Penn State Agricultural Council News

College Budget Update

2011-06-15T10:15:00.001-04:00

The Pennsylvania House sent their state budget proposal to the Senate on May 24th. The proposal includes separate Ag Research and Ag Extension line items to be included in the Penn State appropriation bill with funding levels at 25% less than the 2010/2011 funding level.

Majority Chair of the House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, John Maher, authored an amendment to separate and fully restore the Ag Research and Ag Extension lines items, but the budget process resulted in most amendments being pulled before consideration.

On the Senate side, Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Jake Corman, has introduced the Penn State appropriations bill (SB1122), restoring funding to 85% of last year's funding level. The agricultural research and extension lines are not included in the bill, as Senator Corman is still working on a proposal to restore the lines to 90% of last year's funding and shift the location of the lines into the state Department of Agriculture. Click here for more information.

Please continue to communicate your support and appreciation of these efforts to your legislators. It is expected the legislature will act on the budget before end of the fiscal year on June 30th.

Ag Futures Process Moving Forward

2011-06-15T10:14:00.001-04:00

The Ag Futures process, designed to develop and implement a new business model for the college, is moving forward. Dean Bruce McPheron presented a draft proposal for a new academic unit structure in a webinar to college faculty and staff on June 10, 2011. Details of the proposal can be found on the college Ag Futures website. Stakeholders can provide comments and feedback on the proposed structure between June 13-July 5. The Penn State Ag Council college strategic planning committee will be meeting to review the proposal and provide feedback as appropriate. We encourage council members to provide feedback on this important proposal.

Leadership Award Nominations Due by August 1

2011-06-15T10:13:00.000-04:00

The Penn State Ag Council Membership committee is seeking nominations for the 2011 Leadership Awards.

The Penn State Ag Council Leadership Awards honor outstanding leaders in the agricultural community in Pennsylvania. Excellence in three categories is recognized: Leadership Award, Youth Leadership Award, and the Leadership in Action Award.

All nominations must be submitted by August 1, 2011. You can view the list of past award recipients and fill out the online nomination form at the Penn State Ag Council website: http://agsci.psu.edu/business/agcouncil

College Names Interim Associate Dean of Undergrad Education

2011-06-15T10:12:00.000-04:00

The College of Agricultural Sciences has named Tracy Hoover, professor and head of the Department of Agricultural and Extension Education, as the interim Associate Dean of Undergrad Education.

She will serve in that post while a national search is conducted to replace J. Marcos Fernandez, who will become Associate Dean and Director of Academic Programs for the College of Agriculture at Purdue University, effective July 1.

College Names Interim Associate Director of Cooperative Extension Appointed

2011-06-15T10:11:00.000-04:00

Dr. Mary Jo Depp-Nestlerode, Regional Director for the central region, was appointed as Interim Associate Director of Cooperative Extension effective April 1, 2011.

Taylor Doebler Appointed to Board of the Center for Rural Pennsylvania

2011-06-15T10:10:00.001-04:00

Taylor Doebler, owner of T. A. Seeds and a current member of the Board of Directors of the Penn State Ag Council, has been appointed as a Governor's representative to the Board of Directors of the Center for Rural Pennsylvania.

The Center for Rural Pennsylvania is a bipartisan, bicameral legislative agency that serves as a resource for rural policy within the Pennsylvania General Assembly.

Ag Advocate Training Held on April 16

2011-06-15T10:06:00.003-04:00

The Penn State Ag Council hosted an Ag Advocate Training and Skybox Event for the new Penn State Extension Council members on April 16th in conjunction with the Blue and White football game.

The event included a morning training program with speakers addressing the impacts of the proposed funding cuts to Penn State and the College of Ag Sciences. Senator Jake Corman, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, discussed the budget situation, noting his desire to have the college Ag Research and Ag Extension lines items separated out from the Penn State general funding line and funding levels restored.

Chesapeake Bay Foundation Hosts Dean's Tour

2011-06-15T10:06:00.002-04:00

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation hosted a Dean's Tour on May 31-June 1, 2011. Stops included restoration and CREP partnership projects at farms and sites along the Susquehanna river.

The Pennsylvania Forest Products Association and the Pennsylvania Vegetable Growers Association will host another tour on August 2-3. Details for the next Dean's Tour will be sent soon!

If your organization would like to host a future tour, please contact Rhonda Demchak at rrr11@psu.edu.

College Capitol Day Held on April 13

2011-06-15T10:05:00.000-04:00

The Penn State Ag Council (PSAC) and the Penn State Extension Council (PSEC) co-sponsored this year's College Capitol Day on April 13 in Harrisburg.

Approximately 160 college stakeholders consisting of Ag Action Network, College of Ag Sciences Alumni, PSAC, and PSEC members attended. Advocates delivered information packets to all 253 legislative offices and personally communicated the importance of college research and extension programs in their communities, businesses, and lives.

On behalf of the councils and the college, thank you to all of the advocates who attended! Feedback from legislators has been extremely positive.

If you attended capitol day, please be sure to send a thank you note to the offices you visited. If you could not attend, it is not too late to carry the message to your legislator!

College Research Tour Planned for September 22

2011-06-15T10:04:00.000-04:00

The twelfth annual Penn State Ag Council's Research Tour will be held on September 22, 2011. Delegates will receive an electronic invitation shortly. Please contact your legislators and encourage them to attend.

College Discovery Day Tour July 14

2011-06-15T10:03:00.000-04:00

The College's annual Discovery Day Tour will be held at the Southeast Ag Research and Extension Center in Manheim on July 14th. Legislators and media are invited to the tour, which showcases the value of the College's land-grant Research Stations to the commonwealth. Council delegates should have received an electronic invitation to attend the event. Please contact your legislator and encourage them to attend.

2011 Ag Progress Days

2011-06-15T10:02:00.001-04:00

Ag Progress Days will be held August 16-18. The Ag Council will once again be hanging member banners in the special events building for Tuesday's Alumni Luncheon and Wednesday's Government and Industry Day Luncheon.

The banner forms were distributed at the Spring Delegate Meeting and are due by July 15. Please fill out the form and either fax it to 814-863-6152 or click on the link above and email the form to Rhonda Demchak at rrr11@psu.edu.

The two luncheons attract more than 1,000 people. Delegates will receive a post card and an electronic invitation to attend the luncheons in June. Please respond quickly if you plan to attend, as space is limited.

Ag Career Day to be Held on October 18

2011-06-15T10:01:00.000-04:00

The College Ag Career Day will be held on October 18, 2011, from 9:00 am-4:00 pm at the Bryce Jordan Center on the Penn State University Park Campus. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet and interview College of Agricultural Sciences' Students. To register to attend or for more information about participating, please visit the Ag Career Day Registration site.

Upcoming Events-Mark Your Calendar

2011-06-15T10:00:00.001-04:00

July14- Discovery Day Tour, Southeast Ag Research and Extension Center
August 2- Dean's Tour Reception, Lewisburg, TBD
August 16-18- Ag Progress Days, Rock Springs
August 16 - College Alumni Society Luncheon, AG Progress Days site
August 17 - Government and Industry Day luncheon, Ag Progess Days site
August 17- PSAC Board Meeting, Rock Springs, Farm House 2nd Floor
September 22- PSAC College Research Tour, Ag Arena
October 5- PSAC Committee and Board Meetings
October 6- PSAC Fall Delegate Meeting, Ag Arena
October 6- College Scholarship Awards Banquet, Penn Stater
October 18- Ag Career Day

New Associate Dean of Research and Graduate Education

2011-02-01T17:00:00.003-05:00

Dr. Gary A. Thompson has been selected as the new College of Ag Sciences Associate Dean of Research and Graduate Education and will be starting in early April. Dr. Thompson comes to Penn State from Oklahoma State University, where he serves as the Head of the Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology. He has also worked at the National Science Foundation as the Program Director in the Division of Integrative Organismal Biology, Directorate for Biological Sciences. Dr. Thompson was also a faculty member at the University of Arkansas, University of Copenhagen, and the University of Arizona. He received his PhD. from Purdue University. Please join us in welcoming Dr. Thompson to the college!

College Academic Unit Restructuring Plan Under Development

2011-02-01T17:00:00.000-05:00

Anticipating emerging challenges facing Pennsylvania and the college, more than a year ago the Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences recognized the need for organizational change and began a process designed to develop and implement a new business model for the college and address budget strategies.

The AG Futures Process has entered a new phase, which will address the restructuring of the college's academic units. Please read the Ag Futures Process Update for a complete summary of the initiative to date.

In response to a University-wide evaluation resulting in specific recommendations submitted to the College of Ag Sciences, the dean has charged six teams to develop draft plans for restructuring the college's 12 academic units. Those plans will be available online on February 25, and a process for stakeholder input will be provided. The plans will be considered in the draft plan the Dean will present on March 18. Again, a process will be provided for stakeholder input before the final version is presented by the Dean in early April.

The process to date has been very transparent with extensive input from both internal and external stakeholders. Detailed information on the process and timelines can be found at the AG Futures website. For more information contact Mary Wirth (mfw10@psu.edu).

The Penn State Ag Council's College Strategic Planning Committee is following the academic unit restructuring process and will be submitting formal comments to the Dean on the final plan.

Budget Challenges

2011-02-01T16:55:00.000-05:00

The college's agriculture research and cooperative extension programs are unique to the college and are funded through individual lines in the Penn State non-preferred appropriations bill.

Funding over the past 8 years in these lines has increased an average of approximately only one percent per year, while the state budget has gone up more than 36 percent in the same time frame and basic education almost 50 percent.

The state relied on federal stimulus funds (ARRA) for 2010/2011 to keep Penn State at flat funding at 2008/2009 levels. Stimulus funds, which make up 6 percent of the college's state base funding, expire in June 2011. If these funds are not restored in the college's 2011/2012 appropriation, this, combined with increased operating costs, will result in the college facing a two year programmatic budget shortfall of almost $11 million.

The college continues to take aggressive measures to implement cost-saving strategies as well as to secure adequate funding. The number of layoffs and program cutbacks necessary to address the budget realities will not be known until the legislature passes the 2011/2012 budget.

Please take the time to communicate to the Governor and legislators the importance of these programs to Pennsylvania and request continued funding.

Advocacy Resources Available on College Website

2011-02-01T16:50:00.000-05:00

The college website has a new page containing college background materials and impacts that you may find useful as you advocate for college programs. The link - Impacts - can be found on the college home page in the right column under "spotlight."

Council Election Results

2011-02-01T16:45:00.000-05:00

At the August board meeting the board of directors elected a new slate of officers effective January 1, 2011, which included:

Gregory Kirkham - President (1st term) Westfield Group
Joel Rotz - Vice President (1st term) Pennsylvania Farm Bureau
Ferlin Patrick (Secretary/Treasurer 1st term) Food Industry Group
Gregg Robertson – Past President (1st Term) Pa Landscape & Nursery Association

John Rodgers, the outgoing Past President, leaves the Ag Council after nearly a half century of service in many capacities. His years of service and dedication to the Ag Council has been invaluable, and he will be greatly missed by his many friends and colleagues in the Council.

