Penn State Extension is restarting the Pennsylvania custom rates survey this spring. Researchers are gathering data with the intent to have the results published by early summer.

Interested producers should fill out the survey by May 1. If you would like a paper copy, call the Montgomery County Extension Office at 610-489-4315 and request a survey to be mailed to you, or email Andrew Frankenfield at [email protected].

See renowned grazing consultant

Learn how to harness the energy of your pastures to improve the health of your herd, land and business during a two-day intensive workshop featuring grazing consultant Ian Mitchell-Innes.

The workshop will be May 18-19 at Painterland Farms, 908 Howland Hill Road, Westfield, Pa. The cost is $150.

Mitchell-Innes has been practicing holistic pasture management for more than 20 years on his ranch in South Africa. He also works as a consultant with farmers and ranchers around the world, helping graziers avoid costly mistakes by sharing lessons he has learned over time.

He’ll talk strategies for surface and subsurface soil health, maintaining diverse forage crops, and optimizing the timing and density of grazing. 

The holistic, regenerative approach he teaches also keeps in mind the practical and financial constraints of running a farm business.

Topics will include:

Painterland Farms is a fourth-generation organic pastured dairy operation nestled in the hills of Tioga County, Pa. Sisters Stephanie and Hayley Painter are co-owners of a value-added venture using their farm’s milk in their organic skyr yogurt, which is sold nationally.

For more information or to register, visit pasafarming.org.

This event is supported by grants from Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center and National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition.