j Vol. 45 No. 41 Pcnnsylvanla Gov. Tom Ridge announces the largest-ever state cap ital investement In agriculture to a cheering crowd in the small arena of the Farm Show Complex Wednesday morning. The total of $9O mil lion for three major projects the Farm Show Complex, Penn’s Vet School, and PDA’s Livestock Center will be taken from the Pennsyl Gov. Ridge Commits $9O Million Capital Investment From General Fund To Farm Show, Evaluation Center, And Vetemarian Facilities EVERETT NEWSWANGER Editor HARRISBURG (Dauphin Co.) - In a carnival-like atmos phere with standing ovations and cheers of agreement, 600 VIP farmers, educators, legisla tors, and agribusiness represent atives jam-packed the small arena in the Farm Show Com plex Wednesday morning to hear Pennsylvania’s Gov. Tom Ridge announce a $9O million capital investment in agricul ture. This largest-ever state in Penn State Ag The annual Penn State Ag Progress Days run next week, Aug. 15 to Aug. 17, at Rockspring near State College. We have an exhibit field layout, a list of commercial exhibitors, the program schedule and many articles that feature the new events of interest. In fact we have in- Six Sections vestment will go to three projects-a new exposition center and major renovations to the state farm show complex, a new teaching and research center at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine in Philadelphia, and a new live stock evaluation center on Penn State’s agronomy farm in Centre County. “We want to change how the world views Pennsylvania agri culture,’’ Gov. Ridge said. “We are a leader among states and competitors among nations. Ev- Lancaster Farming, Saturday, August 12, 2000 $32.00 Per Year eryone needs to eat and we are proud of our agriculture indus try. “Today we send a powerful message to our 60,000 farm fam ilies across Pennsylvania: we ap preciate what you do and we are committed to investing in your vania general fund. Therefore, no bonds will need to be floated and taxpayers will save $5O million in interest. With the governor on stage are from left, Judith Rodin, president, University of Pennsylvania; Ste phen Reed, Harrisburg mayor; and Samuel Hayes Jr., Pennsylvania secretary of agriculture. Photo by Everett Newswanger, editor. future. From milk and mush rooms to sweet com and snap beans, Pennsylvania’s agricul ture industry makes ‘products for the planet’. But if we are to continue to be a world leader in agriculture, then we must be prepared to invest in the infras eluded two special sections in this issue dedicated to Penn State and their research activities. In the photo from last year, the hay making equipment is featured to the crowd with the main “tent city” in the background. Photo by Everett Newswanger, editor 600 Per Copy tincture that will allow our farm families to compete in the new economy of the 21st Century,” Ridge said. “We want to go beyond endurance in the ag in dustry and go on to prosperity.” (Turn to Pag* A 32)