At the October board meeting, the board appointed Ken Martin, Furmano Foods, to fill the unexpired term of Kristen Goshorn to expire 12/31/2011. Elections were held at the October delegate meeting to fill three board of director vacancies for a three year term that expires 12-31-2013:

Cynthia Boyer Blakeslee (2nd term) Ag Law Committee of the PA Bar Assoc.
Mike Brammer (1st term) PA Assoc. of FFA, Inc.
Taylor Doebler (1st term) T.A. Seeds

To see a complete listing of board members click on the link below, http://agsci.psu.edu/business/agcouncil/board-of-directors

Next Delegate Meeting April 7

2011-02-01T16:40:00.000-05:00

Please mark your calendar for the next Penn State Ag Council Delegate Meeting to be held on April 7, 2011. The meeting will be held at Celebration Hall in State College, PA. The meeting will focus on voluntary audit systems and food safety as follow up to the viewing of the movie, Food, Inc. Extra time will be provided during the College Update to address the restructuring of the academic units and the Ag Futures process.

College Capitol Day Scheduled for April 13

2011-02-01T16:30:00.000-05:00

The 7th annual College Capitol Day will be held in Harrisburg on April 13, 2011. The event is sponsored by the Penn State Ag Council and the newly created Penn State Extension Council, which replaced the Pennsylvania Council of Cooperative Extension Associations (PCCEA.)

You will be receiving your registration via email the first week of February. Please plan on attending to help communicate the message of agriculture, particularly the importance of the Penn State Agriculture Research and Agriculture Extension programs, to the new administration and legislators.

Advocate Training Blue White Weekend

2011-01-28T18:09:00.001-05:00

The Ag Council will be hosting a legislative training session for Ag Action Network and Penn State Extension Advocates, which will be held on Blue & White Weekend, April 16, 2011.

2011 Dean's Tours

2011-01-28T18:02:00.008-05:00

On May 31- June 1, 2011, the Pennsylvania Chesapeake Bay Foundation will host a Dean's Tour in north central Pennsylvania, along the Susquehanna river basin. The tour will focus on conservation and restoration of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.

The Vegetable Growers Association and the Pennsylvania Forrest Products Association will jointly host a Dean's Tour on August 2-3, 2011.

An evening Dean's receptions will be held in conjunction with both tours with details to follow.

The membership committee is seeking member organizations to host future tours. If your organization is interested please contact Rhonda Demchak at rrr11@psu.edu or 814-867-1816.

Discovery Day at Southeast Reseach Center

2011-01-28T17:00:00.000-05:00

The 2nd annual tour of the Southeast Agricultural Research and Extension Center will be held on July 14, 2011.

This tour is designed to showcase the important research being conducted by faculty, staff, and volunteers at the center and demonstrate the impacts across the state. Please let your legislators know about this informative event and encourage them to attend and learn first hand the value of college research and extension programs.

Time to Renew Your Membership

2011-01-28T11:29:00.004-05:00

Penn State Ag Council 2011 Membership renewals have been sent out via CVENT. The strength of the Council is in its membership. Please take the time to renew today. Please contact Rhonda with any questions at 814-867-1816.

Upcoming Events

2011-01-27T11:26:00.001-05:00

April 6- PSAC Board Meeting
April 7-PSAC Delegate Meetings

April 13- Capitol Day

April 16- Blue White Training Event
May 31- Deans Tour Reception

July 14- Discovery Day Research Tour

August 2- Deans Tour Reception

College of Ag Sciences Search for Associate Dean for Research

2010-09-13T16:22:00.006-04:00

The current search underway for the college's Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Education is in its final stages. Interviews of the top three candidates will take place in late October or early November and will include opportunities for stakeholder participation in the public forums. Stay tuned...

Penn State Tops Recruiter Rankings

2010-09-13T15:59:00.003-04:00

An article in the Wall Street Journal on September 13, 2010, indicates Penn State is #1 pick for company recruiters due to "most prepared and well-rounded" students.

Jobs Outlook Bright for Students in Ag and Natural-Resource Sciences

2010-09-13T15:56:00.004-04:00

A study by the U.S. Department of Agriculture noted that about 54,400 annual openings will be available for individuals with bachelor's or graduate degrees in food, renewable energy and environmental specialties between 2010 and 2015. However, there will be enough agriculture and natural resources graduates to fill only 54 percent of these open positions. Click here for the full story.

Ag Career Day October 12

2010-09-13T10:28:00.001-04:00

Ag Career Day will be held on October 12, 2010, from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. at the Bryce Jordan Center on the Penn State University Park Campus.

This is a wonderful opportunity to meet and interview College of Agricultural Sciences' students. You can register to attend or get more information about participating by visiting the Ag Career Day Registration site.

New Sustainable Landscape Technology Certificate Program

2010-08-24T14:05:00.011-04:00

The Penn State Center - Pittsburgh - is launching a Sustainable Landscape Technology Certificate program this October geared toward the landscape contracting community and individuals interested in pursuing that career. This 17 credit certificate program will consist of two courses Tuesday and Thursday evenings (with an occasional Saturday field trip) in the following sessions:

October 5-December 16, 2010 - Hort 101 Tuesdays - Hort 131 Thursdays
January 4-March 24, 2011 - Hort 120 Tuesdays - Hort 138 Thursdays
October 4-December 15, 2011 - Hort 238 Tuesdays - Hort 408 Thursdays

This schedule of classes should address seasonal schedules sensitive to landscape contractors.

