Council Hosts Farewell Dinner for the Dean

More than 300 guests attended a farewell dinner on April 7 hosted by the Penn State Ag Council in honor of Dean Robert Steele. Dean Steele is stepping down as Dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences on June 30 after 12 years in the position and will join the college's faculty as a tenured professor in the Department of Food Science. Speakers highlighted Dean Steele's accomplishments during his tenure as Dean, praised him for building strong relationships with college stakeholders, and shared humorous stories from his years as Dean. Council president, Gregg Robertson, presented Dean Steele with a token of appreciation from the Council for his years of service - a black powder rifle. Photos of the event can be viewed at Dean Steele's Farewell Dinner.

New Dean of College of Ag Sciences Announced

The appointment of Bruce A. McPheron, associate dean for research and graduate education at the University's College of Agricultural Sciences and director of the Pennsylvania Agricultural Experiment Station, as dean of Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences was approved March 20, 2009, by the University's Board of Trustees. McPheron begins his tenure as dean effective July 1. He succeeds Robert D. Steele, who is stepping down after 12 years to return full-time to the college's faculty as a professor in the Department of Food Science. Click here for the full story.

College Capitol Day Addresses State Budget

The fourth annual College Capitol Day, sponsored by the Penn State Ag Council and PCCEA, was held on March 16 in Harrisburg with more than 170 college advocates attending. Agricultural advocates, including members of the Penn State Grassroots Network, visited every legislative office to encourage support of the college's agricultural research and extension budget lines found in the Penn State appropriation bill. A copy of the budget request can be seen at College Budget Request 2009.

Please contact your legislator and communicate support for the Penn State agricultural research and extension line items. Contact Mary Wirth in the College Relations Office for more information (mfw10@psu.edu).

College Research Tour Planned for September

This year’s PSAC research tour will be held on Thursday, September 24, on the Penn State University Park Campus from 9:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Invitations will be sent via CVENT in August. Please remember to encourage your legislators to attend.

Ag Progress Days Quickly Approaching

Ag Progress Days will be held on August 18 - 20. Council members are once again encouraged to provide their organization's banner for display during the College's special guest luncheons. Please contact Rhonda Demchak (rrr11@psu.edu) in the College Relations and Communications Office for more information.

Council members are also invited to attend one of the College's special guest luncheons. Invitations will be mailed in early June, so watch for your invitation postcard and email. You will be able to register online at the College of Ag Sciences Alumni Society website after June 1.

Taylor Doebler Appointed as New PSAC Board Member

Taylor Doebler, T.A. Seeds, has been appointed by the Penn State Ag Council Board of Directors to fill the unexpired term of board member Marc Tosiano, who has resigned from the board after accepting a position with USDA in Washington, DC. Please join the board in congratulating Taylor for his appointment, which is effective immediately.

April Program Examines Federal Ag Perspective

Attendees at the April meeting of the Penn State Ag Council heard speakers discuss federal perspectives on agriculture and policy. Newly elected Congresswoman Cathy Dahlkemper and Congressman Glenn Thompson, both serving on the House Committee on Agriculture, gave their views on priorities and issues facing the agricultural community. Colien Hefferan, USDA CSREES, gave an overview of the vision for agriculture under the new administration. Details of their remarks can be found in the meeting minutes.

2009 Leadership Award Nominations

The Penn State Ag Council Membership Committee is seeking nominations for the 2009 PSAC Student Leadership and Leadership in Action Awards. You can view a list of past recipients and submit your nomination online. Nominations are due by August 1.

Tailgaters Wanted

Associate Dean of Undergraduate Education, Marcos Fernandez, is seeking Penn State Ag Council members to attend the college Undergraduate Education student tailgates held at the Ag Arena before each home game to interact with current students. We are looking for 2-3 members to attend each tailgate. Please contact Rhonda Demchak if you are interested in attending (rrr11@psu.edu) or call the College Relations Office at 814-863-2822.

College Career Fair October 27

Ag Career Day is the perfect opportunity to meet and talk with the college's bright and talented students face to face about your internship or full-time positions. Even if you are not looking to hire, we encourage you to take advantage of this opportunity to promote your company and make connections through personal interaction with students, faculty, and staff. Click here for more information and to register.

College Launches New Student Internship Initiative

The college has created a new Career and Internship Initiative to better connect college students and potential employers. All Penn State Ag Council members are encouraged to inform their company members of this new opportunity. More information can be found at the College's Business and Industry Website.

H1N1 Info Available on College Website

Visit the college Website for comprehensive information on the H1N1 Influenza A.

ACRE Update

The Pa Supreme Court has reversed the Commonwealth Court's ruling that the Attorney General (AG) can challenge pre-ACRE township ordinances under ACRE only if the municipality takes action to enforce the ordinance (5-2 decision; Castille and Greenspan dissented.) The Court added that under ACRE the AG office acts on its own behalf, not on behalf of the complaining farmer, and that the AG can bring action with or without a complaint from a farmer. For more information see article.

View Creamery Cow to Cone Video

Penn State Ice Cream from the Berkey Creamery! A tradition for generations of Penn Stater's and their guests. But there's more than meets the eye, or the mouth for that matter. Every cone of 'Peachy Paterno', or cup of 'Death by Chocolate' begins with the cream provided by the cows at Penn State's dairy barns only a short mile north of the Creamery Store. Creamery Ice Cream represents the University's agricultural roots, and remains today a symbol of Penn State pride. View our new From the Cow to the Cone video!

Upcoming Events - Mark Your Calendar

• June 3 - PSAC Legislative Committee Meeting
• June 3 - PSAC Membership Committee Meeting
• July 15 - APD Banner Forms Due
• August 1 - Leadership Nominations Due
• August 18 - 20 - Ag Progress Days
• August 19 - PSAC Board of Directors Meeting
• September 24 - PSAC College Research Tour
• September 29 - 30 - Dean's Industry Tour
• October 12 - PSAC Delegate Meeting
• October 12 - College Scholarship Banquet
• October 13 - PSAC Board of Directors Meeting
• October 27 - College Career Fair