Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) Alert

In December 2014, the United States Department of Agriculture confirmed several cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in birds in the Pacific flyway (migratory bird path). Since that time, states in the central and Mississippi flyways have also experienced poultry death losses from Avian Influenza virus. The disease has been found in wild birds, as well as in backyard and commercial poultry flocks.

It is believed that Avian Influenza virus is spread by wild ducks and geese. Since the different North American flyways used by these birds overlap with each other it is logical to assume that it is only a matter of time before these highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses that first appeared in the Pacific flyway show up in the Atlantic flyway.

Protect your birds with Good Biosecurity

Flock owners should strengthen their biosecurity measures to prevent the introduction of Avian Influenza virus into their flocks. One of the best things you can do to prevent your birds from being infected with this virus is to protect them from coming in contact with wild or migratory waterfowl. Also, keep your poultry away from any source of water that may have been contaminated by wild birds. Don’t use surface water (such as pond water) as a drinking water source for your poultry. Avoid visiting other poultry farms and auctions. If you do, be sure to change your clothing and footwear before working with your own birds.

Remember, Avian Influenza virus can infect chickens, turkeys, pheasants, ducks, geese and guinea fowl, as well as a wide variety of other birds. It does not seem to make wild waterfowl sick but seems to be shed in their manure. It can be very deadly to domestic poultry. So, protecting your poultry from direct contact with wild ducks and geese and contact with water contaminated by these birds or contact with equipment and footwear contaminated with manure from wild waterfowl is critical to protecting your flock. 

More information on Avian Influenza virus is available on the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture website.

PENN EXTENSION ANNOUNCES DAIRY FARM BILL MEETING DATE IN MONTROSE

The Penn State Extension Dairy Team will host an information session in Susquehanna County on the Margin Protection Program also known as the MPP- Dairy on Tuesday, October 28^th at the County Office Building in Montrose from 10 am till noon.  Registration is not required, but appreciated by calling the Susquehanna Office at 570-278-1158 or register online. 

The meeting will be held in conjunction with the Farm Service Agency (FSA) which is the USDA agency responsible for the administration of the MPP-Dairy. Extension Educators and representatives from the Center for Dairy Excellence will be on hand to answer questions on the program and walk through farm examples and the online decision tools developed by Dairy Markets and Policy members. Producers are encouraged to bring their production histories from their co-op from the years 2011, 2012 and 2013 to help determine MPP-Dairy coverage levels.

The Pennsylvania State University encourages qualified persons with disabilities to participate in its programs and activities. If you anticipate needing any type of accommodation or have questions about the physical access provided, please contact Heather Weeks at 717-240-6500 in advance of your participation or visit.

Penn State is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer, and is committed to providing employment opportunities to minorities, women, veterans, individuals with disabilities, and other protected groups. Nondiscrimination: http://guru.psu.edu/policies/AD85.html

More information on the dairy title of the farm bill can be found at the Penn State Extension Dairy Team’s website, or by going to http://fsa.usda.gov/FSA.

Blue Ridge Pre-K visits Brant’s Dairy Farm

Sixty-five pre-kindergarten students from Blue Ridge Elementary School recently visited Brant’s Dairy Farm located near Susquehanna.  The trip was to celebrate completion of the classes’ “In the City, In the Country” unit.  The unit begins by teaching the aspects of country life and farming. The children learn about different types of farms and what they produce. They then learn about cities and how products produced on the country farms gets transported to the city for people to buy.

In preparation for the field trip each of the classes were a visited by Susquehanna County Dairy Maids Reese Allen and Alexis Parks.  Miss Allen and Miss Parks taught students about where milk comes from and how dairy products are produced.  They also talked about the importance of eating a minimum of three dairy servings daily.  Both Allen and Parks are fourth grade students at Blue Ridge Elementary School.     

Susquehanna County Dairy Princess Mercedes Spickerman
talked to Blue Ridge Pre-K students in the milk house
during their field trip to Brant's Dairy Farm. 

When the students arrived at the farm they were welcomed by farm owners Keith and Pam Brant and their four-year old son Kyle.  The Brant’s had a variety of helpers to assist with the tour including farm employees Curtis Travis, Lisa Zurn, and Maria Diaz. The Susquehanna County Dairy Princess Mercedes Spickerman and Dairy Promotions Committee Members Michelle Kowalewski and Evie Goff also aided with teaching students and answering many questions during the tour.  During the field trip to the farm they had the opportunity to see how a cow is milked, learn how much cows eat, and see the bulk tank, where milk is stored on the farm before it is picked-up.  One of the most popular stops along the tour was visiting the calves that were born at the farm!  At the conclusion of the tour students got to see the farm tractors and enjoy a yogurt dairy snack provided by the Susquehanna County Dairy Princess Mercedes Spickerman!