Please note each course will be framed by the course syllabus from the University Park campus, but it will be altered to fit a 12 week schedule. The program incorporates topics of sustainability, including sustainable techniques and native plants.

Please help us promote this new certificate program. Individuals will be able to complete the certificate program in as little as 15 months and can apply the 17 credits towards an associate degree in the general field of horticulture.

Delegates Still Needed to Attend College Student Tailgates

2010-08-06T10:45:00.005-04:00

Undergraduate Education is once again hosting student tailgates outside of the Ag Arena before each home football game. The Penn State Ag Council Membership Committee is looking for delegates to attend to allow students to network with leaders in agribusiness and learn more about possible careers in agriculture.

Please contact Rhonda Demchak at rrr11@psu.edu if you would like to sign up to attend one of the tailgates.

Fall Delegate Meeting to be Held October 28

2010-08-06T10:35:00.008-04:00

The Penn State Ag Council October delegate meeting will be held Thursday, October 28, 2010, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Snider Ag Arena on campus.

The program will include a tour of The Arboretum at Penn State and the Penn State Dickinson School of Law - Louis Katz Building. The meeting will also include a presentation by the Dean detailing the restructuring process currently underway in the college.

We will also recognize the Penn State Ag Council Leadership Award recipients and hold elections for new board members.

Click here for meeting and registration information.

We hope to see you there!

Research Tour Scheduled for September 23

2010-08-06T10:26:00.004-04:00

The Penn State Agricultural Council is pleased to host the eleventh annual Penn State College of Ag Sciences Research Tour.

The tour will take place on Thursday, September 23, at the Russell E.Larson Research & Education Center at Rock Springs (Ag Progress Days site) from 8:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and will focus on a number of environmental and agricultural production challenges including organic production, nutrient management, biofuels, and more.

Click here for more information and to register.

College Scholarship Banquet September 23

2010-08-06T10:25:00.000-04:00

Creators and supporters of scholarships in the College of Agricultural Sciences are invited to attend the annual Scholarship and Awards Banquet hosted by the College on September 23, 2010. College administration, faculty, staff, and student recipients will be in attendance to personally thank you for your generosity to the College. Contact the development office for details and to register at 814-863-1373.

Executive Board Elections

2010-08-06T10:20:00.006-04:00

The Penn State Ag Council board of directors voted in the new executive board members at the August 18 board meeting. The new officers, effective January 1, 2011, are:

Gregory Kirkham - President (1st term) - Westfield Group
Joel Rotz - Vice President (1st term) - Pennsylvania Farm Bureau
Ferlin Patrick - Secretary/Treasurer (1st term) - Food Industry Group

Gregg Robertson will serve as Past President (1st Term)-Pa Landscape & Nursery Association

Post Your News and Events on College Facebook Site

2010-08-06T10:10:00.011-04:00

Penn State Ag Council members are encouraged to post your news, information, and events on the College Facebook site. Check it out!

EPA Announces Public Meetings to Discuss Bay TMDLs

2010-08-06T10:09:00.002-04:00

EPA has announced a schedule of 18 public meetings throughout the Chesapeake Bay watershed this fall to discuss the draft Bay Total Maximum Daily Load (TMDL). The meetings will be held from late September to early November. One meeting in each state will be accessible online via webinar.

Complete information on the meetings, including dates, times, venues, directions and webinar registration links can be found on the Bay TMDL web site. The Bay TMDL will set binding limits on nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment pollution to meet clean water standards for the Bay and its tidal tributaries and help restore local rivers and streams.

Upcoming Events

2010-08-06T10:00:00.001-04:00

September 23 - PSAC College Research Tour
September 23 - College Scholarship Banquet
October 12 - College Career Day
October 27 - PSAC Board Meeting
October 28 - PSAC Delegate Meeting

College Responds to Budget Concerns

2010-05-11T18:00:00.000-04:00

The state is relying on federal stimulus funds (ARRA) for 2010/2011 to keep Penn State at flat funding from 2008/2009 levels. However, stimulus funding ends June, 2011, reducing Penn State/College base funding by 6%.

If these funds are not restored by the state, this, combined with increased operating costs including costs due to significant statewide funding shortfalls in state employee retirement system (SERS), will create a college programmatic budget shortfall of almost $11 million. This shortfall requires college agricultural research and extension program budgets to be reduced by an estimated 20% by July 1, 2011. This equates to approximately 163 positions in the college.

As a result, effectively July 1, 2010, college budget administrators have been charged to reduce impacted lines by 5%. This initial cut will impact all units. An additional 10% reduction will follow; metrics and processes are being developed to strategically identify areas for these additional budget reductions. The college strategic plan will serve as a guiding document to attempt to protect priority program areas.

A “soft” freeze on hiring is currently in effect in the college, and hiring is limited to essential positions and strategic opportunities with leverage from institutes, other colleges, and/or stakeholders. The college will also be evaluating college-wide restructuring options.

The Penn State Ag Council board and delegates were briefed on the situation at the April meeting, and the college will continue to keep them informed. College stakeholders are being encouraged to provide input into the process as it develops.

For more information view the college budget update piece on the college website.

Leadership Award Nominations Due by August 1

2010-05-11T16:39:00.000-04:00

The Penn State Ag Council Membership committee is seeking nominations for the 2010 leadership awards.

The Penn State Ag Council leadership awards honor outstanding leaders in the agricultural community in Pennsylvania. Excellence in three categories is recognized: Leadership Award, Youth Leadership Award, and the Leadership in Action Award.

