2022 Wayne County Ag Day, Krystal Snyder Penn State Extension Horticulture Educator gives a presentation on Market Gardening- What you Need to Know.

Photo contributed by Penn State Extension

HONESDALE, PA — The 2023 Wayne County Ag Day, held on Friday, May 5 at the Wayne County Fairgrounds, is an opportunity for local agricultural communities to learn about new and innovative technologies, services, product lines, machinery and markets available from area agribusinesses, associations and industry supporters. It is also an opportunity for agricultural enthusiasts and those wanting to get into  agriculture to learn about their local agriculture industry and to attend educational meetings presented by Penn State Extension educators and other industry professionals. 

Four educational meetings are planned. 

• Modifying your Infrastructure for Beef Cattle takes place at 10 a.m. in  the Beef Barn at the Wayne County Fairgrounds. Dr. Tara Felix, Penn State Extension beef specialist; Dan McFarland Ag Engineering extension educator; and John Tyson,  Ag Engineering  extension educator will present the two-hour meeting.
• Communicating with Farmers Under Stress takes place at 10 a.m. in the sheep and goat barn It is presented by Amber Hughes, Penn State Extension food, families and health educator.  
• Level 1 & 2 Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) certification training takes place at 1 p.m. in the beef barn. It is hosted by Dr. Hayley Springer, Penn State Extension veterinarian, in cooperation with Hannah Walters from the PA Beef Council. Both new producers to the BQA certification as well as producers who need recertification are welcome to attend the in-person training. 
• FSMA: Regulatory Impacts for Small Produce and Egg Producers takes place at 1 p.m. in the sheep and goat barn. The meeting will cover the important information about the impact the Food Safety Modernization Act will have on vegetable and egg producers in the near future. Jeffery Stoltzfus,  Penn State Extension farm food safety educator, will present it.  

Participating exhibitors will have educational booths in the dairy barn, and local farm equipment dealers will have equipment on display down the midway. 

Additionally, industry professionals will be available to give industry-relevant information. Some of this year’s list includes information on the Wayne County 4 -H program; agronomics; starting a farm business; and a session on producing beef, livestock and dairy production.  

Another feature includes a sample bar of milk, cheeses, ice creams and specialty meats that showcase the value-added products from local agribusinesses, such as Creamworks Creamery, Calkins Creamery and Hardler Farm. You’ll also find representatives from the Dairy Farmers of America, health screenings and an elected official meet-and-greet session. 

Lunch, sponsored by the day’s exhibitors, will be prepared by the Red Schoolhouse. 

There is no charge to attend. Registration is requested by Monday, May 1 for lunch by calling 877/345-0691 or by registering online at extension.psu.edu/wayne-county-ag-day.

The fairgrounds are located at 270 Miller Dr.

For more information, contact Chelsea Hill at cbh5097@psu.edu or call 570/253-5970, ext. 4110.