This is the second year in a row that Mrs. Whitehead and Mrs. Hobbs’ Pre-K classes were able to visit Brant’s Dairy Farm in coordination with their “In the City, In the Country” unit.  According to Mrs. Whitehead, “This field trip is a great life connection for our students to experience.” 

4-H Achievement Night and Leaders Recognition Celebration Held

     Susquehanna County 4-H held its Annual 4-H Achievement Night and Leaders Recognition Celebration at Mountain View High School, on November 9^th. The evening began at 6:00 with an excellent covered dish dinner that was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone! It was a great evening of celebrating and recognizing the accomplishments of our Susquehanna County 4-H meetings, as well as the many hours of service of our volunteer leaders!

     The Awards Program began with a welcome, the pledges, and recognition of our special guests.  Several members of the Susquehanna County Extension Board were in attendance, as well as members of the Youth Program Advisory Committee (YPAC). Also in attendance were Commissioner Al Hall, and Extension District Director Bob Hansen.

     Our 4-H Achievement Night is a night to honor Susquehanna County 4-H members for their accomplishments throughout the year.  The first awards given were the Livestock Project Book Awards, which were presented by 4-H Leader Charlie Clark of the DES 4-H Club.  These awards are given to the 4-Hers that complete and hand in their 4-H Livestock Books, and do the best job.  Winners in the Senior Division were Champion: Emily Supancik, North Jackson Ag, Reserve Champion: Rebecca Hricko, Elk Mountain Community, and Honorable Mention: Evan Aldrich, North Jackson Ag.  Winners in the Junior Division were Champion: KayLeen Conklin, North Jackson Ag, Reserve Champion: Jamie Supancik, North Jackson Ag, and Honorable Mention: Katelyn Supancik, North Jackson Ag. In the Rookie Division, Champion was awarded to John Tyler, DES, Reserve Champion: Trever Graham, DES, and Honorable Mention to Adriana Zebrowski, of North Jackson Ag. 

     Next, Cathy Bewley, of the North Jackson Ag 4-H Club, made the Dairy Award Presentations. The Best Owned and Bred animals for 2013 were exhibited by Sabrina Clark and Kyle Vanderfeltz.  These two 4-Hers bred and own their 4-H projects, and were presented with embroidered jackets for their excellent accomplishments! Also receiving recognition in the Dairy Program were Emory Bewley, Kyle Vanderfeltz, Patrick Curley, and Alex Bonavita for exhibiting the Grand Champion and Reserve Grand Champion Holstein, as well as the Grand Champion Jersey and the best bred and owned junior Milking Shorthorn at the PA State Junior Dairy Show in Harrisburg.  Lastly, Cathy recognized the winners of the Dairy Project Books.  Winners in the Senior Division were Emily Supancik, North Jackson Ag, and Cassie Clark, DES.  The Junior Division was won by Emory Bewley, North Jackson Ag, Reserve Champion was Jamie Supancik, and Honorable Mention was Katelyn Supancik.  In the Rookie Division, Champion was won by Kyrston Swingle of DES, and Reserve Champion was won by Corey Vanderfeltz of DES.  Great job to all our Dairy kids on their excellent year!

     Cathy then introduced 4-H Leader Heather Charles, from the Blue Ribbon Drive Horse and Pony Club to

Connie Oliver, Sarah Carpenetti,
Kelly Oliver and Alex Carpenetti

present the Horse Awards.  First, she recognized Austin Graham of the Blue Ribbon Driven Club for securing the highest number of sponsors as well as the highest dollar amount to be used towards the Horse 4-H Program. Next, Heather awarded embroidered horse sheets to 4-H Leader Connie Oliver, and members Kelly Oliver, Alex Carpenetti, and Sarah Carpenetti for participating in the State Competitive Trail Ride held in Huntingdon County, where they all placed very well.  And lastly Heather very proudly announced that we had two first place winners at the State Horse Show.  Corrin Raynor received first place in Hunter Under Saddle, Pony, and Austin Graham had the first place Draft Type Pony. 

