Governor Shapiro Signs Bipartisan Bill to Protect Pennsylvania Dogs, Consumers, Communities Governor Josh Shapiro signed Senate Bill 746, updating Pennsylvania’s Dog Law to improve public safety in communities statewide; improve conditions for dogs in breeding kennels, day cares, and shelters; protect those who buy or adopt dogs in Pennsylvania; and help prevent the spread of infectious disease among dogs. The bill, sponsored by Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee Chair Senator Elder Vogel, had broad bipartisan support and was widely supported by animal welfare advocates, kennel owners, local law enforcement agencies, county treasurers, and others. Changes to the law take effect after 90 days. Dog license sales fund Pennsylvania dog wardens’ work upholding high standards of care in kennels; shutting down illegal kennels; and keeping communities safer by holding dangerous dog owners responsible. Kennel fees had not increased in nearly 60 years and the price of a license had not increased in nearly 30 years, severely straining funds to support enforcement of Pennsylvania’s Dog Law.Read More
Governor Josh Shapiro Recognizes Pennsylvania Veterinary Lab, Field Staff For Excellence In Avian Flu Crisis Response In a ceremony, Governor Josh Shapiro presented Governor’s Awards for Excellence to Pennsylvania Veterinary Laboratory Director Dr. Deepanker Tewari, and nine agency veterinarians and field staff for their swift, aggressive, and effective response during the avian influenza outbreak in Pennsylvania in 2022 and early 2023. Veterinarians Dr. Amy Nesselrodt, Dr. Sally Adams, Dr. Heather Palm, and veterinary staff members Jessica Wingate, Sarah Yurisic, Erin Ackerman, Nancy Diehl, Sarah McAlanis, and Amberlee Dressler coordinated the field response during the first outbreak of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Pennsylvania since 1983 – a crisis that became one of the most significant animal health emergencies in U.S. history.Read MoreRecap
A panel discussion on the Lancaster County Community Hunger Mapping Report was held which included Caryn Long Earl, Director, Bureau of Food Assistance, Joe Arthur, CEO of the Central PA Food Bank; Vanessa Philibert, CEO of the Community Action Partnership of Lancaster County; Dr. Valerie Arkoosh, Secretary, DHS; and Daren Russ, Vice President of Omnichannel Operations, The GIANT Company. This report identifies localized food access gaps and helps increase understanding of intersecting issues for the charitable food system as we work to end hunger for all Pennsylvanians.See More
Secretary Redding had the chance to attend the PA State Beekeepers Association Fall Conference. There are more than 70,000 registered bee colonies in Pennsylvania, housed in 1,000 bee yards, and overseen by 6,000 registered beekeepers. See More
Now Hiring!
We are seeking paid communications interns to help tell the story of Pennsylvania’s agriculture industry during the 2024 Pennsylvania Farm Show. This is a great opportunity to build your portfolio, make connections, and maybe even meet a few cows!Apply
“Unpacking USDA’s Farm Labor Stabilization and Protection Pilot Program” This webinar, led by Julie Kurtz, an agricultural economist at the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA), informs agricultural employers about USDA’s grant program which will award up to $65 million in grants to support agricultural employers in implementing robust labor standards on farms and ranches while facilitating lawful migration pathways through the H-2A temporary worker program. USDA Secretary Tom Vilsack also makes a special guest appearance during the webinar to encourage agricultural employers to take part in the FLSP.Learn More
Are you interested in singing the National Anthem as part of the 108th Pennsylvania Farm Show? The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture will select a different individual or group to perform the National Anthem at the beginning of each show. Submissions will be accepted from October 29, 2023 through November 12, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. EST. The video becomes the property of PDA once submitted.Learn More
It’s peak Spooky Season and a Spotted Lanternfly egg mass may be one of the scariest sights of all for Pennsylvanians. If you spot an egg mass on your property, SCRAPE IT!Resources
Governor Shapiro Signs Bipartisan Bill to Protect Pennsylvania Dogs, Consumers, Communities Governor Josh Shapiro signed Senate Bill 746, updating Pennsylvania’s Dog Law to improve public safety in communities statewide; improve conditions for dogs in breeding kennels, day cares, and shelters; protect those who buy or adopt dogs in Pennsylvania; and help prevent the spread of infectious disease among dogs. The bill, sponsored by Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee Chair Senator Elder Vogel, had broad bipartisan support and was widely supported by animal welfare advocates, kennel owners, local law enforcement agencies, county treasurers, and others. Changes to the law take effect after 90 days. Dog license sales fund Pennsylvania dog wardens’ work upholding high standards of care in kennels; shutting down illegal kennels; and keeping communities safer by holding dangerous dog owners responsible. Kennel fees had not increased in nearly 60 years and the price of a license had not increased in nearly 30 years, severely straining funds to support enforcement of Pennsylvania’s Dog Law.Read More
A panel discussion on the Lancaster County Community Hunger Mapping Report was held which included Caryn Long Earl, Director, Bureau of Food Assistance, Joe Arthur, CEO of the Central PA Food Bank; Vanessa Philibert, CEO of the Community Action Partnership of Lancaster County; Dr. Valerie Arkoosh, Secretary, DHS; and Daren Russ, Vice President of Omnichannel Operations, The GIANT Company. This report identifies localized food access gaps and helps increase understanding of intersecting issues for the charitable food system as we work to end hunger for all Pennsylvanians.See More
Secretary Redding had the chance to attend the PA State Beekeepers Association Fall Conference. There are more than 70,000 registered bee colonies in Pennsylvania, housed in 1,000 bee yards, and overseen by 6,000 registered beekeepers. See More
Now Hiring!
Are you interested in singing the National Anthem as part of the 108th Pennsylvania Farm Show? The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture will select a different individual or group to perform the National Anthem at the beginning of each show. Submissions will be accepted from October 29, 2023 through November 12, 2023, at 11:59 p.m. EST. The video becomes the property of PDA once submitted.Learn More
It’s peak Spooky Season and a Spotted Lanternfly egg mass may be one of the scariest sights of all for Pennsylvanians. If you spot an egg mass on your property, SCRAPE IT!Resources