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Young Farmer Podcast: Originally from Michigan, Leach came to Penn State in 2018 to lead Extension’s efforts in controlling the pest.

Chris Torres, Editor, American Agriculturist

November 25, 2020

1 Min Read
Spotted lanternfly
DREADED BUG: The spotted lanternfly continues to spread throughout Pennsylvania, the Northeast, and even as far as California and Oregon.

2020 has been a year like no other, from the COVID-19 pandemic to the historic presidential election. But it’s also been a banner year for spotted lanternfly, the dreaded bug that continues to spread throughout Pennsylvania, the Northeast, and even as far as California and Oregon.

Today’s Young Farmer Podcast guest is Heather Leach, a Michigan native and entomologist who came to Penn State Extension in 2018 with one focus: spotted lanternfly.

Since taking the job, Leach has been on the front lines of taking on this potentially destructive pest. She has a much better understanding of the bug, but even she still has questions about its potential and how farmers can work to control it.

Take a listen to today’s podcast! And Happy Thanksgiving to all of you out there.

 

About the Author(s)

Chris Torres

Editor, American Agriculturist

Chris Torres, editor of American Agriculturist, previously worked at Lancaster Farming, where he started in 2006 as a staff writer and later became regional editor. Torres is a seven-time winner of the Keystone Press Awards, handed out by the Pennsylvania Press Association, and he is a Pennsylvania State University graduate.

Torres says he wants American Agriculturist to be farmers' "go-to product, continuing the legacy and high standard (former American Agriculturist editor) John Vogel has set." Torres succeeds Vogel, who retired after 47 years with Farm Progress and its related publications.

"The news business is a challenging job," Torres says. "It makes you think outside your small box, and you have to formulate what the reader wants to see from the overall product. It's rewarding to see a nice product in the end."

Torres' family is based in Lebanon County, Pa. His wife grew up on a small farm in Berks County, Pa., where they raised corn, soybeans, feeder cattle and more. Torres and his wife are parents to three young boys.

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