April 15, 2026

Planning Commission E-Flash

The Berks County Planning Commission’s April E-Flash is now available. This E-Flash focuses on: Newly released Data Center Advice, Long Range Transportation Plan Public Meetings as well as upcoming grant deadlines and training opportunities.

Pennsylvania Team Ag Ed Scholarships, Grants, and Opportunities

Unlock your potential! Support your educational and career goals. These resources are here to help you grow, lead, and succeed — don't miss out on the chance to invest in your future!

Dates to Remember:

• ACREAGE REPORTING MAPS AVAILABLE - APPOINTMENTS OPEN

• April 17, 2026 - Farmer's Bridge Assistance Program Deadline

• April 24, 2026 - Acreage Reporting for Specialty Crop Farmers Deadline

• April 30, 2026 - SDRP, Supplemental Disaster Relief Program (SDRP) Application deadline

ACREAGE REPORTING MAPS AVAILABLE - APPOINTMENTS OPEN

Maps are now available at the Berks County FSA Office for acreage reporting purposes. If you wish to receive your maps by e-mail, please call our office 610-478-7158 ext. 2 or email Nakku Senkeeto at nakku.senkeeto@usda.gov. Producers are encouraged to file their acreage reports as soon as planting is completed.

Soil Additive May Cut Farm Phosphorus Runoff

Research suggests active ingredient in fertilizer RhizoSorb can bind with phosphorus in poultry manure applications, significantly reducing nutrient pollution.

When farmers apply poultry litter — chicken manure — to fields as fertilizer, it adds nutrients to the soil like phosphorus that plants need. However, phosphorus can dissolve in water and runoff into streams instead of going into crops, causing water pollution and economic loss for farmers, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. That’s a huge problem in watersheds like the Chesapeake Bay, where farmers raise hundreds of millions of chickens each year. In an effort to reduce phosphorus runoff, a team led by Penn State researchers recently demonstrated that the use of a novel soil additive might be effective.

PA’s next generation of farmers is finding their roots

In the only state with its own Farm Bill, young farmers find support as they evolve a $132 billion industry.

Pennsylvania has the nation's largest population of farmers under the age of 35. Learn about some young farmers across the state (including Berks County) and how they have adapted to the unique challenges that they face and what is being done to support them.

• Dairy Herd Assistant – Internship Hetrickdale Farms LLC
• Weaver's Orchard
• Frecon Farms
• Agriteer
• Penn Ag Job Board
• WeConserve PA
• Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts

Live Webinar: May 20, 2026

In “Securing Your Financial Future: Passing on Personal Possessions,” participants will learn how to plan ahead for the transfer of sentimental items during times of major life change. Many families avoid conversations about personal belongings for fear of conflict, yet these decisions become unavoidable after a death or a transition in living arrangements. This program offers practical guidance for making thoughtful choices about heirlooms, keepsakes, and other meaningful possessions in ways that reduce stress and support family harmony. Planning in advance can ease emotional burdens and help ensure that personal treasures are passed on according to your wishes.

Register by: May 20, 2026

Admission: $5

AgWorks: Farmers Can Retire Too: Social Security Planning

April 21, 2026

Planning for retirement can be especially complex for farmers, particularly when it comes to understanding Social Security eligibility and benefits. This webinar provides a clear overview of how Social Security works and explains the unique considerations farmers face based on how taxable income is reported. Participants will learn why early planning matters and how Social Security can play a role in long-term retirement security. 

AgWorks: Health Insurance Options for Farmers

April 24, 2026

Designed for farmers and small business owners, the "Health Insurance Options for Farmers" program helps participants navigate the unique challenges of health coverage. Participants will expand their understanding of key health insurance terms and gain practical knowledge of health care plans tailored to the needs of agricultural and small business operations, empowering them to make informed decisions for themselves and their families.

Live Webinar: May 13, 2026

Planning for retirement is essential to determining how you will live once you choose to stop working. This webinar explores key considerations, including your anticipated retirement age, income sources, living expenses, and desired lifestyle. Because every situation is unique, participants will learn how to begin building a personalized plan, with an overview of employer-sponsored options such as pensions and 401(k) plans, personal investment strategies, and common retirement planning mistakes to avoid.

Register by May 12, 2026

Admission: $5.00

Second Step: Developing a Business Plan - Virtual 5:30 to 7:30 PM

April 29, 2026

Most financing options require a solid business plan. Learn all you need to know about operational and production planning, conducting market research and creating financial spreadsheets to attract funding for your business.

Penn State Extension Home Food Preservation Workshops

Sinking Spring Library 

Learn about today's recommended methods for home food preservation while dispelling food preservation myths and unsafe practices of the past during this in-person event.

Home Food Preservation: Jams and Jellies

April 15, 2026 | 3:00 PM or 5:30 PM

Registration https://pasbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/33291

Home Food Preservation: Pickling

June 5, 2026 | 3:00 PM or 5:30 PM

Registration

Home Food Preservation: Pressure Canning

July 1, 2026 | 3:00 PM or 5:30 PM

Registration

GrowForward: PASBDC's Agricultural Innovation Series

Hosted by Bucknell University SBDC

Join industry professionals and Pennsylvania entrepreneurs for the monthly GrowForward: PASBDC Agricultural Innovation webinar series exploring the spectrum of agricultural innovation, from market research and emerging opportunities to product development and commercialization.

ttps://pasbdc.ecenterdirect.com/events/3329

Webinar 4 – Prototyping and Testing

April 20, 2026 | 12:00 PM

Registration

Webinar 5 – Intellectual Property, Funding, and Commercialization

May 18, 2026 | 12:00 PM

Registration

Check out what we've been up to in the Ag Quarterly.

Ag Innovation Grants

Eligibility:

• A person who grows an agricultural commodity and who has anticipated sales greater than $2,000 per year.

• A person who processes an agricultural commodity and has anticipated sales greater than$10,000 per year.

• A person who provides technical assistance or services to farmers for conservation, engineering, veterinary care, animal disease management, farm management, agricultural commodity production, nutrient management or similar services.

Grant Types:

Planning Grant

On-site Grant

Regional Impact Grant

Application Period: Open: February 2nd, 2026 (8:00 AM) Close: April 18th, 2026 (11:59 PM) 

PA Fresh Food Financing Initiative

Eligibility:

Entities primarily engaged (70% or more of revenue) in the sale of fresh, staple and perishable food to consumers. 

• Entities that operate within Pennsylvania.  
• Entities that serve customers in underserved communities. 
• Entities that provide access to affordable, high-quality fresh food in these communities.
• Entities that expand access to Pennsylvania-grown or processed produce, dairy, and meat products. 

Food Enterprise: A business involved in the production, processing, and marketing of food products. It can include various types of businesses such as food production companies, specialty food processors, cooperatives, farmers markets, and farm-based enterprises which may be for-profit or non-profit that create value-added products. 

Grocery Stores: A retail food establishment with one or more retail locations totaling more than 30,000 retail square feet but less than 100,000 square feet.



Grant Types:

Matching reimbursement grants to defray the costs of an eligible project or equipment purchase, where the grant comprises no more than 85% of the project costs.

Grocery Store - up to $500,000

Food Enterprise - up to $100,000

Application Period: Open: 8 a.m. on Monday, March 30, 2026, and 5 p.m. on Wednesday, May 20, 2026.

Contact GRCA's Director of Lending and Business Outreach,

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

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.