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On July 31, 2019

To Attend The Hemp Twilight Meeting

Are you interested in growing or processing hemp in Pennsylvania? Would you like to learn more about this rising industry? Learn more as Penn State Extension hosts their second annual Hemp Research Field Day.

Participants will learn about the potential for growing and marketing hemp products from experts at Penn State, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, as well as hemp industry professionals. Field tours to view Penn State hemp test plots will also be given.

This four-hour field day will take place on Aug. 6 from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Penn State Southeast Research and Extension Center in Manheim, Pa.

Topics and Speakers will begin with Geoff Whaling and Erica McBride, representing the PA Hemp Council, who will give an “Update on the Local Hemp Industry and Infrastructure in PA.”  They will be followed by a discussion of both federal and state regulations as well as seed production and certification presented by M. Sean High, Esq. Penn State Staff Attorney, and Sarah Pickel, PDA Hemp Education Specialist.

The remainder of the evening will focus on CBD production and include: a producer panel discussing cultivation techniques, fertility and irrigation management, and other production issues.

These presentations will be followed by a tour of the research plots including 3 CBD varieties, 12 dual purpose varieties for grain and fiber. The evening will wrap up with a time for questions and networking. Light refreshments provided.

Registration for this event closes Aug. 5 and costs $10. To learn more and to secure your spot for this event, visit https://extension.psu.edu/hemp-research-field-day or call 877-489-1EXT (877-489-1398).

Questions regarding the workshop should be directed to Jeffery Graybill at jsg18@psu.edu.

 

To Expand Your Equine Knowledge At Ag Progress Days

The Equine Experience at Penn State’s Ag Progress Days is a highlight for equestrians of all ages and disciplines. During the three-day event, Aug. 13-15, visitors can attend breed demonstrations and clinics, interact with Penn State Equine Science faculty and staff, and learn more about horse health and care.

“We try to incorporate something new every year,” said Danielle Smarsh, equine extension specialist and assistant professor of equine science in the College of Agricultural Sciences. “The Equine Experience is a great way for people to see the diversity of horses and their uses all in one place.”

Located at the top of Main Street at the Ag Progress Days site, the Equine Arena and Equine Exhibits Building showcase the full range of the equine world — from miniature horses to draft horses — through University displays and handouts about forage, pasture management and stable facilities. Penn State Equine Science faculty and staff, along with members of the Pennsylvania Equine Council, will be available in the Equine Exhibits Building throughout the three days to answer questions and provide information on equine-related topics.

This year’s arena events include demonstrations on handling and training, evaluating lameness, horsemanship skills and riding. Crowd favorite Rick Shaffer of R&S Paso Fino Stables, of Somerset, will return for breed clinics, and the Centre County 4-H Drill Team will perform on Wednesday.

Visitors also can see the draft horse hitch from Spring Mount Percherons, of Tyrone, and the Capital Area Therapeutic Riding Association Youth Ambassadors miniature horse performances all three days. Members of the State Police Mounted Patrol and equine representatives of Penn State’s own quarter horse farm will be onsite, too.

 

To Learn About Manure Injection for Nutrient Management

There will be a free webinar on July 29, 2019 at 1pm to 3pm EST. Join this webinar to learn from the following experts on these topics.

2. “Agronomic and Financial Benefits of Manure Injection and Integrated Small Grains into a Dairy Rotation” will be presented by Dr. Heather Karsten and Dr. Virginia Ishler of Penn State. They will cover integrating small grains and manure injection into a dairy rotation, spring soil moisture management, soil conservation, helping with manure nutrient management needs and weed control. (45 minutes) 

1. “Manure injection and Nitrogen Management” will be presented by Dr. Rory Maguire of Virginia Tech. This session will focus on research documenting changes in nitrogen fertilizer requirements associated with manure injection. (15 minutes) 

1. “Custom Manure Applicator Perspectives” will be presented by Jeff Zimmerman (Agri-Applicators, Inc.) and Tim McMichael (McMichael Custom Spreading). They will discuss opportunities and challenges for expanding adoption of manure injection from applicator and client perspective. (30 minutes). 

There will be opportunities for questions after each topic and proof of attendance will be provided for CEU opportunities. This will qualify for 2 CEU’s in MD, 1.75 in DE, 1.5 in VA

To register go to: https://go.umd.edu/manure_injection_webinar

Quote Of The Week: “Hello, Neil and Buzz. I’m talking to you by telephone from the Oval Room at the White House. And this certainly has to be the most historic telephone call ever made. I just can’t tell you how proud we all are of what you’ve done. For every American, this has to be the proudest day of our lives. And for people all over the world, I am sure they too join with Americans in recognizing what an immense feat this is. Because of what you have done, the heavens have become a part of man’s world. And as you talk to us from the Sea of Tranquility, it inspires us to redouble our efforts to bring peace and tranquility to Earth. For one priceless moment in the whole history of man, all the people on this Earth are truly one: one in their pride in what you have done, and one in our prayers that you will return safely to Earth.” President Richard Nixon calling Apollo 11 Astronauts Neil Armstrong and Buzz Aldrin who were walking on the moon, July 20, 1969.