All Nominations must be submitted by August 1, 2010. You can view the list of past award recipients and fill out the online nomination form on the Penn State Ag Council website.

Upcoming Deans Tour in the Northwest

2010-05-11T16:30:00.000-04:00

The Allegheny Hardwood Utilization Group will be hosting the next Dean's Tour on June 29-30, 2010.

A reception with the Dean will be held at the Bayfront Convention Center from 6:30 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. in the North Point Lobby. Member organizations are encouraged to share the invitation with their membership. An invitation with directions was recently sent to all delegates.

If you need more information or would like to register, please contact the College Relations Office at 814-863-2822 or email Rhonda Demchak at rrr11@psu.edu.

Eleventh Annual Research Tour Planned for September 23

2010-05-11T16:00:00.000-04:00

This year's Penn State Ag Council's College Research Tour Will be held on September 23, 2010. Delegates will receive an electronic invitation shortly. Please remember to invite your legislator to attend.

For the first time, this tour coincides with the Annual College Scholarship Dinner to make it more convenient for delegates who attend both events.

2010 Ag Progress Days

2010-05-11T15:10:00.000-04:00

Ag Progress Days will be held August 17-19. The Ag Council will once again be hanging member banners in the special events building for Tuesday's Alumni Luncheon and Wednesday's Government and Industry Day Luncheon.

The banner forms were distributed at the Spring Delegate Meeting and are due by July 15. Please fill out the form and either fax it to 814-863-6152 or click on the link above and email the form to Rhonda Demchak at rrr11@psu.edu.

These two luncheons attract more than 1,000 people. Delegates will receive a post card and an electronic invitation to attend the luncheons in late June or early July. Please respond quickly if you plan to attend, as space is limited.

Nominating Committee is Seeking Nominations for the Board of Directors

2010-05-11T15:00:00.000-04:00

The Penn State Ag Council Nominating Committee is seeking nominations for consideration for one seat on the Board of Directors. All nominations will be reviewed by the committee. The nominating committee will submit a slate of selected candidates to the ag council delegates at the fall delegate meeting.

Nominations can be sent to Rhonda Demchak in the College Relations Office at rrr11@psu.edu or sent directly to John Rodgers at the following address:

PA Forage & Grassland Council

95 Plum Lane
Bellville, PA 17004-8549

Delegates Needed to Attend Undergraduate Ed Tailgates

2010-05-11T14:57:00.000-04:00

Undergraduate Education is once again hosting student tailgates outside of the Ag Arena before each home football game . The Penn State Ag Council Membership Committee is looking for delegates to attend to allow students to network with leaders in agribusiness and learn more about possible careers in agriculture.

Please contact Rhoda Demchak at rrr11@psu.edu if you would like to sign up and attend one of the tailgates.

Ag Career Day to be Held on October 12

2010-05-11T14:37:00.006-04:00

Ag Career Day will be held on October 12, 2010, from 9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. at the Bryce Jordan Center on the Penn State University Park Campus.

This is a wonderful opportunity to meet and interview College of Agricultural Sciences' Students. Please register to attend or get more information about participating by visiting the Ag Career Day Registration site.

Food Inc. Viewing at Delegate Meeting

2010-05-03T17:24:00.000-04:00

A record crowd attended the April Delegate meeting where the program revolved around the topic of Public Perceptions of Modern Agriculture and included a viewing of Food, Inc. After viewing the movie, the audience was surveyed - using PowerPoint and clicker technology providing immediate data on audience responses - answering three questions on multiple issues raised in the movie (example: food safety, animal welfare, environmental performance, etc.)

The questions asked audience members to give their perception of: 1. Public perception of industry performance around each area. 2. Industry's actual performance in that area. 3. If there is a perceived gap between public perception and industry performance how could it best be addressed - with the choices being: communications, improved practices, research/technology, or policy. This data was then used by break-out groups over lunch that reported out on suggestions to address each issue. The program included a panel of experts for an afternoon discussion and Q & A session.

The program received outstanding reviews, and the survey results and the break-out reports from the meeting can be found on the Penn State Ag Council Website.

Ag Action Network Legislative Training Event held on April 24

2010-05-03T17:23:00.013-04:00

The Penn State Ag Council hosted the Ag Action Network legislative training and skybox event on April 24. The group enjoyed a morning training program with speakers discussing strategies for making and building relationships with local legislators. The afternoon was spent enjoying lunch and the Blue & White game in the Beaver Stadium skybox.

College Capitol Day Event Held March 9

2010-05-03T16:57:00.005-04:00

The Penn State Ag Council (PSAC) and the Pennsylvania Council of Cooperative Extension Associations (PCCEA) co-sponsored this year's College Capitol Day on March 9 in Harrisburg. Approximately 150 college stakeholders - consisting of Ag Action Network, College of Ag Sciences Alumni Society, PSAC, and PCCEA members - attended. Advocates delivered information packets to all 253 legislative offices and personally communicated the importance of college research and extension programs in their communities, businesses, and lives.

If you attended capitol day, please be sure to send a thank you note to the offices you visited. If you could not attend, it is not too late to carry the message to your legislator!

Dean's Tour Visits Central Region

2010-05-03T15:05:00.000-04:00

Penn State Ag Council members - PennAg Industries and Pennsylvania Veterinary Medical Association - co-sponsored the April Dean's tour into the central region of the state. Pictures are available on the Penn State Ag Council Website.

Harrisburg Patriot Publishes Op-Ed by Dean McPheron

2010-05-03T14:21:00.000-04:00

Visit our college website to view an op-ed piece written by Dean Bruce McPheron on the future of agriculture that was recently featured in the Harrisburg Patriot.

