The Berks County Conservation District’s Innovative Agriculture Workshop was a success! Thank you to everyone who attended and we were very lucky to have knowledgeable and helpful presenters who shared their expertise.   Lastly, thank you to our sponsors and food donors who made the event possible!

Sponsors:

• Deer Country Farm and Lawn Inc.
• Hy-Tech Mushroom Compost, Inc.
• Red Barn Consulting, Inc.
• Independent Ag Equipment

Food Donors:

• Mike Firestine from Fulton Bank
• Boyers Market and Catering
• Dieffenbach’s Potato Chips
• Way-Har Farms
• Clover Farms
• Redner’s Warehouse Markets
• Unique Pretzels

Click Here to learn more about the workshop including the agenda and discussion topics!

Our Annual Tree Seedling Sale Brochure is Here!   Click Here to learn more and to view the Brochure! 

On September 28th and October 5th, the Berks County Conservation District and the Kutztown High School chapter of FFA teamed up with the Berks Conservancy to plant trees along an unnamed tributary of Mill Creek in Krumsville.  The planting was to establish a riparian buffer along the stream.  Riparian buffers are important for maintaining and protecting water quality by naturally trapping sediment, reducing nutrient loads, and keeping temperatures cool.  Click through to see more pictures

Follow us on Facebook to keep up on all the latest news about soil and water conservation.  See the latest videos about farm conservation, education events near you, and events held by the Conservation District.  You can check out the page by clicking the My Page button above, once there follow us using the like button to keep getting updates about the district.

We also are unveiling our West Nile Virus Facebook page.  Given last years mosquito season, you may want to be kept up to date on all the latest news about our West Nile Virus vector program.  You can also learn about the transmission cycle of West Nile Virus and prevention measures to reduce mosquito populations.

BCCD West Nile Virus Facebook Page

The Pennsylvania Association of Conservation Districts, Inc. (PACD) has  released “Conservation Districts Sustain Agriculture: A Farmer’s Story.” The two-and-a-half minute video highlights the types of work districts do to support the state’s residents and the economy.

“This video, while short in length, is long in reach and explains how the districts help sustain the state’s number one industry: agriculture,” said PACD Executive Director Robert Maiden. “Many times, the conservation districts assist farmers with their nutrient management plans and installation of best management practices (BMPs) so they can stay productive. Agriculture feeds families.”

PACD is asking the legislature provide funding through the state’s general fund to support the districts’ work in 66 Pennsylvania counties.

“Conservation Districts Sustain Agriculture: A Farmer’s Story”

The Water Resources Education Network (WREN) recently completed a three minute video designed to educate and encourage residents to become proactive and ask community leaders and water systems across Pennsylvania to put common sense protection measures in place to enhance the safety, reliability and sustainability of local water supply sources. Developed with assistance from GreenTreks Network Inc. and suitable for all audiences, watch the three minute video and please share.

Lancaster County Conservation District, in association with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, has produced an informational booklet about soil erosion and water encroachment.  The programs that districts use to regulate these activities are often called Chapter 102 and Chapter 105.  Click here to see the full booklet and what exactly conservation districts do in regards to erosion and water encroachment.

Blair County Conservation District released two videos that explain the Chapter 91 and Chapter 102 regulations that pertain to agriculture.

FIrst is a video about Chapter 102 and what that means to farmers. Check it out below then see our Chapter 102 Ag page to see if your present plan needs updated.

The following is a video about Chapter 91 and your Manure Management Plan.  If you do not already have a plan, watch the video then head to our Manure Management page to see what you need to do to be in compliance: