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By: Danielle Smith
A proposed pumped-storage hydroelectric facility for Cuffs Run near the Susquehanna River in York County has been challenged by the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.
The foundation filed a motion to intervene in the proceedings with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, which is considering granting a preliminary permit to build a 1.8-mile-long dam for the project.
Harry Campbell, science policy and advocacy director for the Chesapeake Bay Foundation, said they are working to stop the project in order to protect the unique Cuffs Run area and its ecological benefits for future generations.
“If approved, this project would destroy it about 580 acres of prime farmland, fields and forests, some of which have not been disturbed in about 100 years,” Campbell pointed out. “Those farms, fields and forests exist harmoniously with and in support of a plethora of plant and animal life.”
The foundation is circulating an online petition and encouraged Pennsylvanians to provide comments before Sunday.
The stream is home to naturally reproducing brook trout. Advocates worry the $2.5 billion project would also be harmful to the Susquehanna River. Campbell noted about 40 families would be displaced.
“For those who call Cuffs Run home, it’s more than just a place to live. It’s their heritage and they want it to be part of their legacy,” Campbell asserted. “This project just simply is the wrong idea in the wrong place. In order to honor that heritage and that legacy, we need to preserve this area.”
Campbell emphasized the Cuffs Run project is about 993 acres of land draining into a 2.5-mile unnamed tributary. He added in terms of stream habitat, the rocks, pebbles and woody material have been identified as among the best in the region for supporting critters living in the water.
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Governor Shapiro’s proposed 2024-25 budget puts forth a bold vision to create economic opportunity for all Pennsylvanians.
New Holland, PA – Today, at New Holland Agriculture’s Lancaster County campus, Governor Josh Shapiro and Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding highlighted key pieces of Governor Shapiro’s 2024-25 budget, focused on creating economic opportunity for all in communities across the Commonwealth. Governor Shapiro and Secretary Redding took a hands-on tour of New Holland Agriculture’s Lancaster County campus, where innovative, high-tech machinery that is driving progress in agriculture and conservation is developed, manufactured, and sold.
Governor Shapiro understands that our economic success is dependent on our rural communities and our farmlands – and his 2024-25 budget proposal puts agriculture front and center in that conversation, investing $10.3 million in Agriculture and Conservation Innovation funds that will support innovative manufacturers and provide opportunities for farmers to be more efficient and productive, while enhancing the soil and water resources key to Pennsylvania’s future.
“For the first time ever, our economic development strategy isn’t limited in its focus to our high rises or our suburban office parks – we understand that our economic success is dependent on our rural communities and our farmlands. There’s real innovation happening all across our Commonwealth, especially on our farms. That’s why my budget places a special emphasis on agriculture, I want to help more farmers upgrade their equipment and take advantage of the latest technology through our Ag Innovation funding,” said Governor Josh Shapiro. “High-tech innovations like New Holland Agriculture develops and produces depend on investment. New Holland Equipment may be part of our heritage – but it’s also a major employer today and a world-leader in driving the kind of innovation in ag that’s going to help Pennsylvania farmers for years to come. If we want to compete and succeed as a Commonwealth, then we have to invest in our farmers.”
New Holland Equipment – a brand of CNH Industrial – has a 341-acre campus in Lancaster County that includes a 150-acre test farm and a 700,000-square-foot equipment manufacturing plant. The campus provides 600 jobs, including a Pennsylvania-certified earn-while-you-learn Ag Equipment Service Technician Apprenticeship designed to fill a pipeline for skilled technicians who can service cutting-edge, computerized equipment.
“When Pennsylvania invests in agriculture, everybody wins. Our family farmers have innovated and fought to stay competitive in a tough marketplace, all the while being the original leaders in conserving our environment and our priceless soil and water resources,” said Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding. “This budget demonstrates that the Shapiro Administration is in their corner, continuing to feed opportunities for agriculture to grow, and for Pennsylvania’s economy to grow along with it.”
Some of the innovative equipment developed and manufactured by New Holland runs on alternative energy sources and autonomous technology. The Pennsylvania-based business is helping make it possible for farmers to precisely target fertilizer and pesticide applications where problems exist, and deliver precision planting and harvesting to lower costs, increase productivity, and sustain their farms’ future.