Jayarao to Provide Leadership for the Animal Diagnostic Lab

2010-05-03T14:20:00.003-04:00

Professor Bhushan Jayarao has accepted a position to help lead the Animal Diagnostic Laboratory (ADL) through its next phase of growth and expanding horizons. Starting May 5, 2010, Bhushan will start as the incumbent resident director of the ADL, and work together with Drs. John Enck and Huaguang Lu to help the ADL meet and exceed the needs of internal and external stakeholders by leveraging faculty led programs and strengthening the ties between the academic, research and service components of the laboratory, the Department, the College, and the University.

Search Begins for Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Education

2010-05-03T14:08:00.000-04:00

The College is conducting a search for the Associate Dean for Research and Graduate Education and Director of the Agricultural Experiment Station position. The position announcement can be found on the Human Resources job listing - http://bit.ly/ResearchDean.

Redesign of College Magazine

2010-04-19T09:11:00.013-04:00

After 25 years, the college's magazine has undergone a redesign. The spring issue recently appeared in mailboxes as the new Penn State Ag Science Magazine.

The redesign has taken place during the past year with attention to input from readers and others interested in the magazine.

A new magazine Web site has been rolled out as well, where you will be able to find additional pictures and stories that didn't make it into the print version.

Upcoming Events - Mark Your Calendar

2010-04-19T08:58:00.009-04:00

June 29 - Dean's Tour Reception, Erie, Pa
August 17 - 19 - Ag Progress Days
August 18 - PSAC Board Meeting
September 23 - PSAC College Research Tour
September 23 - College Scholarship Banquet
October 12 - College Career Day
October 27 - PSAC Board Meeting
October 28 - PSAC Delegate Meeting

Time to Renew Your Membership

2009-11-30T13:03:00.002-05:00

Penn State Ag Council 2010 Membership renewals will be sent out via CVENT email shortly. The strength of the Penn State Ag Council is in its membership. Please take the time to renew today. Please contact Rhonda with any questions at 814-867-1816.

April 8 Delegate Meeting to Include Viewing of "Food Inc."

2009-11-30T13:02:00.000-05:00

A viewing of Food Inc., a recently released movie about "America's industrialized food system and its effect on our environment, health, economy and workers' rights," will take place at the April delegate meeting followed by a discussion on public perceptions of agriculture. American agriculture is under increased scrutiny, and the meeting will provide an opportunity for dialogue on perceptions, realities, gaps, and opportunities around ag issues and ag literacy. The meeting will take place on April 8th in Bellefonte - mark your calendars!

Dean's Industry Tours Resume

2009-11-30T13:01:00.002-05:00

After a brief hiatus, the college's Dean's Industry Tours resumed in September in the southeast region with the Pa Landscape & Nursery Associatio n, the American Mushroom Institute, and the Pa Winery Association co-hosting the tour. In an effort to stay connected with the college’s industry clientele and alumni, the Dean's Industry Tours were initiated years ago to provide the Dean with an opportunity to make a series of trips around the state visiting industry sites every year. Penn State Ag Council members assist in identifying tour stops and hosting the Dean. As part of the tours, the college holds an evening reception where local alumni, ag industry, and government representatives are invited. These receptions are co-hosted by the college’s Alumni Society and the Penn State Ag Council and allow time for people to informally meet the Dean, get an update on college activities, and provide input or ask questions.

Marcellus Shale Topic of October Program

2009-11-30T13:00:00.001-05:00

The October 12 Penn State Ag Council Delegate Meeting was held at Celebration Hall with the program focusing on Marcellus shale activities. Speakers included Extension educators discussing the scope of the issue, economic impacts, and water quality considerations as well as Ross Pifer from the Penn State Ag Law Resource and Reference Center discussing legal issues. Dean Bruce McPheron was welcomed by the council and gave a college update and his vision moving forward. Presentations from the meeting are posted on the Penn State Ag Council Website under activities.

2009 Penn State Ag Council Leadership Awards

2009-11-30T12:59:00.000-05:00

The Penn State Ag Council 2009 Leadership Awards were presented at the October delegate meeting. The awards honor outstanding leaders in the agricultural community in Pennsylvania. Excellence in three categories is recognized: Leadership Award, Youth Leadership Award, and Leadership in Action Award. This year's award recipients include:

Leadership Award, Robert Steele
Youth Leadership Award, Ayla Detwiler
Leadership in Action Award, Lancaster Farmland Trust

2009 Research Tour Held

2009-11-30T12:58:00.001-05:00

Approximately 100 college stakeholders from industry, government, and alumni attended the tenth annual College of Agricultural Sciences research tour, sponsored by the Penn State Ag Council. The tour took place on September 24th at the University Park campus. The college supports hundreds of research projects each year that address issues of importance to Pennsylvania agriculture and the public.

The research tour allows attendees to witness first hand the depth and breadth of the research done at the college and the practical application and importance of the research to the agribusiness community and Pennsylvania. It also provides an opportunity for council members to interact with legislators and reinforce constituency support for research projects. Our thanks to ag council members - Pa Farm Bureau, PennAg Industries, Northeast Equipment Dealers Association, and York Ag Products, Inc. - for sponsoring the tour luncheon.

Board of Directors Election

2009-11-30T12:57:00.001-05:00

Nominating Committee Chair John Rodgers presented the nominees for the PSAC Board of Directors to the delegates at the October meeting for a vote. Reelected to the board were Amy Bradford, PennAg Industries Agronomic Products Council, and Rich Dexter, International Society of Arboriculture.

