Welcome to Capital RC&D
  • Home
  • About Us
    • What is Capital RC&D?
    • Board of Directors
    • Contact Info & Directions
    • Employment Opportunities
    • Press
  • Projects
    • Conservation Podcast
    • Grazing Support >
      • Grazing Advisors
      • Grazing Education
    • Tillage and Cover Crop Survey
    • NRCS Technical Assistance
    • Employee Wellness
    • Tri-County2019 >
      • Tri-County Handouts Page
    • Previous Projects >
      • Agroforestry >
        • Northeast / Mid-Atlantic Agroforestry >
          • NEMA About Us
          • NEMA Webinars
          • NEMA Resources
          • NEMA Contact US
      • C-Saw Program
      • Claremont Gardens
      • CREP
      • CSP Outreach
      • High Tunnel >
        • High Tunnel Video Library
        • High Tunnel Webinars
        • Financial Assistance
        • Building / Maintaining / Modifying
        • Crop Production and Disease Management
        • High Tunnel Vendors
        • High Tunnel FAQ's
        • Other Resources
      • Local Food Initiative >
        • Growing Green
        • SNAP
        • South Central Food Systems Alliance
      • No-till & Soil Health >
        • Life in the Soil
        • Park the Plow
      • On-farm Composting
      • South Mountain Forests
      • South Mountain GeoTrail
  • Events
  • Links
  • Educational Resources
  • Board Member Materials

Grazing Advisors Host Webinars

2/11/2021

0 Comments

 
PDF
(Carlisle, PA) – Capital RC&D Grazing Advisors share over 90 years of experience managing pasture, grazing livestock, and educating. This experience is available to all interested farmers through Capital’s grazing advisor program and can be previewed by participating in two webinars that provide an overview of best practices, available resources, and balancing nutritional needs with pasture capacity. Both webinars will be presented by Capital RC&D Grazing Advisors with the first webinar, Grazing & Pasture Management in Pennsylvania will take place on Tuesday, March 2, 2021 at 12:00 PM and the second, Pasture – The Balancing Act, will follow on Tuesday, March 9, 2021 at 12:00 PM.  
March 2, 2021, 12:00 – 1:00 PM: Grazing & Pasture Management in Pennsylvania, Available Resources for Good Practices will be hosted by grazing advisors, Ann Basehore and Donna Foulk. This webinar is designed for the less experienced grazier and will provide an overview of key topics that graziers need to understand, like soil health, weed management, pasture management, animal health, stewardship practices, available educational or technical resources, and introduce the Capital RC&D Grazing Advisor program.
March 9, 2021, 12:00 – 1:00 PM: Pasture – The Balancing Act will be hosted by grazing advisor, Titus Martin. This webinar provides more detailed information about assessing livestock nutritional needs and the capacity of available pastures. Discussion will also focus on methods available to minimize a forage or nutritional shortage. 
Additional information about the webinars and the Capital RC&D Grazing Advisor program, including webinar registration, are available online at www.capitalrcd.org/grazingsupport, by emailing info@ capitalrcd.org, or by calling 717-241-4361.  
The webinars are funded through a National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Chesapeake Bay Small Watershed grant and in collaboration with Stroud Water Research Center and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. 

0 Comments

Grazing Support Available

2/3/2021

0 Comments

 
PDF
(Carlisle, PA) – Using managed livestock grazing provides benefits for livestock, soil health, water quality, the farmer and the farm’s bottom line. Twenty-five years ago, grazing methods returned to popularity, but information was limited. There are considerably more resources available now, but it can be difficult to know what methods, infrastructure, and livestock options will work best in any one farm operation. Grazing Advisors through Capital RC&D’s Grazing Advisor program can help new and experienced farmers evaluate this information and implement practices to help graziers succeed. 

