Submitted by Editor on Fri, 01/02/2009 - 12:21pm.
This Year's Theme: 'Keeping Pennsylvania Growing' Dennis Wolff Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture The 2009 Pennsylvania Farm Show is just around the corner and it promises to showcase Pennsylvania’s innovative and diverse agriculture industry. Matching this year’s theme of Keeping Pennsylvania Growing, the 93rd installment of the show will highlight how our state’s agribusinesses are incorporating cutting edge technologies and infusing our economy with jobs and capital investments, contributing to a safe food supply, and generating increasingly more renewable energy that’s helping to reduce our dependence on foreign oil. The Farm Show also aims to help agricultural producers find new, efficient ways to improve their businesses, especially in this time of economic challenges.
Submitted by Editor on Fri, 01/02/2009 - 12:14pm.
 Charlene M. Shupp Espenshade
Special Sections Editor “I have friends in overalls whose friendship I would not swap for the favor of the kings of the world.”
-Thomas A. Edison MANHEIM, Pa. — For many attending the Farm Show, it is the pursuit of the champion ribbon that is the drive for packing the animals and show boxes for a week at the Farm Show Complex.
Submitted by Editor on Fri, 01/02/2009 - 12:10pm.
 Linda Williams
Southwestern Pa. Correspondent EVERETT, Pa. — At age 10, J.C. Norris of Everett, a student at Northern Bedford County High School, is already a Farm Show veteran. He’s been showing animals since age six. On a cold Saturday in December, he has completed his chores and is working his muskrat traps along the scenic stream on the Norris property. His older sister, Kaytee, 16, a sophomore at Northern, began showing animals in the third grade. Their parents Jeff and Carol Norris enjoy attending the Farm Show as much as the kids.
Submitted by Editor on Fri, 01/02/2009 - 12:07pm.
 Rocky Womack
Virginia Correspodent For seven to 15 years, Virginia southeastern farmers have practiced no-till conservation. As a result, a lot of land has not been tilled for years and has built up a fair amount of organic matter in the topsoil, which is a good thing.
Submitted by Editor on Fri, 01/02/2009 - 12:05pm.
 Vogel Only ‘Actual’ Farmer in the State Legislature Carol Ann Gregg
Western Pa. Correspondent ROCHESTER, Pa. — Why would a fourth-generation dairy farmer throw his hat into the ring to run for state senator? When Sen. Gerald LaValle decided to retire from his Senate seat in the 47th District, many people approached Elder A.
Submitted by Editor on Fri, 01/02/2009 - 12:01pm.
From organic fish to synthetic growth hormones in dairy production, Americans have some big concerns about our food supply, according to a November 2008 Consumer Reports food-labeling poll. Here’s a snapshot of what consumers said, plus a look at the realities of each issue. Organic Fish
• 93 percent of consumers polled agree that fish labeled organic should be produced from 100 percent organic feed like all other organic food animals.
• 90 percent of consumers polled agree that organic fish farms should be required to recover all waste so they can’t pollute the environment.
• 57 percent of consumers polled are concerned about ocean pollution caused by fish farms advertised as organic. The reality: Despite Americans’ concerns, the National Organic Standards Board passed a recommendation in November 2008 that would allow fish to be fed non-organic fishmeal, which can be contaminated with mercury and PCBs.
Submitted by Editor on Fri, 01/02/2009 - 11:56am.
Chris Torres
Staff Writer A combination of high energy and food prices as well as a slumping world economy has resulted in an additional 77 million people suffering from malnutrition in 2008, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization. With that in mind, the Rodale Institute has issued a fresh call for more research into organic food production as a possible solution. In a report issued last month, entitled “The Organic Green Revolution,” the Kutztown, Pa.-based organization pointed to its own research as well as research done by other organizations in calling for an increased use of organic and “natural” ag practices as a way to increase crop yields and protect the environment while doing it on the same land being used today. The report cited an October report from the United Nations Environment Programme which listed organic agriculture as the answer to, among other things, solving hunger issues in some of the world’s most poorest countries.
Submitted by Editor on Fri, 01/02/2009 - 11:54am.
R-CALF-USA BILLINGS, Mont. — Just over a month after R-CALF USA sent a formal letter to the USDA’s Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service-Veterinary Services (APHIS-VS) demanding that the agency retract a memorandum mandating premises registration, APHIS-VS officially canceled the memo on Monday. The memorandum mandated premises registration under the National Animal Identification System (NAIS) for producers engaged in interstate commerce and who participate in any one of the dozen or more federally regulated disease programs. R-CALF USA told the agency in its Nov.
Submitted by Editor on Fri, 01/02/2009 - 11:52am.
 Angus Breeders Use DNA Tests to Sleuth Out Source of Congenital Defect Dick Wanner
Lancaster Farming Staff NEW HOLLAND, Pa. — Curly calf syndrome may have had some Angus breeders ready to jump off their silos this past year, but Barb Weaver took the threat to her business in stride. “Everybody in the breed knows about curly calf,” said Weaver, who has 35 breeding cows and heifers on her New Holland farm.
Submitted by Editor on Fri, 01/02/2009 - 11:45am.
 Rebecca Long Chaney
Special to Lancaster Farming BALTIMORE — More than 250 young farmer members, guests and honorees from across the country attended the National Young Farmer Educational Association here recently. The four-day event included agricultural communications and management competitions, leadership sessions, banquets and tours in Pennsylvania, Maryland and Delaware. The NYFEA is the official adult student organization for agricultural education as recognized by the U.S.
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