“I know firsthand the economic impact of agriculture because my father worked over 30 years at New Holland Equipment creating multiple patents for them,” said Representative Mike Sturla. “To have such an innovative global company based in New Holland is a true asset to Pennsylvania. I commend Governor Shapiro on his comprehensive economic development strategy.”
“CNH Industrial has a long-standing foundation in Pennsylvania Agriculture since the New Holland brand was founded here in Lancaster County, more than 125 years ago,” said Richard Heisey, Vice President for Product Engineering at CNH Industrial. “A vital part of our longstanding success has been the close work we do with our customers to break new ground in innovation, sustainability, and productivity. As we look forward, we see the pace of this innovation only continuing to accelerate, so we welcome this commitment to the continued spirit of Pennsylvania as an innovator in developing new technologies that move and feed not only our state and country, but the world.”
The Innovation and Conservation Fund will magnify the impact of conservation investments in the PA Farm Bill, including the Resource Enhancement and Protection Program that helps farmers purchase conservation equipment, Conservation Excellence Grants, Farm Vitality Grants for planning, the Agricultural Conservation Assistance Program and others.
The Governor’s Economic Development Strategy, the first in nearly 20 years, puts agriculture front and center in the conversation. The strategy recognizes that the 53,000 farms across the Commonwealth support over 600,000 jobs and contribute $132 billion to our state’s economy.
The agriculture sector is a critical economic driver – and to continue Pennsylvania’s national legacy as an agriculture leader, the 2024-25 budget proposes investing:
You can read Governor Shapiro’s full 2024-25 budget in brief here.
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Harrisburg, PA – Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding announced today that the PA Agricultural Business Development Center is taking applications for $500,000 in PA Farm Bill Farm Vitality Planning Grants, funded in the 2023-24 budget. The grants fund strategic business planning to expand or diversify farms or transition of ownership.
Governor Josh Shapiro proposed continued funding for Farm Vitality Grants and other PA Farm Bill initiatives in a 2024-25 budget that grows Pennsylvania agriculture through smart investments in economic development, job creation, and innovation.
“Strategic business planning is critical for farmers exploring what will keep their farm not just getting by, but thriving in years to come,” Secretary Redding said. “Whether passing a farm on to the next generation, expanding, innovating to bring in new revenue and meet consumer demand, or just changing with the times, Farm Vitality Grants are helping farmers bring in the market analysis, financial planning, risk management and other expertise they need to realize their vision and protect their legacy. These grants are just one of the real, tangible solutions the Shapiro Administration is investing in for the most pressing problems facing the people in Pennsylvania agriculture, and the people they feed.”
The Agricultural Business Development Center’s Farm Vitality Grants, created under the historic PA Farm Bill in 2019, have supported more than $2.2 million in project planning, and financial and technical expertise to support growth opportunities for 316 Pennsylvania farms. This includes planning to help 115 owners of preserved farms remain productive and protect the investment the farm family and the public have made to protect their land from development.
Farmers and prospective farmers are eligible for up to $7,500 to reimburse up to 75% of project planning costs. Applications will be accepted until funds are expended.
Apply online through the Department of Community and Economic Development’s single electronic application. Full program guidelines are published in the February 17 edition of the PA BulletinOpens In A New Window.
Farm Vitality Planning Grants can be combined with other PA Farm Bill funding, including these programs and others, to help plan and finance farm transitions:
For planning resources, financing and other information to support your farm business’ future, visit the Agricultural Business Development Center at agriculture.pa.gov.
Supporting the future of Pennsylvania agriculture on the family farm and in communities throughout the state, Governor Shapiro’s budget recognizes the agriculture sector as a critical economic driver. To continue Pennsylvania’s national legacy as an agriculture leader, the 2024-25 budget proposes investing:
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Harrisburg, PA – The Keystone International Livestock Exposition (KILE) returned to the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center in Harrisburg Friday, Sept. 29 for its 66th year, bringing two weekends of livestock competitions and exhibitions featuring 1,000-plus competitors from 27 states, as well as agriculture career development, and free family fun. The East Coast’s largest livestock show includes a national 4-H, FFA, and collegiate team and individual judging competition, along with thousands North America’s best cattle, sheep, pigs, goats, alpacas, and horses in action in dozens of widely varied competitions.
Youth leadership skills, animal care and breeding, and farm management skills developed and honed during KILE are critical to the future of the agriculture industry. Supporting volunteer-run shows and agriculture education are central to the Shapiro Administration’s robust support for Pennsylvania’s $132.5 billion agriculture industry and the more than 593,000 jobs that depend on it.
“KILE features top-notch animals in competition, led by skilled exhibitors who have bred and raised them,” said Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding. “But the heart and soul of this event are the youth who are learning the leadership and agriculture skills they will need to succeed in life and become the innovative, agile workforce our agriculture employers need to compete. Youth are the seeds of agriculture’s future, and every hour and dollar we invest in their development and growth feeds all of our futures.”
The bi-partisan budget Governor Shapiro signed for 2023-24 includes critical investments in agriculture’s next generation. Among them are $13.8 million in the historic PA Farm Bill, a set of strategic initiatives and funding to build the workforce Ag employers need, and remove barriers standing between the industry and those who want to be part of its future. Investments also include support for KILE and other youth competitions, Pennsylvania’s Commission for Agriculture Education Excellence, as well as the largest increase ever in basic K-12 education funding, expanded apprenticeships and career and technology training, and continued work to expand broadband internet access to allow students and employers in rural communities to compete.
The first weekend of KILE included ranch riding, featuring the horses’ skills at maneuvering through a series of patterns and challenges at working speed. Rounding out the first weekend, goat and hog shows featured a wide array of breeds, as well as youth showmanship, testing young people in their animal care and handling. ResultsOpens In A New Window and photosOpens In A New Window from the first weekend are at keystonelivestockexpo.com.Opens In A New Window
Competitions resume Thursday, October 5 and continue through Sunday the 8th, with contests running daily from 8:00 a.m. to approximately 9:00 p.m., except Sunday, when the final event begins at 1:00 p.m.
KILE’s second weekend will include everything from enormous draft horses and compact Halflinger ponies in pulling, hitch, and decorating contests; sheep and cattle shows featuring a stunning variety of breeds including fan-favorite Highland cows; 25 teams of high school and collegiate competitors in a national judging competition; Make it With Wool, an all-wool clothing design and construction competition; and even a “lead line” where sheep and their handlers sport matching costumes. The youngest spectators can get in the action in a pedal-tractor pulling contest.
The North American All Breeds 6-Horse Hitch Classic Series and the Haflinger Hitch Pony Champion Series classes will feature some of the country’s best draft horses and ponies competing for berths at the national finals. The event also features the Keystone Classic Barbecue Competition, a Kansas City Barbecue Society-sanctioned event, bringing the region’s finest culinary competitors to qualify for their national competition.
Between competitions, visitors can meet the animals and their handlers throughout the complex to learn about the different breeds and what goes into their care and management. Visitors can also enjoy a barbecue sandwich from the Pennsylvania Livestock Association to lend their support to Pennsylvania youth scholarships, as well as a Farm Show milkshake to support the Pennsylvania Dairymen’s Association.
All events are open to the public with free admission and parking. Find a complete schedule of eventsOpens In A New Window, and resultsOpens In A New Window and photosOpens In A New Window throughout the show at keystonelivestockexpo.comOpens In A New Window.
Learn more about PA youth agriculture opportunities at agriculture.pa.gov/kidsarethefuture.
And learn more about investments in the vitality and growth of Pennsylvania’s agriculture industry at agriculture.pa.gov and at shapirobudget.pa.gov.
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Farms Protected in Berks, Butler, Chester, Crawford, Dauphin, Erie, Franklin, Lancaster, Lehigh, Luzerne, Lycoming, Westmoreland, York counties
Harrisburg, PA – The Shapiro Administration announced today that Pennsylvania preserved 1,336 acres on 18 farms in 13 counties, forever protecting them from residential or commercial development. The investment of more than $3.1 million in state dollars and $433,433 in county dollars to purchase land development rights preserves prime farmland, helping ensure that Pennsylvania farms can continue feeding our families and economy in the future.
Preserving prime farmland is one of the critical investments the commonsense, bipartisan budget Governor Josh Shapiro signed for 2023-24 makes in supporting Pennsylvania farmers. The nearly 6.4% overall increase in the Agriculture Department’s budget is working to amplify farmers’ efforts to conserve land, soil, and water resources by investing in equipment purchases, business planning, and farm management tools they need to innovate and continue to grow.