North Jackson Pin Thimblers
4-H Members

     The program then moved on to the individual member awards.  4-H Leader and YPAC member Krista Naylor of the Franklin Hill Community 4-H Club made the presentations.  She awarded the Outstanding

News Reporter Award to KayLeen Conklin of the North Jackson Ag 4-H Club. Kaylee submitted nine articles to the newspaper!  Next Krista presented the Project Diversity Award to Zeb Swartley of the Borderline 4-H Club.  Zeb completed seven different 4-H projects, and exhibited them at the 4-H Building at the Harford Fair. 4-H window promotion displays were also honored at this time, and were presented to Franklin Hill Community, North Jackson Ag, CloverPups, Jackson Pin Thimblers, and Blue Ribbon Driven. 

     DES 4-H Leader LouAnn Kiefer presented the Club Spirit Awards.  Each 4-H Club was encouraged to choose one member who has shown the most improvement, been the most helpful, or stood out in this project year for any reason.  The winners are as follows: Awesome Archers-Kassie Wilbur, Baconeers-Kyle Chidester, Bits N Bosals-Myranda Polcha, Blue Ribbon Driven-Dana Nunemacher, Borderline-Zeb Swartley, Born to Show-Austin Bonavita, Bowbridge Shepherds-Dempsey Hollenbeck, Deckertown-Alex McDonald, DES-Brooke Arnold, Dimock Community-Andy Swetter, Elk Mountain-Katelyn Zembrzycki, Green Grove-Cynthia Eichelberger, Franklin Hill-Lily Naylor, Jackson Pin Thimblers-Madison Towner, New Beginnings-Tracee Canfield, North Jackson Ag-Emory Bewley, Pounding Hooves and Beating Hearts-Megan Leamon, Rough N Ready Riders-Katelyn Kveragas, Schooley Pond-Cheyenne Horn, and Sizzlin’ Steaks-Lauren Clancy.  LouAnn also presented the Blue Ribbon Club Awards.  These are the Susquehanna County 4-H Clubs that have kept track of their clubs activities, and submitted the Blue Ribbon application in October. This year, six clubs participated.  Red Ribbon Club Award winners were Jackson Pin Thimblers, DES, and Franklin Hill Community.  The Blue Ribbon Club Award winners were North Jackson Ag, Awesome Archers, and Blue Ribbon Driven.  Great job to our participating clubs!

4-H Project Completion Bike Winners:
Caleb Eichelberger and Marissa Horn

     Michelle Kowalewski, Penn State Extension Educator, then took the microphone to talk about our 2013 State and National Contest Participants.  She recognized the ten 4-H members that participated in PA State 4-H Achievement Days, and recognized two 4-H members that participated in National 4-H events.  Evan Castrogiovanni, Born to Show 4-H Club, was a member of the 2013 PA State 4-H Dairy Judging Contest.  Evan won the State Competition, and competed at the National 4-H Dairy Judging Contest in Madison, WI, where his team was 2^nd, and Evan was the 7^th High Individual.  Our other National Contest participant was Rachel Serfilippi of the Clover Pups 4-H Club. Rachel took part in the PA State 4-H Forestry and Wildlife Day, and qualified to be on the State Team.  This allowed her to take part in the 4-H and FFA Wildlife Habitat Education Program held in Indiana where her team was placed 3^rd overall, and Rachel was the 6^th High Individual! Lastly Michelle very excitedly presented a really special award.  This is the second year that bicycles have been graciously donated to the 4-H program, and given randomly to members that have completed their projects.  One first year member was chosen, and one member from all other 4-Hers.  This year’s winners were Marrisa Horn, of the Schooley Pond 4-H Club, and Caleb Eichelberger from the New Beginnings 4-H Club! And many thanks to our anonymous donor!

     The next portion of the program was to honor our 4-H Volunteer Leaders.  It began with special recognition of our 2013 Susquehanna County Summer Intern, Rachel Smarkusky.  Rachel worked from May until August, and contributed greatly to our summer 4-H Programs!  Next to be honored were the first year volunteer leaders. In attendance were Michelle Conklin, North Jackson Ag, Dana Empet, North Jackson Ag, Amelia Heath, Jackson Pin Thimblers, Abigail Hricko, Charissa Hricko, Brad Sebring, all from Elk Mountain Community, Megan Hewitt and Kathy Whitmore from Pounding Hooves and Beating Hearts, Joni Miller, Blue Ribbon Driven, and Kandy Tyler, DES and Dimock Community 4-H Club.  Two leaders with five years of experience were in attendance. They were Heather Charles, of Blue Ribbon Driven, and Charlie Clark of the DES 4-H Club.  Ten year leaders receiving recognition were Kim Clark, DES, Owen Bewley, North Jackson Ag, and Jennifer Joines, Rough N Ready Riders.

