In this issue: Scholarships for human livestock/poutry conferences; Agritourism funding; Learning opportunities; Need trees?; Vets in the Valley
"I'm thinking of a farm product or agritourism project on my farm. Is there funding to promote or market it?"
PA First Industry Fund
--to nonprofit and for-profit businesses
--for promotion and development of agriculture and tourism within Pennsylvania
--loan guarantees for up to 50 % of outstanding principal balance up to $2.5 million (up to 90 percent of outstanding principal balance up to $2.5 million for agricultural projects) ---can be used for land and building acquisition and construction, machinery and equipment purchases and upgrades, working capital.
Scholarships for Livestock and Poultry Farmers
Scholarships of up to $400 for livestock and poultry farmers to attend conferences to learn humane animal management practices. Currently accepting applications for scholarships for: Carolina Meat Conference (October 5-7, 2019 in Charlotte, NC)
Growing Christmas Trees for Winter Income, Wednesday, August 28, 3:00 -5:30 pm, Mar-jo Farm, Berks Co.
Sheep and goat parasite strategies and the FAMACHA certification method: 7 p.m. Bedford Aug. 28, Northumberland Sept 4, Washington Sept 18. $20 includes registration, a FAMACHA card, handout materials, and refreshments.
So You Want to Raise Beef Cattle?Sept. 10 Centre Co, Sept 25 Montgomery Co. Free evening class for beginners or those exploring raising beef.
Allegheny Co: The Start-up Farm, Year 4 Sept. 10; 3-6 pm
Steve and Olga Nonn will share their farming journey during their first four years of operation, including how they’ve dealt with challenges like growing on sloped terrain and how they’ve worked to scale up production.
Somerset Co: Mother Earth News Fair, Sept 13-15, Seven Springs
Urban Permaculture Urban farms, food forests, and community gardens; Queenspotting How to find the queen bee in your hives; Agrobiodiversity; Building a vermin-proof vending machine hen feeder; Routine maintenance for small engines; and the like....
See presenters here. Prices vary starting at $30 if you pre-order online.
Fall Honey Bee Assessment and Care workshop,Montgomery Co PA, Sept. 18th, 10 am to 2:30 pm. $20 includes lunch.
Washington Co: SW PA Project Grass Grazing Field Day, September 19
9:30 am to 2:45. Amity,
Managing Pastures and Livestock to Reduce Damage During Winter Feeding; Reducing Pasture Weed Pressures; Pasture Condition Scoring; Weed Identification; Fence Building
$10 includes lunch. Register by September 6th. Download flyer
Shitake Mushroom School, Wexford, PA (Allegheny Co). Monday, Oct. 7. Learn the process and take home an inoculated log. Monday, Oct. 7, 9:00 AM - 12:00 noon. $85. Flyer
Workshop for women who farmin Berks, Chester, Lancaster counties. Oct-Nov dates. Sponsored by American Farmland Trust.
Secure Pork Supply - Building a Plan for Businesses Bedford, Nov. 7 5:30
The Secure Pork Supply plan is a valuable tool for pork producers. Building this plan is the first step in to risk management for any producer. FREE
Sunday, September 29, 11 am to 3 pm
Black Valley Kune Kune Farm, Everett PA Learn more
Black Valley Farm and the PA Veteran Farming Project present a community event celebrating Veterans in Agriculture and the Troops-to-Tractors mentorship program. Veteran vendors are invited to sell your homegrown farm products FREE.
Artisan farmers market featuring veteran owned and operated agricultural entrepreneurs,
Educational presentations
Live music, petting zoo, and children's activities
The Keystone 10 Million Trees Partnership is accepting applications from landowners requesting trees be planted on their property. Whether your farm is 'urban' or you need trees for a riparian buffer, please check out this opportunity.
The PA Veteran Farming Project thanks Pittsburgh DAV Chapter 8 for their support of our Project efforts. We serve VA eligible active duty, veterans, Guard and Reserve, and their spouses. There is no charge for our services to eligible individuals.
Donations to the Project can be made by check payable to "Westmoreland Conservation District" with "Troops to Tractors" in the memo line. WCD is a tax exempt unit of subgovernment, so your gift will be deductible to the full extent of the law. Mail to:
WCD
218 Donohoe Rd.,
Greensburg PA 15601.
Thank you!