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Indiana non-GMO farmer Cameron Mills and other speakers offered tips for improving soil health and profitability Jan. 31 at the Pennsylvania No-Till Alliance's winter meeting. The daylong event in Adams County, repeated two days later in western Pennsylvania, covered a lot of ground. But here are three notable take-home messages.

Elementary-school students would no longer see chocolate milk on their cafeteria trays under a new USDA proposal. The agency is seeking comment on a proposal to allow flavored milk only in high school, and maybe middle school, as a way to improve children's nutrition. Younger students would be allowed only plain milk.

Pennsylvania poultry owners are being advised to take steps now to protect flocks against the Avian flu. As spring wild bird migration nears, Pennsylvania Depart

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced a nationwide feedback survey targeting farmers, ranchers, and forest managers. USDA hopes to reach a new audience of prospective customers specifically, those who don’t know about us or have yet to work with us, and those who were unable to participate in the past. Existing USDA customers can also take the survey and provide valuable feedback. This vital data collection will assist USDA’s agencies that deliver farm programs, including the Farm Service Agency (FSA), Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Risk Management Agency (RMA) in learning about way to enhance support and improve programs and services, increase access and advance equity for new and existing customers

The survey is anonymous, takes about 10 minutes to complete, is open until March 31, 2023.

The Shapiro Administration announced that the department received a more than $8.8 million increase in federal funding for food access for low-income seniors through the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program. Pennsylvania will receive more than 17.6% of $50 million in American Rescue Plan grants the USDA awarded to 47 states to boost each state's program in 2023 and 2024.

Acting Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding recently announced $200,000 in grants to three agriculture nonprofits to fund projects aimed at growing fiber and food hemp markets, sales and awareness in Pennsylvania. Redding also called for proposals from marketing and promotion non-profits for an additional $392,000 in grants to be awarded in March 2023.

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.

Monday, March 6 - Join the Greater Reading Chamber Alliance (GRCA) & the Berks Family Business Alliance (FBA) for a forum dedicated to our local agriculture resources, businesses and family farms. This half-day forum will offer business planning, succession planning and financing resources to support this extremely vital piece of the Berks County community.