College Budget Update

2009-11-30T12:56:00.001-05:00

Although the Pennsylvania legislature finally passed, and the Governor signed, the state budget bill on October 9th - 101 days late - Penn State still does not have a budget. The Governor noted they held back the non-preferred (state-related) appropriation bills that fund the four state-related universities (including Penn State), museums, art associations, hospitals and other state related entities until the table games revenue bill is passed, noting the revenues are needed to balance the state budget.

The state Senate has already approved appropriations of $333.8 million for Penn State, but the House still needs to approve the bill. If the Senate numbers hold, Penn State would receive a 6% cut in base funding from the state in FY 2009/10. Funds from the America Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) would then be used, as required by the legislation, to supplement state funding for higher education, which would leave Penn State with FY 2008/09 initial authorized levels.

For the college, this will likely result in $25,594,000 and $30,384,000 for agriculture research and extension lines respectively. Although this equates to level funding from the FY 2008/09 levels, it leaves the college with a $1.3 million deficit due to increases in operational costs, even with the current freeze on salaries. It also leaves the college facing a permanent decrease in state base funding of 6% into the future.

Although decreases in funding levels are always hard to enact, the college considers this a good budget under the current economic conditions and credits college advocates for communicating support for these lines throughout this difficult budget process. Advocates of college research and extension programs voiced strong support at both the state and federal levels and made a difference. On behalf of the college - thank you for your support !

Goddard Chair Search Underway

2009-11-30T12:55:00.000-05:00

The college has published an announcement to fill the Maurice K. Goddard Endowed Chair in Forestry and Environmental Resources Conservation. This position is designed to provide leadership in sustainable natural resource conservation and utilization through programs of public service, education, and scholarship. Please feel free to distribute the announcement to potential candidates.

Upcoming Events - Mark Your Calendar

2009-11-30T12:36:00.006-05:00

December 9 - PSAC Legislative Committee Meeting, Harrisburg
TBA - College Capitol Day, State Capitol, Harrisburg
April 7 - PSAC Board Meeting, State College
April 8 - PSAC Delegate Meeting, Bellefonte
April 24 - Ag Action Network Training, TBA
April 27 - Dean's Tour Reception, TBA
June 29 - Dean's Tour Reception, TBA

Council Hosts Farewell Dinner for the Dean

2009-05-22T12:40:00.001-04:00

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

2009-05-22T12:30:00.001-04:00

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

2009-05-22T12:26:00.004-04:00

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

2009-05-22T12:20:00.004-04:00

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

2009-05-22T12:18:00.002-04:00

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

2009-05-22T12:12:00.011-04:00

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

2009-05-22T12:12:00.010-04:00

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

2009-05-22T12:11:00.000-04:00

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

2009-05-22T12:06:00.004-04:00

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

2009-05-22T12:00:00.004-04:00

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

2009-05-22T00:05:00.003-04:00

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

2009-05-22T00:04:00.001-04:00

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

ACRE Update

2009-05-22T00:04:00.000-04:00

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

2009-05-22T00:03:00.000-04:00

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

2009-05-22T00:00:00.002-04:00

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

Visit the College at the 2009 Farm Show

2009-01-12T16:14:00.005-05:00

The many faces of Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences will be evident at the 2009 Pennsylvania Farm Show, Jan. 10-17 in Harrisburg. The showpiece will be an expanded exhibit with educational stage presentations, but the college's presence will be felt throughout the sprawling Farm Show Complex.

In the college's exhibit in the Main Exhibits Hall just off the Maclay Street entrance, a wide variety of displays will highlight the college's expertise and programs in areas such as land-use planning, bioenergy research, food-safety and preservation, and water quality. More...

You can also take a look at the college Farm Show exhibit via our WebCam

Time to Renew Your PSAC Membership

2009-01-12T16:13:00.002-05:00

PSAC membership renewal notices were sent out in November for the 2009 calendar year. You should have received a CVENT email notice to renew your membership online with a check or credit card. Snail mail notices were sent to those who we do not currently have email addresses. The strength of the Penn State Ag Council is in its diverse membership – please renew today! If you did not receive an email renewal notice please contact Rhonda in the College Relations office at 814-863-2822 or rrr11@psu.edu.

Farewell Dinner for Dean Steele to be Held in Conjunction with April Delegate Meeting

2009-01-12T16:12:00.003-05:00

Robert D. Steele, dean of Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences, has announced that he will step down, effective July 1, 2009. Steele, who has served as dean since July 1, 1997, will join the college's faculty as a tenured professor in the Department of Food Science. More...

The Penn State Ag Council is hosting a farewell dinner for Dean Steele in conjunction with the council's April delegate meeting. The dinner will be held on Tuesday, April 7, at the Penn Stater Hotel and Conference Center. This is an opportunity to show appreciation for all that Dean Steele has done for the College and the Ag Council.

The delegate meeting will follow on Wednesday, April 8, at Celebration Hall in State College. The program will be “The Changing Landscape of Agriculture: New Leadership, New Opportunities, New Challenges”. The program will focus on a federal perspective of agriculture under the new administration with speakers invited from the new administration, USDA, plus several Pennsylvania legislators.

You will receive one registration that includes BOTH events - you will be able to register individually for either one or for both. Please look for an email invitation soon.

