'Virtual farm' website provides a plethora of dairy sustainability information

November 7, 2017

Farmers can see sustainability principles in action with just a few mouse clicks, thanks to an interactive "virtual farm" web site developed by researchers in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences and Penn State Extension, in partnership with the project's lead, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Cornell University and the Dairy Innovation Center.

Penn State researchers take aim at invasive, 'pernicious' spotted lanternfly

November 7, 2017

As populations of the invasive spotted lanternfly explode — and the state-imposed quarantine area in southeastern Pennsylvania expands — researchers in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences are looking for solutions to help stop the insect's spread and save agricultural crops from serious damage.

'Zombie ant' brains left intact by fungal parasite

November 7, 2017

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — A fungal parasite that infects ants and manipulates their behavior to benefit the fungus' reproduction accomplishes this feat without infecting the ants' brains, according to a study led by Penn State researchers.

Use of glow sticks in traps greatly increases amphibian captures in study

November 7, 2017

With amphibian populations declining around the world and funds to find the causes scarce, a team of Penn State researchers has shown that an unorthodox tactic will make it easier and therefore less expensive to capture adult salamanders and frogs.

Internship strengthens Penn State's ongoing relationships in China

November 6, 2017

A new summer internship, which will be available to undergraduate students with a veterinary research interest, is the most recent in a series of collaborations spanning a century-old partnership between Penn State and South China Agricultural University.

Student takes on challenges, earns degree and sets sights on medical school

November 6, 2017

Student Mannaa I. Mannaa he has had more than his share of challenges during his academic journey at Penn State. Instead of giving up, the alumnus of the College of Agricultural Sciences continued on and hopes to attend medical school.

A half-century later, Ag Sciences roommates establish scholarship together

November 2, 2017

Thomas Mischen, of Gibsonia, and Sylvester "Sy" Tanner, of Turtlepoint, were randomly placed together as roommates during the fall of 1966 -- the first semester of their freshman year at Penn State -- and have been close friends ever since. To commemorate their enduring friendship, the friends recently established the Mischen/Tanner Scholarship Fund in the College of Agricultural Sciences.

Penn State hosts international E. coli research experts

November 1, 2017

With its 50-year-old E. coli Reference Center, Penn State long has been at the forefront in isolating bacteria from animals, humans and the environment. The University will continue its leading role Nov. 6-8 when it hosts an international group of experts to propose how to transition one of the most fundamental tests for E. coli into a genomics-based assay.

College of Agricultural Sciences department head honored by alma mater

November 1, 2017

Carolee Bull, head of the Department of Plant Pathology and Environmental Microbiology in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences received a Notable Alumni Award from her alma mater, Ohio University, for her professional achievements.

Elmendorf named Joseph E. Ibberson Chair in Urban and Community Forestry

October 31, 2017

William Elmendorf, professor and extension specialist in urban forestry in the College of Agricultural Sciences, has been named the first holder of the Joseph E. Ibberson Chair in Urban and Community Forestry. The endowed chair was made possible by a gift from the late Joseph E. Ibberson, a 1947 forestry graduate of Penn State who retired in 1977 from the Pennsylvania Bureau of Forestry as chief of forest advisory services.

So, you want to raise sheep or goats? Attend these workshops

October 31, 2017

Southwestern Pennsylvania provides an ideal environment to raise sheep and goats. Rolling hills may not be suitable for crop production but can provide high-quality pasture for sheep and goat production.

Penn State group’s role fighting global hunger to be discussed on WPSU on Nov. 5

October 27, 2017

Penn State President Eric J. Barron and a pair of University professors will discuss how a Penn State group is helping fight global hunger during the next episode of WPSU Penn State’s “Digging Deeper” on Nov. 5. The show will air on WPSU-TV at 11:30 a.m. and 6 p.m.

Students dig in to help create new value from potatoes

October 26, 2017

Sterman Masser, Pennsylvania's largest potato producer, knows consumers aren't reaching for 5- and 10-pound bags of raw potatoes like they used to, and growing its business means developing new value-added products. So students in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences are working on finding solutions to this market challenge.

General Assembly approves Penn State's 2017-18 appropriation

October 26, 2017

The Pennsylvania General Assembly passed Penn State’s 2017-18 non-preferred appropriations bill on Oct. 25 after a delay of more than three months. As proposed by Gov. Tom Wolf in February, the bill includes level funding of $230.4 million for Penn State’s general support appropriation. The bill also includes increases of $2 million for Pennsylvania College of Technology and $500,000 for Penn State Agricultural Research and Cooperative Extension, for a total appropriation of $318.2 million.

Penn State partners to address Republic of Georgia's invasive stink bug problem

October 25, 2017

Entomologists from Penn State are working to apply what they have learned by studying the Mid-Atlantic region's brown marmorated stink bug infestation — which peaked between 2010 and 2013 — to similar recent problems impacting the Republic of Georgia in eastern Europe.

