The team at PennAg is closely monitoring the continuous developments surrounding COVID-19 and its potential spread and impact to the industry. As such, we continue to work closely with local, state and federal experts, to ensure our members have all the necessary information as it becomes available. Through it all, our top priority is the health and well-being of our members and the continuity of your agribusinesses.
On Tuesday, November 19, 2019, Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding and Chris Herr, executive vice president of PennAg Industries, visited a Heritage Poultry Management organic egg farm in Lebanon County to discuss how their new partnership through the PA Farm Bill’s Center for Poultry and Livestock Excellence will assist swine, poultry, and small ruminant producers with everything from expanding processing capacity to biosecurity planning.
“In this ever-changing industry, we’re working to prepare today’s producers for tomorrow’s challenges with a unique variety of essential resources available through this center,” said Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding. “This partnership opens the door to a stronger animal ag sector in Pennsylvania and a future of opportunity.” Earlier this year, Governor Tom Wolf signed the first-ever Pennsylvania Farm Bill and funded the Center for Poultry and Livestock Excellence at $1 million. A board of directors – representative of the swine, poultry, and small ruminant sectors as well as a diverse group of agriculture, animal health, and academic stakeholders – will guide the center to ensure the mission set forth by the PA Department of Agriculture is fulfilled.
The center will provide the following resources and investments to the industry:
Biosecurity education and planning assistance;
Biosecurity implementation grants;
Regional workshops for strategic and emergency communications planning;
Build-out of statewide animal agriculture infrastructure;
Research to approve hemp for animal feed; and
Investments in improved food safety infrastructure.
“PennAg is pleased that the Pennsylvania Farm Bill’s Center for Poultry and Livestock Excellence calls attention to the continued growth, challenges, and importance of the livestock industry in the commonwealth,” said PennAg Executive Vice President Chris Herr. “We’re eager to assist in driving the growing poultry and swine industries forward through this new Center, as both play a vital role to Pennsylvania agriculture." The PA Farm Bill is Governor Wolf’s $23.1 million investment in Pennsylvania agriculture to grow opportunities and resources, remove barriers to entry, and inspire future generations of leaders within agriculture.__________________________________________________________
January 25-29
Virtual IPPEJanuary 28 PennAg Aquaculture Council Meeting 12:30 p.m.(via Zoom)February 9 PennAg Nominating Committee Meeting 1 p.m. (via Zoom)
February 18
Poultry Health Committee Meeting
9:30 a.m.
(via Zoom)
February 22
PA Game Bird Breeders Conference
8 a.m.
(via Zoom)February 23 PennAg Insurance Committee Meeting 10 a.m.(PennAg Office & Zoom)February 23 PennAg Membership Committee Meeting 11 a.m.(PennAg Office & Zoom)February 23 PennAg Legislative Committee Meeting 1 p.m.(via Zoom)
Northwood Office Center • 2215 Forest Hills Dr., Suite 39 • Harrisburg • PA 17112 • Need directions? Click here.Phone: 717 • 651 • 5920 Fax: 717 • 651 • 5926 Email: pennag@pennag.comOffice Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.