“Prime farmland and fertile soil are critical not just for feeding our families, but for feeding our economy,” Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding said. “Pennsylvania farm families who preserve their farms partner with government to ensure that all Pennsylvania families will have green spaces and healthy farmland available to produce food, income, and jobs.”
Pennsylvania leads the nation in preserved farmland. Since 1988, when voters overwhelmingly supported the creation of the Farmland Preservation Program, Pennsylvania has protected 6,284 farms and 630,302 acres in 58 counties from future development, investing more than $1.68 billion in state, county, and local funds.
Pennsylvania partners with county, and sometimes local government and nonprofits to purchase development rights, ensuring a strong future for farming and food security. By selling their land’s development rights, farm owners ensure that their farms will remain farms and never be sold to developers.
The newly preserved farms are in Berks, Butler, Chester, Crawford, Dauphin, Erie, Franklin, Lancaster, Lehigh, Luzerne, Lycoming, Westmoreland, and York counties.
Farms preserved today and dollars invested, by county:
Berks County – Total investment – $188,545, $76,836 – state, $111,709 – county
The Jeffrey C. Bickel Farm, Windsor Township, 66-acre crop farm
Butler County– Total investment – $188,374, $88,377 – state, $99,997– county
The John M. Allen, Jr. Farm #2, Clinton Township, 54-acre crop farm
The John M. Allen, Jr. Farm #3, Clinton Township, 56-acre crop farm
The Stephen M. Misera Farm #2, Franklin Township, a 39-acre crop and livestock farm
Chester County – Total investment – $779,218, $663,590 – state, $115,628 – county
The Matthew G. and Carmela D. Hershey Farm, West Fallowfield Township, 51-acre crop and livestock farm
The Jeffrey D. and Tamela J. Smoker Farm, West Fallowfield Township, 101-acre crop and livestock farm
Crawford County – Total investment – $241,950, $226,950 – state, $15,000 – county
The Logan C. Mirage and Shianne M. Brantner Farm, Fairfield Township, a 225-acre crop and livestock farm
Dauphin County – Total investment – $185,880, state only
The Mark E. and Joanne L. Enders Farm, Jackson Township, a 104-acre crop farm
Erie County – Total investment – $143,547, state only
The Mark D. Troyer Farm #2, Wayne Township, an 84-acre crop farm
Franklin County – Total investment – $522,335, state only
The Brian and Michelle Brechbill Farm #1, Guilford Township, an 88-acre crop farm
The Fred and Doreen Rice Farm, Guilford Township, a 114-acre crop farm
Lancaster County – Total investment – $372,657, state only
The Kirby F. and Joanna E. Nissley Farm, Rapho Township, a 91-acre crop farm
Lehigh County – Total investment – $167,298, $76,198 – state, $91,100 – county
The David A. and Barbara J. Rauch Farm, Lynn Township, a 14-acre crop farm
The Daniel L. and Victoria E. Watt Farm, Lynn Township, a 12-acre crop and livestock farm
Luzerne County – Total investment – $211,887, state only
LDF Holdings Farm, Black Creek Township, a 64-acre crop farm
Lycoming County – Total investment – $42,501 state only
The Eugene K. and Bonnie L. Riddell Farm, Jordan Township, a 30-acre crop farm
Westmoreland County – Total investment – $315,914, state only
The Carolyn, Mark Edward, and Shila Matson Farm #1, Fairfield Township, an 83-acre crop farm
York County – Total investment – $177, 366, state only
Jackson Family Farms LP #2, Chanceford Township, a 59-acre crop farm
These investments will multiply public dollars invested in conservation initiatives, including the new $154 million Agricultural Conservation Assistance Program, supporting farmers’ efforts to reduce water pollution and improve soil quality, along with Clean & Green tax incentives, Resource Enhancement and Protection dollars, and other conservation funding. Pennsylvania’s Farmland Preservation Program also secured a $7.85 million federal grant from USDA’s Regional Conservation Partnership Program to support climate-smart conservation on preserved Pennsylvania farms, an investment that will not only improve conservation efforts, but help measure their impact.
To learn more about Pennsylvania’s Farmland Preservation Program and investments in a secure, sustainable future for Pennsylvania agriculture, visit agriculture.pa.gov.
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