(Continued from Page A 10)
don to both the farm and non
farm public. I believe that key to
agricultural education is starting
early so future generations of ag
riculturists are not hampered by
the policies of the uninformed. If
we wait for today’s youth to grow
up, it may indeed be too late.
This summer, I unveiled a
multifaceted agriculture educa
tion initiative designed to en
hance awareness of school-aged
children about the importance of
agriculture for the economy,
community, and life. As part of
that plan, I appointed an agricul
ture education coordinator, Dr.
MeeCee Baker, to oversee the
program and work with educa
tional institutions, agricultural
education teachers, school dis
tricts, government officials, and
others to get agriculture into
classrooms and raise awareness
of agriculture in society.
MIFFLINBURG, PA.... 800-338-2137 • EMMAUS, PA.... 800-225-4131
CHAMGSBURG,.RArtvA77,-788-8982
..
1
❖ Farm Forum ❖
One of the cornerstones of the
plan was unveiled in November
when the Department of Agricul
ture launched www.marketplace
forthemind.com, a groundbreak
ing agricultural education
resource for teachers, students,
the farm community, and the
public. The Website, created
through a joint effort between the
departments of agriculture and
education, is designed to help
teachers fulfill state education
standards for environment and
ecology and science and technol
ogy-
In addition to curriculum ma
terials, educators can access in
formation for grants for class
room supplies and equipment, as
well as opportunities appropriate
for field trips. The resource li
brary provides students with in
formation for school projects,
scholarships, higher education,
and careers. Moreover, the gener
al public benefits from up-to-date
agricultural information, event
listings, and current issues in ag
riculture.
This site marks the beginning
of a new approach to education
and awareness about agriculture
in the commonwealth. As secre
tary, I am committed to sharing
my knowledge about farming
and agriculture with school chil
dren across Pennsylvania. In the
classroom, we take an interactive
and hands-on approach to learn
ing. We show students how to
make butter. They can taste
foods and learn about nutrition.
By bringing agriculture to stu
dents, they see its impact on their
daily lives and are more apt to re
member the lessons learned.
Through November, I have
taught lessons to more than 200
students and I will continue
monthly visits to schools
throughout the New Year.
All of us students, consum
ers, teachers, farmers, govern
ment leaders, and the agribusi
ness community must work
together to educate, and learn,
about the importance of agricul
ture to our community, our econ
omy, and our world. I am confi
dent that through education,
agriculture will continue its
strong tradition in Pennsylvania.
Dennis C Wolff
Pa. Secretary Of Agriculture
Harrisburg
Lancaster Farming, Saturday, December 20, 2003-A25
Attend Milk
Hearing Jan, 12
WHITNEYVILLE (Tioga Co.) The next regional milk hearing
will be Jan. 12 here at the Tioga County fairgrounds at 10 a.m.
According to the National Family Farm Coalition, The Progressive
Agriculture Organization (Pro Ag), and The Family Farm Defenders,
the milk hearing will be patterned after the hearing Nov. 17 at the
Keystone College.
Dairy farmers, consumers, and local business people are urged to
testify at the hearing. Anyone interested in testifying should call Pro
Ag at (570) 833-5776 or (814) 367-2788.
“We are encouraging dairy farmers to testify and illustrate how low
milk prices have affected their operations,” said Arden Tewksbury,
manager, Pro Ag. “Also, dairy farmers are urged to offer their sugges
tions on how to rectify the situations. Local agribusiness people are
asked to illustrate how low milk prices are affecting their business.
Consumers are urged to attend the hearing in support of their local
dairy farmers.”
Senator Arlen Specter and Senator Rick Santorum will have aides
attending the hearing. Congressman John Peterson’s office will also
be represented.
Lunch will be served by personnel from the fairgrounds at a mini
mal cost. In case of bad weather, the hearing will be on Wednesday,
Jan. 14.
The fairgrounds are located just off Rt. 6, halfway between Mans
field and Wellsboro.
Testimony given at the hearing will be forwarded to the National
Family Farms Coalition office in Washington, D.C. Anyone that testi
fies will have 10 minutes to deliver their testimony. Pro Ag urges each
one to submit 15 copies of their testimony.
Here are several dairy farmers who have testified:
Kurk Rhone, Starruca; Linda Boyan, Berwick; Donna Hall, Laird
sville; and Brenda Cochran, Westfield. Also, Gerald and Tera Carlin
with their children from Meshoppen; Shane
Mack, Susquehanna County Dairy Princess,
Kingsley; and Julian Reiks, Kathy Yeaguer,
Jana McClure Berry, Ken Dibble, and Fred
Matthews from New York state. Also testified
Sherri Boyanowski, Laceyville; Gordon Wood,
Mansfield; and Eric Place and John Tewksbury,
Meshoppen.
Other dairy farmers submitted testimony but
time ran out before they could testify.
farm H*
*/ 2724 Conestoga Creek Rd \
610-286-9052 /$
& Rentals
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Lancaster Extension
Offers Dairy
Herdbook Clinics
LANCASTER (Lancaster Co.) This De
cember and January, Lancaster County Exten
sion will again offer free, on-farm “Herdbook
Clinics" to Lancaster area dairy herds on DHIA
test. These confidential clinics can help identify
strengths and weaknesses of your dairy opera
tion, as well as provide suggestions for improv
ing profitability and production on the farm.
Participants will be provided:
• A DAIRYMETRICS comparison of your
herd’s data to state and local averages;
• Records analysis and graphs of your herd’s
progress using PCDart software; and
• Management suggestions based on herd re
cord analysis.
To sign up for a clinic, call (717) 394-6851