Capital RC&D’s Grazing Advisor program started in 2008 with a focus to provide one-to-one technical advice to graziers throughout Pennsylvania, all at no cost to the farmer. Capital RC&D expanded the grazing advisor team in 2020 to include four advisors, including: Ann Basehore, Donna Foulk, Duane Hertzler, and Titus Martin. Together, they have over 90 years of experience in pasture management and grazing of dairy and beef herds, small ruminants, and equine. The advisors are available to work with graziers throughout the Susquehanna river watershed and can help with livestock, pasture and soil health, as well as infrastructure and record keeping. They can also provide support when transitioning from confinement or to more managed grazing systems. 

Additional information about the grazing advisor program and the advisors is available on the Capital RC&D Grazing Support page at www.capitalrcd.org/grazingsupport, including a recent Capital RC&D Conservation Podcast episode, Capital RC&D Grazing Advisors, An Introduction to the Advisors Supporting Grazing in the Region. 

Capital RC&D’s Grazing Advisor Program is funded through a National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Chesapeake Bay Small Watershed grant and in collaboration with the Stroud Water Research Center and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation. Questions about the grazing advisor program can be directed to Susan Richards at Capital RC&D at 717-241-4361 or via email at srichards@capitalrcd.org.

0 Comments

Pasture Walks Highlight Cover Crop Grazing

8/22/2020

0 Comments

 
PDF
(Carlisle, PA) – Planting cover crops for livestock grazing can result in multiple benefits for soil health and livestock nutrition when implemented as part of regular crop rotation or during pasture establishment. Key elements needed for successful cover crop grazing on a livestock farm, include infrastructure such as fencing (either temporary or permanent) watering systems, cover crop selection, and selection of appropriate livestock breeds. These elements and an overview of onsite research will be the focus of two pasture walks hosted by Capital RC&D in South Central Pennsylvania on September 29, 2020 in Adams County and October 20, 2020 in Franklin County, Pennsylvania. 
  • Sept. 29, 2020, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Josh Ramsburg, owner of Rock Creek Farms in Adams County, uses permanent pasture to graze his beef herd. He saw the potential benefit of cover crop grazing and installed perimeter fencing and water lines to incorporate that practice as part of his existing field crop rotation. The Sept. 29th event will feature the current cover crop mix, discuss infrastructure options, and address the impacts of weather-related issues during installation and cover crop seeding. 
  • Oct. 20, 2020, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM: Ben Peckman, owner of Slate Ridge Dairy Farm in Franklin County, has used cover crops and no-till techniques in his fields for many years but recently incorporated a small beef herd into the rotation on a portion of his acreage. The Oct. 20th pasture walk will focus on infrastructure and paddock design, issues experienced adopting a new practice and with incorporating a new herd, as well as rotation and cover crop species selection. 
Technical advisors will be onsite during each event to help address specific questions. Registration is requested to meet appropriate physical distancing requirements and can be made online at www.capitalrcd.org, by email, or by calling 717-241-4361- please leave a message for extension 15. 
These and two additional farms in Adams and Franklin Counties are participating in Capital RC&D’s Promoting Grazing and Cover Cropping by Developing Better Practice Information, Outreach and Cost-sharing project, a collaboration between researchers from Penn State University, grazing specialists from USDA-NRCS, grazing advisors from Capital RC&D, and researchers from USDA-ARS, that is funded through a National Fish and Wildlife Foundation Chesapeake Bay Small Watershed grant. 

For more information contact Cheryl Burns at Capital RC&D at 717-241-4361 or via email.  
0 Comments

On-Farm Composting Video Series

7/30/2019

0 Comments

 
Video Series Explores Benefits of On-Farm Composting
4-video case-study offers local farmers solutions
PDF
(Carlisle, PA) – Successful, on-farm composting is showcased in four videos available free on the Capital RC&D website, www.capitalrcd.org.  These videos were created by Capital RC&D staff with the help of five Pennsylvania farmers and researchers at Rodale Institute. The video case studies exhibit successful examples of on-farm composting and provide insight about each farm’s methods. 

The videos, along with a corresponding written overview and bibliography, showcase five composting techniques including turned windrows, static aerated piles, in-vessel, vermicomposting, and bedded pack composting. In addition to the benefits of each system, the videos provide detail about the inputs used by each farmer featured and how they use the finished compost. Viewers can also learn about research undertaken at Rodale Institute focused on using compost to increase disease and pest control.

