How backyard chicken owners are protecting their flocks from the deadly avian flu outbreak

Alan YuApril 29, 2022

Owners need to keep their chickens away from wild birds and watch for signs of illness. An extra pair of boots is a good idea too.

Food and Agriculture

Avian flu spreads to more Lancaster County poultry farms

Brett SholtisApril 22, 2022

The Pa. Department of Agriculture has set up a “control zone,” a 10 kilometer area where state and federal scientists and other experts are working to stop further virus spread.

Food and Agriculture

Bird flu found at Lancaster County poultry farm

Brett SholtisApril 18, 2022

About 1.4 million birds from the farm were euthanized. It's the first known case of bird flu at a commercial farm in Pa. since 1984.

Food and Agriculture

Pennsylvania’s plan fails to meet pollution reduction goals for the Chesapeake Bay, EPA says

Gabriela MartínezApril 18, 2022

Pennsylvania's plan fails to meet goals for reducing nitrogen, phosphorous, and sediment. EPA will increase inspections and redirect funds to other states.

Food and AgriculturePollutionWater

How to prevent invasive jumping worms from ruining your garden

Kara HolsoppleApril 1, 2022

The wriggling intruders degrade the structure of soil and deplete its nutrients, but we have some tips to keep them out of your garden.

ConservationFood and AgricultureWild PennsylvaniaYour Environment Update

An avian flu outbreak has Pennsylvania on alert

Kara HolsoppleMarch 25, 2022

Pennsylvania officials recommend keeping chickens and other poultry inside to avoid the highly infectious virus. 

Food and AgricultureYour Environment Update

Farmers often struggle with mental health. Officials hope a new helpline will change that

An-Li HerringFebruary 18, 2022

The helpline staff will understand agriculture: “They’re not going to tell a dairy farmer to take a two-week vacation.”

Food and AgricultureHealth

Chesapeake Bay Foundation gets grant to help disadvantaged farmers

Gabriela MartínezJanuary 21, 2022

The program will help those who have historically been excluded from conservation assistance, such as Black and Indigenous farmers.

ConservationEnvironmental JusticeFood and Agriculture

1% of Pennsylvania farmers are people of color. Changing that could help solve an ag labor shortage

An-Li HerringJanuary 14, 2022

Most of Pennsylvania's farmers are white. But efforts are underway to bring more people of color into farming.

EconomyEnvironmental JusticeFood and Agriculture

FIRST PERSON: Denele Hughson, Grow Pittsburgh’s new executive director

Kara HolsoppleDecember 24, 2021

“Seeds and plants want to grow. That is their purpose. You just have to get the right conditions for it, and everyone can learn it.”

Environmental JusticeEssayFood and Agriculture