Recent Changes

Wakar Uddin, professor of plant pathology and turfgrass disease specialist in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences, is being remembered as a respected mentor and friend who had a profound impact on plant pathology and the turfgrass industry.  

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Amid the frequent bad news about climate change, some potentially good news has emerged: Existing technologies, diligently applied, could enable the world to meet the target set for reducing agricultural methane emissions by 2030, say researchers.

Home food preservation has seen a renewed interest in recent years. But along with numerous benefits, the activity carries food safety risks. To provide guidance on up-to-date and science-based methods for home food preservation, Penn State Extension educators are offering a series of “can-along” webinars in June and July.