Dick Stewart receiving recognition
for 25 year of service to 4-H.

Receiving his 25 Year Leader Award and a standing ovation was Dick Stewart of the Borderline 4-H Club. 

     The last awards presented for the evening were scholarships and awards given to senior 4-H members that are either moving onto college or into the work force.  The Outstanding Dairy Member was won by Cassie Clark of the DES 4-H Club.  Cassie is a freshman at Penn State studying Agribusiness.  The Outstanding Horse Member was awarded to Ashlynn Cobb of the Rough N Ready Riders.  Ashlynn is studying Russian and International Studies at Juniata College.  Two other horse scholarships were awarded to Katelyn Kveragas who is attending SUNY Broome with hopes of becoming an equine vet. Also receiving the horse scholarship was Abigail Leamon from Pounding Hooves and Beating Hearts.  Abigail began studying at SUNY Delhi this fall in the Veterinary Science Technology program.  The Youth Program Advisory Board (YPAC) was very excited to award four scholarships this year.  They were awarded to Brianna Smarkusky, who attends Wilkes University and is pre-med/biology student, Devon Greenwood who is studying to become a LPN, Cassie Clark, Katelyn Kveragas, Abigail Leamon, and Ashlynn Cobb. Lastly, the Susquehanna County Outstanding 4-Hers were presented.  This year the recipients were Cassie Clark and Matt Wood.  These two 4-Hers are ones that have put in extra time and effort, and have developed right along with the program!  Congratulations to all our award winners!  The Susquehanna County Achievement Night and Leaders Recognition Celebration was a fun night, and an excellent way to celebrate how 4-H makes the best better! 

Cassie Clark
2013 Outstanding 4-H Member
Outstanding 4-H Dairy Member

2013 4-H Scholarship Recipients

Connecting the Faces of Penn State Extension and What We Do in Susquehanna County

Penn State Extension in Susquehanna County is part of an educational network that gives people in all 67 counties across the state access to the University's resources and expertise.

Extension is funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture and state and county governments.  Through this county-based partnership, Penn State Extension educators, faculty, and local volunteers work together to share unbiased, research based information with local residents.

Meet the faces of Penn State Extension in Susquehanna County:

Michelle Kowalewski, Extension Educator

Michelle Kowalewski, Ag Enterprise Educator
Agricultural Entrepreneurship State Program Team

Michelle has been with Penn State Extension since December 2006, starting as a Dairy/Ag Enterprise Extension Educator with part of her time being dedicated to youth dairy and livestock programs.  Today, Michelle's program area specialties include:

• Meeting with clients that are looking for more information on starting a new ag business enterprise or developing a value added food business.  Michelle has brought program offerings to Susquehanna County for Penn State's Food For Profit Workshop in 2013.  In 2014, she will offer Exploring the Small Farm Dream for individuals interested launching a small farm enterprise.  
• Additionally, she enjoys working with local producers in expanding direct marketing ideas and concepts.  Susquehanna County has developed "A Guide to Farm Products" that helps consumers producers that market their products locally.  
• Delivering program materials related to Farm Business Management, including Farm$en$e, a finance and production education course which will be offered statewide staring in December running through March.
• Currently, Michelle manages a blog site for her state program team: Agricultural Entrepreneurship: Marketing, Management and Industry News for Farm and Food Businesses.
• Lastly, she continues to support the Susquehanna County 4-H Program with concentrated efforts in the dairy and livestock project areas.  

