Join us as a sponsor or exhibitor at the 2025 Penn State Extension Crops Conferences and Crops Days! These educational programs, held at 12 in-person locations and virtually, will feature expert-led sessions on crop management, emerging technologies, and best practices in agriculture. All events offer pesticide applicators the opportunity to earn a minimum of 2 Core and 2 Category credits, with additional agronomic topics varying by location. These events provide valuable networking opportunities for participants and businesses alike.

The 76^th Annual Corn Improvement Conference is a two-day event that brings together crop consultants, farmers, students, and academic and extension professionals to discuss the latest developments in corn research and advancements. Participants will gain valuable insights into best management practices for corn grain and silage production, along with an overview of the successes and challenges from the 2024 growing season. Students are welcome to attend and may register to present a poster; they can also give a short oral presentation. Additionally, attendees will explore emerging topics and look ahead to trends shaping the industry in 2025, providing today’s agricultural leaders with the knowledge to stay informed and prepared.

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.

December 19 12 PM (registrants will receive a link to the recorded webinar if you cannot attend) Join our Organic Study Circle webinar for a collaborative opportunity to learn about organic certification and transition processes from industry experts. Panelists from Pennsylvania Certified Organic (PCO), the Northeast Organic Farming Association of New York (NOFA), the Rodale Institute, and the USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) will share their insights on certification requirements and support available for transitioning farms. This interactive, no-cost session, sponsored by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, is open to all—whether you're certified organic or simply curious about organic practices. Come with questions and a willingness to engage! Preregistration is required to access the webinar link.

January 10 12 PM: Discover essential insights into the financial considerations of hiring and managing employees in your farm or food enterprise. Learn how to navigate labor costs and ensure the sustainability of your business, all while staying within budget. Don't miss this opportunity to make informed decisions that will drive success in your business in 2024.

January 7 - February 7 9 AM to 12 PM: Designed to increase working tree knowledge and professional arborist skills, successful completion of the ten-day Arborist Short Course Series will prepare participants for the ISA Certified Arborist exam, as well as improve their marketability. This certification designates a level of professionalism that most arborists do not have. The course is designed to allow participants to view lectures live or recordings and take the required quizzes to complete the course and receive a certificate of completion and ISA CEUs (if requesting them).

January 8 – February 19 12 to 1 PM: Join thousands of citizens committed to making a difference in their communities by becoming a Tree Tender. Through the Tree Tenders® training program, developed by the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society in partnership with Penn State Extension Urban Foresters, you'll gain the skills needed to restore and care for your community's tree canopy. This program empowers individuals to take meaningful action by learning how to plant, prune, and maintain trees, directly contributing to environmental health and sustainability. Become part of a growing movement dedicated to enhancing green spaces and increasing tree cover in neighborhoods across Pennsylvania.

January 15 12:30 to 2 PM: Explore the fascinating world of mycorrhizal fungi and uncover the truth behind common misconceptions in this engaging webinar. Mycorrhizal fungi play a crucial role in helping trees and plants access essential nutrients, forming intricate relationships with individual plants and even spreading across vast forest ecosystems. However, misinformation about these unique organisms is widespread. Join us to gain a clear understanding of mycorrhizal fungi, the challenges scientists face in studying them, and their essential functions within forest health.

January 15 – March 12 7 to 8:30 PM: The vast majority of landowners have small woodlots less than 10 acres in size. Woods in Your Backyard Series is designed specifically, but not exclusively, for smaller landscapes. Join us to learn how landowners can create and enhance natural areas around their homes while positively influencing the environment by implementing simple stewardship practices.

January 16 12 PM: Are you a farmer or food business owner starting a new enterprise, expanding your current operation, or seeking financing to grow to the next level? A solid business plan is essential. But what exactly is a business plan, and how can it shape your marketing and management practices? What do funders expect before making an investment? Join us for a brief lunchtime webinar to kick off the new year and jumpstart your new or updated business plan. Participants will receive helpful templates to guide them toward success.

January 17 12 PM: Discover insights on pricing strategies and market trends that can enhance your profitability. Our expert presenters will guide you through optimizing pricing structures and provide strategies such as bundling to help you gain a competitive edge.

January 18 9:30 AM: Uncover the ecological importance and timeless appeal of ferns in garden landscapes with Master Gardener Kevin Kelly. This engaging presentation will delve into the ideal growing conditions for native ferns, spotlighting over 25 unique species that thrive in diverse environments—ranging from dry shade and moist woodlands to wetland edges and even full-sun locations. Discover how these resilient plants can enrich your garden with texture, beauty, and an enduring connection to nature.

January 21 – January 22 10 AM to 4 PM: Poultry producers and agricultural professionals are cordially invited to participate in the poultry welfare certification course hosted by Penn State Extension. This comprehensive program, led by industry-leading experts, will delve into crucial topics in both the layer and meat poultry sectors. Improve your knowledge and practices in poultry welfare through this engaging and informative course.

Berks Nature is partnering with PennState Extension's Master Gardeners for this special workshop all about collecting and storing seeds!

Attend the 56th Annual Lancaster Cattle Feeders Day to learn about market trends, risk management and biosecurity, with lunch and networking opportunities included.

Agricultural producers of perishable commodities including fruits, vegetables and floriculture can now get funding for controlled atmosphere storage through Farm Storage Facility Loans (FSFL) offered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Farm Service Agency (FSA). Controlled atmosphere storage regulates the concentrations of oxygen, carbon dioxide and nitrogen in a storage room to increase the shelf life of crops.

The Farm Vitality Planning Grant Program helps fund professional services for those planning for the future of a farm-designed to enhance the long-term vitality of Pennsylvania's farms.