Rural Broadband Access Discussed at PA Farm Show Today

LEMOYNE, PA – The PA State Grange is presenting a program on Rural Broadband Access at the PA Farm Show today (11 January). Its focus is to discuss what steps can be taken to ensure that rural Pennsylvania has the same access to Internet and cell phone service as do urban and suburban citizens. Earlier this week, President Donald Trump signed an Executive Order recognizing the need to “promote better access to broadband internet service in rural America” as well.

“This addresses a critical need for rural Pennsylvania”, said PA State Grange President Wayne Campbell. “Telemedicine may be a great way to reach rural areas but is almost useless if you don’t have the technology to go with it. Computers in the classroom is a great idea, but if kids have no Internet access at home, that resource is wasted. Rural commerce is stymied without access to those technology tools everyone else has. That is why Broadband Internet access is a top Grange legislative priority”

Presenters include: Mark Critz, Governor’s Rural Development Council Executive Director; Bev Gruber representing the PA Campgrounds Association; Betsy Huber, President of the National Grange and member of the Federal Communications Commission Advisory Committee for Broadband; Regina Matz, Esq. representing Public Utility Commission (PUC) Commissioner David Sweet; PA State Representative Kristin Phillips-Hill from York County who has introduced a package of Broadband bills; and Steve Samara, President of the PA Telephone Association.

The event will be moderated by PA Grange Director of Legislative Affairs Vince Phillips. The general public is encouraged to attend. The event is not just for members of the PA State Grange.

PA State Grange was founded in 1873 as an organization seeking to promote the interests of rural Pennsylvanians and to improve their lives economically and through strengthening the social fabric of their communities. The Grange’s presentation will take place in the Monongahela Room, second floor, Farm Show Complex Maclay Street entrance from 9:30 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.

For more information on the National Broadband Plan, visit: http://www.broadband.gov/rural_areas.html. Click HERE to view the President’s Executive Order.

Editor’s Note: The above is from a press release from the PA Grange and the White House.

(c) Therapeutic Thymes, 2018. All Rights Reserved.

Importance of Native Plants Discussed at PA Farm Show

HARRISBURG – Blair County Conservation District’s Suzanne Black discussed how to help native plants survive and thrive yesterday at the Pennsylvania Farm Show in Harrisburg. Pennsylvania’s native plants are constantly under threat to be crowded out by invasive plant species.

“Native plants are plants indigenous to a given area in geologic time,” said Black. “This includes plants that have developed, occur naturally, or existed for many years in an area. One-third of plants in the United States aren’t native, and this causes a significant problem.”

Natives are well adapted to the climate and therefore easier to care in comparison to non-native species. They do not require fertilizer because they are naturally adjusted to their habitat and soil. When the native species is in the proper environment there is little to no upkeep besides the possibility of adding organic matter or compost to the soil. Non-native species, on the other hand, are difficult to care for and lack the qualities to support biodiversity.

Natives are important because they are well adapted to the climate around them. They preserve Pennsylvania’s natural biodiversity and many insects rely on native plant hosts and cannot live off or eat exotic plants. A popular and supportive Native Plant includes Red Bud Trees. The Red Bud supports all aspects of natural biodiversity; butterflies eat the seeds, deer browse the foliage, and humming birds consume the nectar.

Black advises purchasing Native plants from a reputable source and buy only nursery propagated native species if you are planning to plant. Learn more at www.extension.psu.edu.

Another great resource for Native Plants is the PA Native Plant Society. The Society has several upcoming events, such as a Native Plant Seed Germination Workshop. The workshop, according to the Society’s website, will include discussion on the seed germination requirements of various perennials. It will also include demonstrations on sowing seed in flats and the “wintersow” method in milk jug mini greenhouses.

Editor’s Note: The above is largely from a press release from the PA Farm Show. The 102nd PA Farm Show continues through Saturday, 13 January 2018.

(c) Therapeutic Thymes, 2018. All Rights Reserved.

Protecting our Pollinators to be Discussed at Farm Show

Pennsylvania is home to hundreds of species of pollinators. There are 500 species of bees alone that call Pennsylvania home. In addition to bees, pollinators include beetles, butterflies, moths, and even flies.

At the PA Farm Show today, Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding will join representatives from the Center for Pollinator Research at Penn State, beekeepers, and others concerned about the health of state pollinators to share recommendations from the Pennsylvania Pollinator Protection Plan. The plan, known as P4, was developed by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture and Center for Pollinator Research at Penn State University (PSU). It is designed to protect bees and other insects that pollinate nearly 75 percent of the commonwealth’s food crops.

For more information on the Plan, visit: PSU’s Center for Pollinator Research.

(c) Therapeutic Thymes, 2018. All Rights Reserved.

Honey Extraction Demonstration

Have you ever wondered how the honey gets from that little bee to that delicious sticky liquid we often use in tea or on toast? Wonder no more. Today, at the 102nd PA Farm Show, there will be a Honey Extraction Demonstration It is scheduled for 10 a.m. by Pennsylvania State Beekeepers Association on the Culinary Connection Stage. There are several methods of extracting honey.

The PA Beekeepers Association has several educational stands at the Show. The Farm Show is the PA Beekeepers Association’s showcase annual event and the primary source of fund raising for the Pennsylvania Honey Queen Program, according to their website. The 2018 Pennsylvania Honey Queen is Hannah Albright. Lydia Barr was selected as 2018 Pennsylvania Honey Princess.

The 2018 show runs through 13 January, from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, except Sunday, 7 January, when it runs 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday, January 13, when it opens at 8 a.m. and closes at 5 p.m. This year is the 102nd PA Farm Show.

(c) Therapeutic Thymes, 2018. All Rights Reserved