Top USDA Official Talks Latest in Organic Crop Insurance at PCO Certified Farms
A top official from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Risk Management Agency took to the road this week to get feedback from farmers in Pennsylvania on how new enhancements to federal crop insurance are helping organic producers.
Associate Administrator Tim Gannon visited two PCO Certified Organic farms in Chambersburg, Pa., on Tuesday (April 19). He was accompanied by other RMA officials as well as Hannah Smith-Brubaker, Deputy Secretary of Pennsylvania’s Department of Agriculture.
 (From left) Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Deputy Secretary Hannah Smith-Brubaker, USDA Risk Management Agency Associate Administrator Tim Gannon, Jason Forrester and Tony Forrester talk about crop insurance for organic farmers at one of their farms in Chambersburg, Pa.
The group met with PCO Certified Organic farmers Jason and Tony Forrester, cousins who have multiple farms in the Chambersburg area. Both have federal crop insurance policies that cover certified organic crops including corn, soybeans and wheat.
“I don’t ever bat an eye at paying my premium,” said Jason Forrester, who has nearly 900 acres, all certified organic or in transition. “If not me, I know some farmer, somewhere, is going to need it.”
For the full story, click here.
Request for Proposal- PCO Strategic Planning Consultant
PCO is seeking ongoing consultant services to assist the Board and staff throughout the strategic planning process. The process will include creating a vision statement, strategic planning retreat, and creation of goals and milestones to meet the organization’s needs. A SWOT analysis will also identify key issues to aid in the strategic planning process.
PCO’s Background and Purpose
PCO’s mission is to ensure the integrity of organic products and provide education, inspection, and certification services that meet the needs of our members.
In 2010, PCO began a systematic strategic planning process of envisioning a desired future and translating this vision into broadly defined goals or objectives and a sequence of steps to achieve them. In early 2013, a Strategic Planning Subcommittee (SPS) was established in order to bring all those past efforts to fruition. By the end of 2013, PCO had its first written strategic plan with 3-year goals (2014 – 2016). As PCO begins the last year of the 3-year goals, it is time to begin thinking of the next strategic plan process.
For more info, click here.
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Events
Organic Plant Sale
May 20
Rodale Institute
Kutztown, PA
rodaleinstitute.org
Memorial Day
PCO Office Closed
May 30
Spring Mills, PA
paorganic.org
Certified Poultry Technician Training & Avian Influenza Update
June 3
Farm & Home Foundation of Lancaster County
CROPP Cooperative/Organic Valley- Dr. Larry Tranel
Economics of Organic Dairy Farming
June 8, 11:30am-2pm
Charvin Organic Farms
Mifflin, PA
Click here for more info
PCO's Transition to Organic Grain Study Circle and Farm Tour
June 23, 9am-3pm
Eugene Lapp Farm
Kinzers, PA
paorganic.org/TransitiontoOrganicGrain
SAVE THE DATE
PASA's Summer Conference
Soil Health Conference: Living Roots 24/7/365
July 28 & 29
Grange Fairgrounds
Centre Hall, PA
Click here for more info
PCO Member Day
July 29
Grange Fairgrounds
Centre Hall, PA
PA Organic FarmFest 2016
July 29 & 30
Grange Fairgrounds
Centre Hall, PA
farmfest.paorganic.org
For a full listing of events, visit the PCO online calendar.
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Classifieds
For Sale
Dairy quality Organic baleage, corn & Organic soybeans. OEFFA Certified. Forage test results available, we can do local deliveries. We custom dry and store Organic grain. Call 570-412-1392. Union County.
Organic Baleage for sale. Individually wrapped round bales. 2nd, 3rd, and 4th cutting. Alfalfa and mixed hay. 717-471-9438. 1 Mile of I78 in northern Berks County.
Organic Dry Hay, Baleage and Straw in 4x4 wrapped round bales. High energy and digestibility, Priced based on forage test results. Trucking available. Organic grains and seed also available, call for availability. Provident Farms, Dave Johnson 570-324-2285
Services
Manure management plans, Ag erosion and settlement plans, manure brokering, and nutrient management planning. Government certified. Contact Ned Fogleman 717-994-4630.
Ag plastic recycling- I can use black and white bunker covers, bale wrap, plastic twine, clear stretch film, greenhouse covers, flats, and pots. Call for details. 717-658-9660. Franklin County, PA.
To see the complete classifieds listings or to post an ad, click here.
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Member News
A Warm Welcome to Our April New Members
Newly Certified
Benuel S. Stoltzfus
Transitioning
Andrew Bater
David S. Beiler
Emanuel Byler
Samuel Fisher
David Hawbaker
Henry Hershberger
Jeff Olmstead
James Slicer
Sustainer
William & Valerie Baker
Amos L. Beiler
David K. Blank
Urie M. Byler
Samuel B. Byler
Harvey U. Byler
Richard B. Carnright
Bill Chirdon
Rufus & Anna Ruth Fox
Melvin E. Glick
Abner A. Glick
Jill & Bryan Greenawalt
Samuel Hale
Uria R. Hertzler
Timothy M. Hoover
Aaron Kilmer
John E. King
Reuben K. King
Amos K. Lapp
Gideon S. Lee
Laurence N. Leinbach
Aaron N. Leinbach
Wesley Martin
Harvey Martin
Anthony Oberholtzer
Steven L. Stoltzfus
David B. Stoltzfus
David Taydus
Melvin B. Troyer
Jeremy Van Pelt
Joe Wengerd
Ervin Yoder
Rudy Yoder
Joseph & Menno Zook
Noah Zook
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