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.

 

Regardless of circumstance, make no mistake – we’re still hard at work on your behalf. We live in a very connected world. While there may, at times, be a slight delay in our response during these challenging days ahead, you can expect to not see any disruption in service and support from PennAg otherwise. All PennAg staff will remain available to you via phone and email for assistance. Click here for more details and resources in regards to COVID-19.


PennAg Scholarship Application Period Now CLOSED
PennAg is proud to once again sponsor scholarships through the PennAg Scholarship Fund. Scholarships are awarded to students of PennAg member families. In 2019, we were able to award 7 scholarships worth $11,000. Congratulations and best wishes to all!

We believe building relationships and connecting with the youth of our industry is imperative to the growth and success of the agriculture community. In an effort to ensure the PennAg Scholarship Fund is assisting in the growth and development of the future of the agriculture industry in and around Pennsylvania, eligible applicants must be enrolled in a post-secondary educational institution, trade, or technical schooling program (2 year minimum) with a focus on agriculture and work for a PennAg member or be a child of a PennAg member.

Thank you to all who have submitted applications for 2020. Our committee is working to review the applications and will be in contact with students in the near future. 

Launch of Center for Poultry and Livestock Excellence

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.
__________________________________________________________