Farmers and researchers featured in the videos include John Shenk, Shenk’s Berry Farm in Lancaster County, PA; Mike Brownback, Spiral Path Farm in Perry County, PA; Ned Foley, Two Particular Acres in Montgomery County, PA; Kenny and Cyrus Gehringer, Four Springs Farm in Lehigh County, PA; Rick Carr and Dr. Gladis Zinati, Rodale Institute, Berks County, PA.  
Picture
Finished compost from Rodale Institute is ready for field application or other use, such as vermicomposting or compost tea.
Picture
A static aerated pile compost system processes materials including landscape and food waste at Two Particular Acres in Montgomery County, PA.
Picture
Spiral Path Farm uses red wiggler worms in their vermicomposting system.
USDA-NRCS provided funding for the series and can provide technical assistance for farmers looking to implement or expand an on-farm composting system as part of their conservation practices. Farmers should contact their local NRCS office to learn more about this and other conservation practices. 

For more information contact Cheryl Burns at Capital RC&D at 717-241-4361 or via email at cburns@capitalrcd.org.  

The Capital Resource Conservation & Development (RC&D) Area Council is a seven-county, non-profit that provides leadership to promote regional partnerships for the responsible use and conservation of our natural, community, and economic resources. The Capital RC&D serves Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Lancaster, Lebanon, and York.
# # #

These and other photographs related to the on-farm composting video series are available for use upon request.
Picture
Bedded pack composting in the dairy barn at Four Springs Farm in Lehigh County, PA.
Picture
Turned windrow systems may require large tractor powered turning equipment.
Picture
Sawdust is applied and tilled into the surface in this bedded pack composting system.
Picture
Straw, sawdust, and other dry material help reduce moisture, odors, and potential pests from food waste tipping areas.
0 Comments

Spring High Tunnel Webinar Series

3/29/2019

 
Spring High Tunnel Webinar Series
Online Education and Resources for High Tunnel Growers
PDF
(Carlisle, PA) – Capital RC&D’s spring webinar series will focus on techniques and tools that both new and experienced high tunnel growers can implement to improve soil health, reduce pest and disease issues, and improve crop yields. Specifically, webinars detailing use of cover crops, anaerobic soil disinfestation, and tunnel plastics research.

 
A Fresh Start: Anaerobic Soil Disinfestation in High Tunnel Systems
Part 1 - April 2, 2019, 9:00 AM EDT, Part 2 – April 9, 2019, 9:00 AM EDT
Francesco Di Gioia, Ph. D., Assistant Professor of Vegetable Crop Science at Penn State University will discuss anaerobic soil disinfestation (ASD) and how it can be used within high tunnel systems to control soilborne bacteria, fungi, plant-parasitic nematodes, and weeds, as well as to enhance soil fertility. The topic will be covered across two sessions, the first (April 2nd) providing an introduction to the technique, its development, the principles of how it works, and how it can be applied. The second (April 9th) will go into greater detail about application, quality of inputs required during the process, as well as how to find required inputs. Both sessions will feature examples of the practice as applied before planting and during tomato crop production.
 
Plastics, They Make a Difference in Your High Tunnel 
April 16, 2019; 9:00 AM EDT
Kathy Demchak, Senior Extension Associate with Penn State, will share details about her research studying impacts of various cover plastics on pest management (specifically Japanese beetles) and crop yields in raspberry production, as well as how this may be applied to strawberry production and other crops. The webinar will also focus on light transmission issues experienced during late and early season production, recommendations if issues are experienced, details to consider before purchasing a new plastic cover, and discussion about plastics durability in tunnel structures.
 
The webinars will be recorded and available to view in the future. The live webinars will include time for participant questions and offer opportunity for discussion. There is no cost to participate but registration is required. 
 
For more information contact Cheryl Burns at Capital RC&D at 717-241-4361 or via email at cburns@capitalrcd.org.  Details about these high tunnel webinars, including registration information, is available at www.capitalrcd.org/events. 
 
