June 21, 2023

Welcome to the New Berks County Local Food Map!

In Berks County, PA, the heart of local farming beats strong and our community’s love for fresh, homegrown produce can’t be beat. That’s why we’re excited to introduce our brand-new map directory and event calendar. These comprehensive resources are designed to connect customers with the finest ingredients and food our local farms have to offer.

Request Posters and Rack Cards | Center for Dairy Excellence

The Center for Dairy Excellence assists dairy farm families in the decision-making process and serves as a catalyst for collaboration to strengthen the broader industry. The Dairy Excellence Foundation supports programs that cultivate and inspire that next generation of Pennsylvania dairy.

Free Farm Safety Videos and Signs Available for Dairy Producers | Center for Dairy Excellence

Fact sheets provide new insights into agritourism and direct sales for U.S. states | Penn State University

A new set of fact sheets provides comprehensive insights into the demographics of U.S. farms that offer agritourism activities or sell food directly to consumers or both. The fact sheets are available for all 50 states and are intended to help local decision makers, farmers and the organizations that support them in their efforts to strengthen and expand agritourism enterprises.

Fetterman, Casey introduce legislation to protect mushroom farmers

The Protecting Mushroom Farmers Act would require the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to conduct a study on providing crop insurance for mushroom farmers. Mushrooms are the No. 1 cash crop in...

Egg prices plunge most in more than 70 years in reversal from huge spike

Egg-flation is reversing quickly.

Canadian Wildfires Affect Pennsylvania Produce Farms

Farmers in southeastern Pennsylvania are facing challenges due to the hazardous air quality caused by Canadian wildfires, leading to disrupted operations and potential financial impact.

Your Guide to the 2023 Farm Bill

The Farm Bill helps farmers weather downswings in commodity prices, yes. But it also protects waterways and forests, provides groceries for needy people and supports the development of markets for local food. It even helps rural communities purchase police cars.

Pa.'s 2023 Scooped Ice Cream trail has more than 40 cool stops

Those who visit six or more creameries will receive a commemorative ice cream scoop.

Berks creamery is again on Pa.'s Ice Cream Trail

Way-Har Farm Market in Jefferson Township is among 42 stops on the trail.

Ten Ways to Reduce Stress on Your Beef Cattle Operation

Quality colostrum and vaccination can get animals off to a great start, but even in a vaccinated animal, stress can compromise their immune system and make them susceptible to respiratory disease.

Did You Know?

Berks ranks in top 100 counties nationally for market value of products sold:

14th for nursery, greenhouse, floriculture, sod;
51st for cultivated Christmas trees and short rotation woody crops; and
66th for milk from cows.

Grow Together Blog

Whether you’re looking for local gift ideas, tips and recipes to use in your own home, or Berks County farm news, you can find it all on our blog and more. There’s something for everyone to read and enjoy.

HPAI Recovery Reimbursement Grant, Deadline Extended June 29th!

The Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Recovery Reimbursement Grant program is administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture to provide reimbursement to farms, integrators, and allied industries directly impacted by HPAI by suffering demonstrable financial losses due to inclusion in a control or quarantine zone.

Round four is open. Application period will run from March 1, 2023 to June 29, 2023.

To view more information on the grant click here.

View the application here.

Horizon Farm Credit – Grow Ahead Program

Loans, grants, and education programs for Young, Beginning, Small, Minority, & Veteran Farmers
Jump Start Grant Program launched June 1 JumpStart

Employment Opportunities

Trails and Natural Resource Supervisor (Parks & Recreation)

The Natural Resource Supervisor will oversee the management, stewardship and program delivery of the Parks & Recreation Department’s natural resources, trails and environmental activities at all Berks County-owned Parks and trails. The employee is responsible for assisting, creating plans and the management of the Park System’s natural areas- including trails, forests, fields, waterways, and gardens. This position directs and manages park maintenance staff and is required to handle a multitude of tasks including working with other program staff, volunteers, and organizations, as well as administrative functions.

Learn More

Berks Ag Event Calendar on the NEW Grow Together Website

Find your next event here, from credit courses to weekend family fun! This calendar is a community effort to benefit farmers and non-farmers alike! Are you planning an agricultural event in Berks County? Complete the online form to have your event featured on the Grow Together website's event calendar.

View Event Calendar

Archived Newsletter and Grow Together Blog

Did you know we archive all of the newsletters?

Archived Newsletters

The Grow Together blog features seasonal topics!

Grow Together Blog

A cooperative effort between the GRCA and the Berks County Department of Agriculture through the support of the Berks County Commissioners.

Subscribe to the Ag Newsletter

Questions?:

Contact Berks County Department of Agriculture at 610-378-1844 or DeptofAg@countyofberks.com