Smart Talk: Pa Farm show goes virtual to highlight state’s agriculture industry

December 17, 2020 | 3:00 PM

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Airdate: 12/18/20

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Plans for the 2021 Pennsylvania Farm Show are taking shape, although exhibits and the experience will look quite different this year.

Noticeably lacking would be the sounds and smells of the yearly occasion that attracts hundreds of Pennsylvanians from throughout the state. However the sights will go on, albeit on a digital platform, from Saturday, January 9 by means of Saturday, January 16.

In a standard yr, Pennsylvania hosts the most important indoor agricultural exposition below one roof within the nation, to showcase the various Pennsylvania agriculture business and the individuals who make it occur. Pennsylvania agriculture employs nearly half a million people and contributes $185 billion to the economy. Whereas this yr’s occasion shall be totally different in lots of respects, there’ll issues acquainted to previous show-goers.

Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding seems on Good Discuss to speak in regards to the modifications to the 2021 present, and present points and challenges going through the business.

Bringing Life Again to Impaired Pennsylvania Waterways

Pennsylvania agriculture contributes significantly to the financial power and vitality of the state, however there are additionally downsides to the business. Eradicating bushes to accommodate farming practices has left some waterways with out the good thing about one of many essential meals sources that organisms within the waterways depend on: leaves.

A Bucknell University biology and environmental sciences research class is studying the impact of leaves on biodiversity and stream health on Buffalo Creek, a Susquehanna River tributary. The researchers hope their findings will have an impact on other waterways and lead restoration efforts throughout the state.

Matthew E. McTammany, Ph.D., is a Professor with Biology & Environmental Studies and Sciences at Bucknell University and he joins Good Discuss Friday, together with Jordan Isaacs (2023), a Biology main and Presidential Fellow to debate the modern analysis plan.