Caramel apples stored at room temperature for extended periods can pose risk

October 24, 2017

A food scientist in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences warns of the potential health risk of eating caramel apples that have not been stored at refrigerated temperatures.

Research yields test to predict bitter pit disorder in Honeycrisp apples

October 19, 2017

A test to determine whether bitter pit — a disorder that blindsides apple growers by showing up weeks or months after picking — will develop in stored Honeycrisp apples was developed by a team of Penn State researchers, promising to potentially save millions of dollars annually in wasted fruit.

Cacao pioneers: Meet Penn State's Colombian Fulbright Scholars

October 19, 2017

Four new Fulbright Scholars, who arrived at the College of Agricultural Sciences in August, are looking to economics, sociology, and soil and plant science research for ways to put Colombia at the forefront of the world's cacao production. Under the guidance of faculty at Penn State, they will attempt to tackle some of the country's most pervasive issues, from education to production challenges and corruption.

Tailgate Ambassadors tackle recycling, sustainability at football games

October 18, 2017

This Saturday, Penn State will host the Michigan Wolverines in one of the most anticipated football match-ups of the season. While the football team and tailgaters prep for the big game, the Tailgate Ambassadors also are preparing to meet an important challenge.

College of Agricultural Sciences professor honored by alma mater

October 18, 2017

Marvin Hall, professor of forage management in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences, recently was lauded by his alma mater, Bluffton University.

Penn State social science researchers collaborate on opioid epidemic

October 18, 2017

Drug overdoses from prescription opioids, heroin, and synthetic opioids have increased by 20 percent since 2015, killing some 64,000 Americans last year. In response, social science researchers at Penn State are leading initiatives to combat the increasing rates of illicit drug use.

Penn State Extension to host Food Safety Modernization Act trainings

October 13, 2017

Is your farm in compliance with food safety standards? The Food Safety Modernization Act Produce Safety Rule states: “At least one supervisor or responsible party for your farm must have successfully completed food safety training at least equivalent to that received under standardized curriculum recognized as adequate by the Food and Drug Administration.”

Like it or not: Broccoli may be good for the gut

October 13, 2017

Cruciferous vegetables -- such as broccoli, brussels sprouts and cabbage -- may help trigger a receptor in the gut that can improve gut function. In a study on mice, eating broccoli led to a better ability to withstand digestive irritants. The researchers also suggest that the mechanism might improve barrier function -- keeping nutrients in and toxins out of the intestinal lining -- and that could limit the damage of inflammation.

Land-use webinar to focus on benefit of tree ordinances

October 13, 2017

How municipalities can utilize municipal tree commissions and subsequent ordinances to support community development pertaining to open space in the community will be the topic of a web-based seminar offered by Penn State Extension on Wednesday, Oct. 18.

University leadership's plea to Penn Staters: write to legislators

October 12, 2017

University leaders are renewing their plea to Penn Staters and others, asking them to urge Pennsylvania legislators to release the University's state funds. Without critical state funding, Penn State would be forced to make "dramatic cuts and raise tuition, perhaps even for the upcoming spring semester."

World Food Prize: Grad students look forward to expanding knowledge at symposium

October 10, 2017

This year, two graduate students from Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences, Ilse Huerta and Celize Christy, will represent the University at World Food Prize events in Des Moines, Iowa, Oct. 18-20.

Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences adds five new faculty members

October 9, 2017

Five new faculty members have joined the Department of Veterinary and Biomedical Sciences in the College of Agricultural Sciences.

Penn State launches interdisciplinary Center for Security Research and Education

October 9, 2017

Penn State has announced the creation of a new center designed to bring together the University’s many strengths in all aspects of national, homeland and global security. The new Center for Security Research and Education incorporates 10 Penn State colleges, schools and research units to focus a broad range of academic endeavor on society’s most critical threats.

Ag Sciences student explores global food practices, nutrition

October 9, 2017

Emily Seiger, a community, environment and development major in the College of Agricultural Sciences, is gaining insight into problems related to food safety, hygiene and food security around the world.

Career day helps senior land dream internship with Land O’Lakes

October 5, 2017

Agribusiness management major Kayli Kumanchik found the internship she wanted with Land O' Lakes, Inc., after meeting with representatives at Ag Sciences Career Day in 2016. This year's event will take place on Oct. 10 in the Bryce Jordan Center on the University Park campus of Penn State.

Media Contacts

  • Senior Public Relations Specialist/News Editor
  • Associate Director of Communications
  • Public Relations Specialist/Science Writer
  • Science and News Writer
  • Penn State Extension Writer (Marketing Communications Specialist)

Media Contacts

  • Senior Public Relations Specialist/News Editor
  • Associate Director of Communications
  • Public Relations Specialist/Science Writer
  • Science and News Writer
  • Penn State Extension Writer (Marketing Communications Specialist)