Submitted by Editor on Thu, 07/03/2008 - 11:25am.
 Historic Structure to Anchor Huge Ag Ed Center in Lebanon County Chris Torres
Staff Writer MIDDLETOWN, Pa. — One of the region’s most recognizable barns could be moved as early as next year — as part of a potentially massive agricultural education center in Lebanon County. The Star Barn, which was built in 1872 and is easily recognizable from an adjacent highway because of the unique star design on its gable, will be the centerpiece of a 300-acre proposed agricultural education center just a few hundred yards away from the outer boundaries of Penn National Race Course in East Hanover Township, Lebanon County. At least that’s the dream of Dr.
Submitted by Editor on Thu, 07/03/2008 - 11:22am.
 Marilyn Hershey
Correspondent WISCONSIN DELLS, Wis. — Of the 1,500 registrants on hand last week for the National Holstein Convention, youth accounted for more than 700 in what many conferees were calling the “largest attended national convention in history.” Youth toured local dairy operations, visited the Wisconsin Dells, and participated in several contests. Taking high honors in the Distinguished Junior Member (DJM) contest, Pennsylvania’s David Wilson, Port Royal, was one of the six finalists selected from 12 semi-finalists after completing a project book and a round of intense interviews.
Submitted by Editor on Thu, 07/03/2008 - 11:10am.
 1,500 Gather in Water-Logged Wisconsin for Annual Convention Marilyn Hershey
Correspondent WISCONSIN DELLS, Wis. — More than 1,500 dairy producers, youth and Holstein Association delegates registered for the 123rd National Holstein Convention here at the Kalahari Resort June 23 to 26.
Submitted by Editor on Thu, 07/03/2008 - 11:07am.
 Sandra Lepley
Southeastern Pa. Correspondent SIPESVILLE, Pa. — Somerset County Maple Producers’ Association converged recently at the Sipesville Firehall for their annual meeting and banquet celebrating the end of the maple harvest season. Somerset County is the largest producer of maple syrup in Pennsylvania and every spring in the small town of Meyersdale in southern Somerset County, the long-standing traditions of the maple season attract visitors near and far for the annual Pa.
Submitted by Editor on Thu, 07/03/2008 - 10:49am.
Hansel, Nichol, Specht, Weeks Named COLUMBUS, Ohio — Each year, National Dairy Shrine honors three or four living or deceased “pioneers” of the dairy industry. Nominated by members of National Dairy Shrine and selected by an anonymous committee, the Pioneer Award recipients are honored at the National Dairy Shrine Banquet at World Dairy Expo, and their portraits are then displayed at the National Dairy Shrine Visitors’ Center in Fort Atkinson, Wis. This year, the four honorees include Dr.
Submitted by Editor on Thu, 07/03/2008 - 10:30am.
 COLLEGE STATION, Texas — A cold slice of watermelon has long been a Fourth of July holiday staple. But according to recent studies, the juicy fruit may be better suited for Valentine’s Day. That’s because scientists say watermelon has ingredients that deliver Viagra-like effects to the body’s blood vessels and may even increase libido. “The more we study watermelons, the more we realize just how amazing a fruit it is in providing natural enhancers to the human body,” said Dr.
Submitted by Editor on Thu, 07/03/2008 - 10:28am.
 Chris Torres
Staff Writer
NAZARETH, Pa. — Imagine this scenario. A number of large animals are stuck in a barn that is about to collapse from heavy snow. In these dog days of summer, where 90 degrees Fahrenheit heat is the norm, it’s a farfetched scenario.
Submitted by Editor on Thu, 07/03/2008 - 10:21am.
 Laurie Savage
Maryland Correspondent JEFFERSON, Md. — About 50 campers kicked off for safety June 24-25 during Farm Safety Camp here at the Frederick County 4-H Camp and Activities Center. The 14th annual camp offered sessions on food, personal, farm and survival safety, and included stories from farmers on their own experiences. Director Diane Ogg of Thurmont said the goal is for each child to leave remembering at least one safety sound bite, such as “look twice at railroad crossings” or “always walk in groups.” The three-year Catoctin High School agriculture teacher said she is excited about taking over the helm. “It seemed like a good opportunity, especially being in the education field.
Submitted by Editor on Thu, 07/03/2008 - 10:16am.
HARRISBURG, Pa. — Farmland in 20 Pennsylvania counties will remain viable for agricultural production thanks to recent approval of more than 6,400 acres on 58 farms by the state Farmland Preservation Board, said Agriculture Secretary Dennis Wolff. “Production agriculture is Pennsylvania’s key source of food and fiber, and by protecting precious farmland, we can continue to provide for all citizens now and in the future,” said Wolff.
Submitted by Editor on Thu, 07/03/2008 - 10:11am.
 Maegan Crandall
Correspondent There is something inspirational about Vermont. It might have something to do with the beautiful landscape — mountains, valleys, green fields and small farms that form the backdrop for quaint towns nestled inconspicuously along winding, country roads. Perhaps it is the people — natives and non-natives alike — who have chosen to make this state their home. When you read the intimate stories of the women in Peter Miller’s book, “Vermont Farm Women,” it becomes apparent that both the land of Vermont and the women who work directly with it are equally inspiring. “Vermont Farm Women” chronicles through interviews and photographs the lives of 44 Vermont women in agriculture who represent dairy, sheep, goat, emu, horse, chicken and Christmas tree farmers, vegetable and flower gardeners, loggers, sawyers and matriarchs.
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