Members of the Tyrone FFA, area farmers, and those in agriculture-related businesses attended a breakfast hosted by Representative Judy Ward (R-Blair), which featured the Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding. Dr. David Wolfgang, Executive Director of the Bureau of Animal Health and Diagnostic Services also attended the event on Thursday, April 12 at the East Freedom Fire Hall.

“As someone who represents a large agricultural area, I felt it important to offer this type of forum where farmers and those in ag-related businesses can hear directly from the state’s secretary of Agriculture about the state’s top issues and their impact on the agriculture industry,” said Ward. “This is an excellent opportunity to ask questions and share concerns with our state’s top agricultural official.”

The main issue addressed during the forum was about Pennsylvania Dairy Industry.

One of the questions led to a discussion about whole milk being offered in schools, since research shows milk consumption really declined when schools were mandated to only serve 1% milk.

“School are receiving leeway on interjecting caffeine and sugary drinks and snacks into our school cafeterias and cafes, yet there is a calorie intake rule. We are a generation who is missing out on the important nutrients milk provides to our growing bodies,” added Kaylee Updike, Tyrone Area FFA Secretary.

Farmers offered many ideas to resolve the current dairy industry crises in Pennsylvania.

Dr. Wolfgang addressed the impact of Chronic Wasting Disease on the deer industry in Pennsylvania. He said that CWD can be controlled, but action must start now and it will still take 8-15 years.

“Though I learned a lot about the dairy industry, I also learned more about CWD. I wish I had spoken to Dr. Wolfgang prior to writing my FFA Conservation Speech,” said Chapter Treasurer McKenna LaRosa.

Daniel Peterson, the chapter Sentinel, said that he enjoyed the breakfast and like meeting Secretary Redding. He also found listening to the concerns of local agriculturalists to very informative and interesting.

“Eighteen percent of our State’s gross product is from the agriculture industry; which employees 560,000 people. Secretary Redding is correct, when he said, ‘Each of us has the power to ask where our food comes from and how it is processed.’ We need to support our agriculturalists by asking questions and purchasing local and State products,” sad Peterson.