Funding support has been provided by the USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service.
 
The Capital Resource Conservation & Development (RC&D) Area Council is a seven-county, non-profit that provides leadership to promote regional partnerships for the responsible use and conservation of our natural, community, and economic resources. The Capital RC&D serves Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Lancaster, Lebanon, and York.
# # #

Non-Timber Forest Products Webinars

2/2/2018

1 Comment

 
For Immediate Release
December 20, 2017
For More Information Contact: Cheryl Burns, 717-241-4361
Text PDF 
 Producing and Marketing Non-Timber Forest Products  
Valuable webinar series for woodland and agricultural land owners
Four consecutive Tuesdays beginning January 23, 2018
(Carlisle) – Capital RC&D will be holding a series of four webinars focused on opportunities and ideas for producing and marketing forest products. The one-hour webinars will be available free of charge beginning January 23, 2018 at noon and will be presented by top experts who each have significant hands-on experience in non-timber forest product production.The one-hour webinars will enable participants to learn from and ask questions of the presenter without leaving home. Scheduled topics and presenters include:
  • January 23, 2018 – Small Scale Mushroom Production presented by Steve Gabriel, Wellspring Farm and Cornell Cooperative Extension
  • January 30, 2018 – Biochar Production and Marketing presented by Gary Gilmore, DCNR Forester and biochar pioneer
  • February 6, 2018 – Small Scale Chestnut Production presented by Tracey Couther, DCNR Forest Program Specialist
  • February 13, 2018 – Agroforestry Practices in the Farm Bill, presented by Kate McFarland, National Agroforestry Center
To register visit the Capital RC&D website and click on Producing and Marketing Non-Timber Forest Products. For more information contact Capital RC&D at 717-241-4361 or via email at info@capitalrcd.org.
This event is sponsored by Capital RC&D with support from USDA Natural Resource Conservation Service.

The Capital Resource Conservation & Development (RC&D) Area Council is a seven-county, non-profit that provides leadership to promote responsible use and conservation of our natural, community, and economic resources. The Capital RC&D serves Adams, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Lancaster, Lebanon, and York. 

​# # #
1 Comment

    Press Room


    Press Contact

    Cheryl Burns
    Project and Outreach Manager PHONE: 717-241-4361
    ​EMAIL: press@capitalrcd.org


    Press Documents

    Photo/Video Release
    Capital RC&D Style Guide

    Capital RC&D
    ​e-Newsletter Archive

    Current Edition: Feb. 2021
    ​Previous Editions

    Archives

    February 2021
    August 2020
    July 2019
    March 2019
    February 2018


    Categories

    All

    RSS Feed


Home
About
Contact
Picture
  • Home
  • About Us
    • What is Capital RC&D?
    • Board of Directors
    • Contact Info & Directions
    • Employment Opportunities
    • Press
  • Projects
    • Conservation Podcast
    • Grazing Support >
      • Grazing Advisors
      • Grazing Education
    • Tillage and Cover Crop Survey
    • NRCS Technical Assistance
    • Employee Wellness
    • Tri-County2019 >
      • Tri-County Handouts Page
    • Previous Projects >
      • Agroforestry >
        • Northeast / Mid-Atlantic Agroforestry >
          • NEMA About Us
          • NEMA Webinars
          • NEMA Resources
          • NEMA Contact US
      • C-Saw Program
      • Claremont Gardens
      • CREP
      • CSP Outreach
      • High Tunnel >
        • High Tunnel Video Library
        • High Tunnel Webinars
        • Financial Assistance
        • Building / Maintaining / Modifying
        • Crop Production and Disease Management
        • High Tunnel Vendors
        • High Tunnel FAQ's
        • Other Resources
      • Local Food Initiative >
        • Growing Green
        • SNAP
        • South Central Food Systems Alliance
      • No-till & Soil Health >
        • Life in the Soil
        • Park the Plow
      • On-farm Composting
      • South Mountain Forests
      • South Mountain GeoTrail
  • Events
  • Links
  • Educational Resources
  • Board Member Materials