In the two years since I took office, I’ve enjoyed being part of events, meeting our farm families and agribusiness employees and seeing parts of the state I never visited before. Back in Harrisburg, my staff and I have worked to support and grow PA’s farm community and natural resources. We’re keeping farms viable by preserving more than 470,000 acres on 4,364 farms in 57 counties for future ag production – more than any other state. Gov. Corbett eliminated the “death tax” for family farms. We’re expanding markets, especially through PA Preferred®, the official brand of ag commodities made or grown in PA. Through the PA Dairy Leadership Council, we’re talking to reps from all segments of the dairy industry and taking their recommendations on policies, procedures, regulations and legislation directly to Gov. Corbett. We’re also operating our department efficiently with an eye for profitability, making sure we’re running parts like the PA Farm Show Complex and Expo Center like you run your households and businesses. And our other bureaus are continuing to protect Pennsylvania, ensuring the health and safety of our animals, plants and citizens. On behalf of PDA, I wish you a wonderful holiday and a prosperous new year.
Culinary Connection Brings Celebrity Chefs to Show
An all-star lineup of chefs, local celebrities and commodity producers will entertain visitors at the 2013 PA Farm Show as they create dishes from PA-sourced products on the PA Preferred® Culinary ConnectionStage. The PA Preferred® Culinary Connection features a unique theme every day, from apples to veal, offering visitors ideas for enjoying the specialty crops and other food produced in PA.
CDE Leads Tours of Lancaster Manure Digesters
Sec. Greig joined the Center for Dairy Excellence for tours of methane digesters in Lancaster County. With stops at Yippee Farms, Landis Farms, Kline’s Services and Oregon Dairy Farms, the group learned more about how progressive dairy operations are using digesters to recycle waste into energy.
Farm Show Hosts Seminar on Avoiding Scams
The Farm Show will host a free seminar on preventing identity theft, fraud and scams Sunday, Jan. 6, at 1 p.m. Derick Rill of the Federal Trade Commission will present and answer audience questions in the Susquehanna Roomabove the Maclay St. Lobby in the Farm Show Complex Keystone Conference Center.
2013 Dog Licenses Available
County treasurers are selling 2013 dog licenses. State law requires all dogs three months and older to be licensed by Jan. 1 each year. A dog license is an inexpensive way to keep peace of mind in case your dog gets lost. It’s your dog’s ticket home and it’s the law. Look for your county treasurer at www.licenseyourdogPA.com.
Neal McCoy Concert Canceled
Country artist Neal McCoy will not perform at the 2013 PA Farm Show. The show was scheduled for Friday, Jan. 4, at the PA Farm Show Complex and Expo Center.
Cow Patty Bingo Comes to Farm Show
Beautiful bovines will place their bets on a giant bingo card at 5:15 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 7, in the Large Arena. Purchase $25 squares for the chance to win a Weber grill and beef or Pennsylvania prize packages. All proceeds support the PA Farm Show Scholarship Foundation. Call 717-787-3418 for details.
