May 15, 2024

Maps for Acreage Reporting Are Available

Maps are now available at the Berks County FSA Office for acreage reporting purposes. If you wish to receive your maps by e-mail, please call our office or email Nakku Senkeeto at nakku.senkeeto@usda.gov. Please see the following acreage reporting deadlines for Berks County:

June 17: Spring Barley, Spring Oats, Forage Seeding, Rye, Triticale, Spring Wheat

July 15: Corn, Soybeans, Grain Sorghum, Forage Seeding,Tomatoes, Potatoes, Sweet Corn (all other crops)

Aug. 15: Bean and Cabbage

Producers are encouraged to file their acreage reports as soon as planting is completed. FSA will not accept acreage reports provided more than a year after the acreage reporting deadline.

Start Your Grazing Season Right With This Checklist

Now is the time to manage pastures for optimal production.

Spring green-up starts at different times in Pennsylvania in our different climate regions. Regardless of your location, management will be the same.

As the weather warms and the spring rains give us plentiful pasture and hay growth, the temptation to get livestock out and onto grass will be high.

Schuylkill Valley senior Charlotte Wallace crowned Berks County Dairy Princess

Schuylkill Valley High School senior Charlotte Wallace of Mohrsville was crowned as the 2024-2025 Berks County Dairy Princess.

Request an Everyday Biosecurity Kit

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.

Avian Flu Exposure in Beef Cattle Likely, Risk Minimal

Recent detections of highly pathogenic avian influenza in dairy cattle across the country have heightened concerns about the spread of the virus to other livestock, but so far the risk has been low for beef cattle.

Will Cow Influenza Testing Affect Cattle Markets?

USDA's new influenza testing rules add a step to transporting dairy cows across state lines, but it's not clear if the cattle market will be affected.

The SWAG Bus was here on Saturday, May 4. The Berks County Conservation District revealed for the first time the SWAG Bus, which stands for Soil, Water and Agriculture. The SWAG Bus is a mobile educational center with many activities that kids and adults alike can partake in. Highlights of the bus include an augmented reality sandbox along with other hands-on displays to interact with. If you’d like more information or would like to book the bus, contact Jennifer Brooks at Berks County Conservation District.

WeConserve PA
Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts, Inc. - Check out Berks County Conservation District's open position for an Urban Agriculture Resource Conservationist
PennAg Job Board
USA Jobs - Pennsylvania
USA Jobs - USDA

Gardening in Small Spaces -A Bilingual Workshop

Gardening in Small Spaces -A Bilingual Workshop on Friday, May 17 at 5:30 p.m.

Kempton Fair: June 13-15

The Kempton Fair is held the third weekend of June on the beautiful grounds of the Kempton Community Center. The fair features livestock and other exhibits, a midway with kid and adult rides, games and food. There's live music, fireworks, truck and tractor pulls, vendors, crafters and artisans, a beer and wine garden and more.

The Berks County Fair: July 9 - 13

The fair is open all day every day to browse livestock and other exhibits. Midway open Wednesday - Friday 4 - 9 p.m., Saturday Noon - 9 p.m. Free admission. $5 parking donation.

Spanish/English Exchange for Animal Ag - Grow Together

The Spanish/English Exchange for Animal Ag course is designed for animal agricultural employees who would like to learn either Spanish or English (others welcome, but vocabulary...

Berks Ag Event Calendar

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!

View Events

Click image above to access the Farmers' Guide to PA State Funding & Grant Programs

Tax Credits Proposed to Preserve Historical Barns in Pennsylvania

A proposed tax credit to maintain historical barns is gaining support in the Pennsylvania Senate and elsewhere.

Pa. Opens Applications For $500,000 In PA Farm Bill Grants

Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding announced that Pennsylvania's Farm-to-School Grant program is offering schools and childhood centers to apply for up to $15,000...

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