announcing fiscal year 2024 assistance opportunities for Pennsylvania agricultural producers and private landowners for key programs, such as the Agricultural Management Assistance (AMA) program, Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP), Enviro

Dairy Job Opportunities | 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.

Bountiful Berks Banquet and Awards Ceremony

Ticket sales are open for B.A.R.N.'s Bountiful Berks Banquet.The event will return to Leesport Farmers Market on Monday, Dec. 4, 2023, from 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Join B.A.R.N. to support and celebrate our outstanding local farmers, food producers, and Ag-related business owners.

Passing the Torch: Interactive Transition Planning Workshop | Center for Dairy Excellence

VIRTUAL LIVE WEBINAR Agrivoltaics and Large-Scale Solar

Agrivoltaics and Large-Scale Solar will discuss agrivoltaics as it relates to large-scale solar developments. Agrivoltaics is a term used to describe co-locating solar panels with farmland and...

VIRTUAL WORKSHOP Farmers Market Manager Forum

The Farmers Market Manager Forum is a meeting in which managers can discuss issues and share best practices with one another for improving their markets.

VIRTUAL LIVE WEBINAR Soil Fertility and Nutrient Management

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...

Berks Ag Event Calendar

Find your next event here, from credit courses to weekend family fun! This calendar is a community effort to benefit farmers and non-farmers alike!

View Events

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.

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Questions?:

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