Abby Onyon, 4-H/Youth Development Educator
4-H Volunteer Development State Program Team

Abby Onyon, Extension Educator

Abby started in Susquehanna County in February 2013 as the 4-H Educator.  She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the program; she was a ten year 4-H member and currently serves as a volunteer leader with the North Jackson Ag 4-H Club.  Abby's passion for 4-H has helped strengthen our county 4-H program.  Here are some recent stats about 4-H in Susquehanna County and accomplishments of our youth:

• Susquehanna County 4-H consists of 425 youth members (ages 5-18) and 110 screened adult volunteers.
• This year 4-Hers completed over 800 projects and entered them at the Harford Fair in the 4-H Building.
• In Susquehanna County we provide camps and clinics beyond the club level for youth focusing on officers training, livestock, dairy, horse and shooting sports.  These events not only draw members from Susquehanna County but surrounding counties.  
• 45 youth and 10 adults participated in a 5-day over night camp called Camp Brule over the summer as part of a 5-county 4-H camping experience.  
• Youth members have competed on a county, district, state and national level in numerous project areas, including livestock, dairy, horse, shooting sports, wildlife, clothing & textiles.

Kimberly Grace, Administrative Assistant and co-coordinator for Penn State Master Gardener Program in Susquehanna County

Kim Grace, Administrative Assistant

Kim has served as administrative assistant for Penn State Extension for the last 16-years.  Her duties and roles include not only supporting educators, 4-H members and leaders, but volunteers of the Penn State Master Gardener Program.  Her expertise in website management and computer technologies are extremely valuable!  Kim is the lead contact when folks call or visit the Susquehanna County office.  Kim diligently works to answer clients questions and concerns and utilizes the network of resources to direct clients to the appropriate educator across the state to provide unbiased, science based answers to questions.  She also supports educators in other counties as part of the district Extension model.  

Susquehanna County is part of District 4, the Endless Mountains District, which includes Bradford, Sullivan, Susquehanna, and Tioga Counties.  District 4 is lead by Bob Hansen who serves as an administrative liaison between the county and the university.  He also brings knowledge and expertise in forest resources and maple syrup production.

In Susquehanna County, our Extension staff is small but remember the resources to the entire University are at our finger tips!  For more information about Penn State Extension in Susquehanna County, contact our office at 570-278-1158 or visit our office at 88 Chenango Street, Montrose, Pa.

Walter & Marilyn Race Recognized as 2013 Susquehanna County Friends of Extension

Penn State Extension in Susquehanna County recently recognized Walter and Marilyn Race, Meshoppen as the 2013 Friends of Extension Award recipients at the joint annual awards dinner held in conjunction with the Susquehanna County Conservation District on October 8, 2013.

Walter and Marilyn have been avid supporters of Penn State Extension Programs for decades.  Both have served as 4-H leaders for over 30 years in the areas of shooting sports and horse program areas.  They are currently resource leaders in the Blue Ribbon Driven 4-H Horse and Pony Club.  Additionally, Marilyn is a 10-year Master Gardener Volunteer and Walter has served on the 4-H Youth Program Advisory Committee.    

Walter & Marilyn Race are picture with Michelle Kowalewski,
Penn State Extension Educator. 

Penn State Extension to Offer Food for Profit Class in Montrose

Have you ever been told that your favorite homemade bread, or salsa, is “good enough to sell?” Do you have additional fruit or vegetables from your farm or home garden that you would like to make into a commercial product?  Penn State Extension’s Food for Profit, is a one-day workshop to help you work through the maze of local and state regulations, food safety issues, and business management concepts that all must be considered in setting up a commercial food business.  The course will be held at the White Oak Restaurant, Montrose on Tuesday, October 1^st from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.  

How Can Food for Profit Help Me?

Food for Profit will take you step-by-step through the entrepreneurial process. It will provide you with the information and skills to assess if your idea will be something that will sell at a profit. Conducting a feasibility study (to see if yours is a good business idea), performing marketing research, and beginning to draft a business plan are a few of the concrete tools taught by certified instructors and business experts. By attending this class, you can learn how to evaluate the opportunities on paper before you look for funding or take action (saving money and time).

Who Should Attend the Course?

If you want to develop the skills to be innovative and visionary in your business – to grow your food venture - you will enjoy and benefit from this course. If you’re searching for innovative ideas about how to get your enterprise off the ground, this program is for you!

Registration Information:

Food for Profit will meet from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm., on Tuesday, October 1st at the White Oak Restaurant, 416 South Main Street, Montrose. The tuition cost of $45 per person includes all materials and lunch.  Pre-registration is required by September 24, and may be accomplished on-line at http://extension.psu.edu/food-safety/entrepreneurs.  

For further information about workshop content, contact Extension Educator in Susquehanna County, Michelle Kowalewski at 570-278-1158. Pre-payment and registration are required for this popular workshop. Penn State is committed to affirmative action, equal opportunity, and the diversity of its workforce.