The Ag Alumni Society plays a vital role in supporting the college, its students, and alumni programming. Stay up to date and learn more about all the exciting news and events happening in the college and with the Ag Alumni Society.

Mandatory labeling on genetically engineered foods may reduce customer purchases

August 30, 2022

Flavonoids from sorghum plants kill fall armyworm pest on corn; may protect crop

August 30, 2022

Study suggests one-third of wild bee species in Pa. have declined in abundance

August 30, 2022

Two Pennsylvania 4-H’ers selected for camp through 4-H Military Partnership

July 19, 2022

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Two Carbon County 4-H’ers, Jack and Reagan LeClair, recently attended an all-expenses-paid 4-H camp in Hawaii through the 4-H Military Partnership, a collaboration of military and land-grant university partners who integrate research-based programs and resources to support military-connected youth, families and communities.

Hitch up the wagons for the Equine Experience at Ag Progress Days

July 19, 2022

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — From the Spring Mount Percheron Draft Horse Hitch to the Miniature Horse Extravaganza, the Equine Experience at Penn State’s Ag Progress Days has something for everyone. During the three-day event, Aug. 9–11, visitors can attend demonstrations, interact with Penn State equine science faculty and staff, and learn about horse health and care.

Above-ground microbial communities that quell plant diseases can be developed

July 19, 2022

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Microbial communities naturally living on the leaves and stems of tomato plants can be manipulated to suppress diseases that reduce productivity, according to Penn State researchers, offering hope that growers someday can apply these mixtures of bacteria and fungi to protect plants and improve harvests.

Researcher gets grant to study biofilters to reduce livestock facility methane

July 19, 2022

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — A scientist in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences has received a $300,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to lead a team conducting research on using biofilters to mitigate methane from enteric emissions produced in livestock facilities.

Rasgon named Huck Chair of Disease Epidemiology and Biotechnology

July 19, 2022

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Jason Rasgon, professor of entomology and disease epidemiology, has been named Dorothy Foehr Huck and J. Lloyd Huck Chair in Disease Epidemiology and Biotechnology.

International Conference on Pollinator Biology, Health, Policy slated for 2023

July 19, 2022

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Online registration and submission of abstracts now are open for the fifth International Conference on Pollinator Biology, Health and Policy, which is scheduled for June 3-6, 2023, at the Penn Stater Hotel and Conference Center on Penn State’s University Park campus. The conference website can be found at this link

Entomologist named Huck Chair of Chemical Ecology

June 29, 2022

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Jared Ali, associate professor of entomology in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences, has been named the Dorothy Foehr Huck and J. Lloyd Huck Chair of Chemical Ecology by the University’s Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences.

Penn State unit partner projects highlight awareness, importance of pollinators

June 29, 2022

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa — Penn State's Center for Pollinator Research and the Insect Biodiversity Center, both at the Huck Institutes of the Life Sciences, and the Department of Graphic Design at the Penn State College of Arts and Architecture have formed a partnership, funded by the Apes Valentes Program, to develop, design and produce materials to help increase awareness of pollinator biodiversity, the importance of pollinators to food security and ecosystem health, and strategies that can be used to support pollinators in urban, agricultural and natural landscapes.

Grow your beef stockmanship skills at upcoming field day

June 29, 2022

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Pennsylvania Cattlemen’s Association and Penn State Extension will present the annual Beef Summer Field Day on Saturday, July 23, at the Herr Angus Farm in Nottingham.

Pasto Agricultural Museum to make improvements thanks to agritourism grant

June 29, 2022

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The Pasto Agricultural Museum in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences recently received a grant from Happy Valley Agventures that will support enhancing the museum’s visitor experience.

Sigler wins awards for academic advising excellence from College of Ag Sciences

June 29, 2022

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Chris Sigler, assistant teaching professor and academic adviser in the Department of Food Science, recently received both the 2022 Excellence in Academic Advising Award and the 2021-22 Community of Advising Excellence Award from Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences.

Jasmine Morgan named 2022 Outstanding Senior in College of Ag Sciences

June 29, 2022

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Jasmine Morgan, who graduated in May with a bachelor’s degree in veterinary and biomedical sciences, was selected as the 2022 Outstanding Senior in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences.

Secrets of reptile and amphibian aging revealed

June 29, 2022

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — At 190 years old, Jonathan the Seychelles giant tortoise recently made news for being the “oldest living land animal in the world.” Although, anecdotal evidence like this exists that some species of turtles and other ectotherms — or ‘cold-blooded’ animals — live a long time, evidence is spotty and mostly focused on animals living in zoos or a few individuals living in the wild. Now, an international team of 114 scientists, led by Penn State and Northeastern Illinois University, reports the most comprehensive study of aging and longevity to date, comprising data collected in the wild from 107 populations of 77 species of reptiles and amphibians worldwide.

Why state funding matters: Penn State plays critical role for Pa. agriculture

June 29, 2022

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — For Penn State alumnus Jim Shirk, a farm owner from Lancaster County, access to the research, information and programming offered by the College of Agricultural Sciences and Penn State Extension have allowed his family farm to thrive for nine generations.

Penn State Extension expands resources for growers at produce auctions

June 29, 2022

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State Extension is expanding a program that offers educational kiosks at produce auctions across the state. These kiosks provide growers with timely, relevant information on disease and pest identification and management, invasive species, and food safety.

Penn State Extension publication offers guidance on managing spotted lanternfly

June 29, 2022

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — A new publication from Penn State Extension is a must-read for those who want the latest information about the spotted lanternfly.

Plant pathology grad student receives NSF fellowship to study grapevine disease

June 29, 2022

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — A graduate student in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences has received a three-year Graduate Research Fellowship from the National Science Foundation, valued at more than $100,000, to study how climate change is affecting diseases that rot grapes.

Preparations underway for Penn State’s 2022 Ag Progress Days

June 29, 2022

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Organizers have begun preparations for Penn State's 2022 Ag Progress Days exposition, which will be held Aug. 9-11 in Centre County.

Ethnobotanist gets grant to improve conservation of Pa. medicinal, edible plant

May 18, 2022

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Eric Burkhart, associate teaching professor of ecosystem science and management, has received a $31,600 grant from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to study and compile wild plant use by foragers in the state.

No sour grapes here: App launches for Pennsylvania grape growers and wine makers

May 18, 2022

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Penn State Extension recently launched a new web application, “Cultivars in the Commonwealth,” aimed at empowering grape growers and wine makers throughout Pennsylvania. The app gives detailed information on various cultivars, or types of grapes — e.g., pinot noir or chardonnay — grown across the state.

Food safety from farm to fork: Resources for farmers markets vendors

May 18, 2022

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — As farmers markets kick off this season, vendors and producers may benefit from Penn State Extension educational materials on controlling food safety risks from farm to fork — including a resource guide and an online course.

Banish botulism and safely preserve food at home with 'can-along' webinars

May 18, 2022

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Home food preservation has seen a renewed interest in recent years. But along with numerous benefits, the activity carries risk. Improper canning can lead to botulism, a potentially deadly illness, according to Andy Hirneisen, senior food safety and quality educator and team leader with Penn State Extension.

Future of deer management clouded by coming steep decline in hunter numbers

May 18, 2022

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Because so many deer hunters are aging out of the sport — and new hunters are not being recruited to replace them — deer management strategies will need to change to manage populations of whitetails in many states.

Penn State Extension offers farm safety trainings and demonstrations

May 13, 2022

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The May 2 death of a 68-year-old Cumberland County farmer who succumbed to toxic gases while working in a silo underscores the dangers associated with agriculture, which is one of the most hazardous occupations in the United States.

New Penn State Extension endowment honors the ‘Siri’ of Lebanon County

May 13, 2022

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Recently, Alletta “Letie” Schadler received an unexpected phone call. Someone had a question about preparing a potato dish for a family of 15. Schadler often advised on food safety matters at Penn State Extension. But she worked there decades ago. The woman had found her number in an old telephone directory.

What does the detection of avian flu mean for Pennsylvania?

May 13, 2022

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Pennsylvania is the latest state to report a confirmed detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza, or HPAI, in a commercial poultry flock, leading state officials, industry leaders and Penn State poultry specialists to redouble efforts to contain the virus and educate producers, backyard flock owners and the public about the disease.

Avian flu outbreak exacerbates concerns for farmers’ mental health

May 13, 2022

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — The devastating outbreak of highly pathogenic avian influenza, or HPAI, that has slammed Pennsylvania’s $7.1 billion poultry industry in recent weeks has caused the loss of nearly 4 million birds in nine commercial flocks in the state as of May 10. But besides its impact on producers’ bottom lines, avian flu also could affect their mental health and well-being, according to a Penn State Extension educator.

Associate Director of Alumni Relations

Kelly Praskovich
  • Associate Director of Alumni Relations

Development and Alumni Relations

Address

240 Agricultural Administration Building
University Park, PA 16802