College Capitol Day Scheduled for March 16, 2009

2009-01-12T16:11:00.000-05:00

This year's College Capitol Day, sponsored by the Penn State Ag Council in conjunction with the Pennsylvania Council of Cooperative Extension Associations, will be held at the Capitol Complex in Harrisburg on March 16. Capitol Day provides an ideal opportunity for the agriculture community to educate legislators on the importance of agriculture to the state and the need to increase funding for agricultural research and extension programs. The day will include a morning training session for advocates, followed by legislative visits, and an ice cream social in the lower rotunda. You will be receiving a registration notice in January. Please plan on attending!

2008 Leadership Awards Presented

2009-01-12T16:10:00.002-05:00

Jim Davis, Chair of the Ag Leadership Committee, presented the sixth series of leadership awards at the October 27, 2008, delegate meeting. The awards were created to recognize individuals in the agricultural community at large who demonstrate outstanding communications and advocacy skills; exhibit the highest levels of professionalism, performance, innovation, judgment, and problem-solving skills encourage personal development, partnerships, collaboration, and respect; and serve as a role model, mentor, diplomat, and inspiration. More...

Congratulations to the following recipients:

PSAC Leadership Award: Tom Wambaugh
PSAC Youth Leadership Award: Alex Lauffer, Senior, Agricultural and Extension Education
PSAC Leadership in Action Award: School of Forest Resources Alumni Group

You can submit a nomination for 2009 online here.

Ehrhart Elected to Council Board

2009-01-12T16:09:00.003-05:00

Mathew Ehrhart, Pennsylvania Chesapeake Bay Foundation, was elected to the council board at the October delegate meeting. Ehrhart fills the vacant seat created with the rotation off the board of Past President James Shirk. Reelected to a second term were Kristen Goshorn, County Commissioners Association of Pa and James Davis, PA State Association of County Fairs.

Officers for 2009 were elected at the August board meeting to include:

Gregg Robertson, President, Pa Landscape & Nursery Association
Greg Kirkham, Vice President, Westfield Group
Joel Rotz, Treasurer, Pennsylvania Farm Bureau
John Rodgers, Past President, Pennsylvania Forage & Grassland Council

Christ Named as New Senior Associate Dean

2009-01-12T16:08:00.000-05:00

Barbara Christ, professor and head of plant pathology, has been named senior associate dean in the college, effective Jan. 1. She replaces Paul Wangsness, who retired earlier this year after serving the college as a faculty member and administrator for 37 years.

In her new position, Christ will have broad, college wide duties in planning and implementation related to programs, daily operations, budgets, safety, university policy and procedures, personnel, promotion and tenure, hiring and retention, facilities and land, external relations, and assistance for academic, regional and support units of the college. More...

Messina Named as New Director of School of Forest Resources

2009-01-12T16:07:00.000-05:00

Michael Messina, professor and associate department head for undergraduate programs in the Department of Ecosystem Science and Management at Texas A&M University, has been named director of Penn State’s School of Forest Resources, effective January 5, 2009. Messina will replace Charles Strauss, professor of forest economics, who is retiring after more than seven years as director and more than 47 years on the Penn State faculty. More...

Leadership Announced for Pennsylvania Legislative Committees

2009-01-12T16:06:00.004-05:00

Legislative leadership elections have been held in both the house and senate for the state of Pennsylvania. Rep. Mike Hanna will continue to chair the House Ag and Rural Affairs Committee with Rep. Sam Rohrer as the new minority chair. Sen. Mike Brubaker will continue to chair the Senate Ag and Rural Affairs Committee with Senator O'Pake as vice chair. Sen. Jake Corman will chair the Senate Appropriations Committee with Jay Costa as minority chair. Rep. Dwight Evans is the chair of the House Appropriations Committee with minority chair Mario Civera.

On a federal note, two new Pennsylvania legislators, Kathy Dahlkemper (D-3) and Glenn Thompson (R-5), have been appointed to the Ag Committee.

2008 Fall Meeting Addressed Water Quality Issues

2009-01-12T16:05:00.005-05:00

The fall council delegate meeting was held on October 27 at Celebration Hall in State College. The focus of the program was Upstream Effort, Downstream Impact: Pennsylvania Agriculture and the Chesapeake Bay. For more info click here.

Dean Robert Steele gave a college update, Associate Dean for Undergraduate Education, Marcos Fernandez, presented the new college enrollment numbers, and Ann Dodd, Assistant Dean for Strategic Initiatives, gave an update on the current strategic plan and implementation strategy. Presentations given at the meeting can be found by clicking below.

Ag and Environment
Foundation for Pa Watersheds
Pa Beef Council
College Strategic Planning
Undergraduate Education

2008 PSAC College Research Tour had Record Attendance

2009-01-12T16:03:00.001-05:00

The ninth annual Penn State Ag Council Research Tour was held on Thursday, September 25, 2008, at the Snider Ag Arena at Penn State. The tour this year highlighted research in Bio-energy and Air and Water Quality. The groups visited a green roof and the olfactometer and attended presentations on nano technology, the Asian Long Horn beetle, water resources, and the Pennsylvania gas rush. The tour was attended by a record crowd of more than 100 people.

New College Blog

2009-01-12T16:02:00.002-05:00

Steve Williams, photographer in the college of agricultural sciences, has started a new blog that presents a unique and insightful perspective of the college and agriculture. I highly recommend it!

Theoretical Agriculture - A camera view of agricultural research and science at Penn State.

Stay Connected to the College

2009-01-12T16:01:00.001-05:00

To receive news releases from Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences via electronic mail, send a blank e-mail message to join-agscinews-l@lists.cas.psu.edu, or call 814-865-6309 for more information.

Upcoming Events - Mark Your Calendars

2009-01-12T16:00:00.002-05:00

January 10–17, 2009 Pennsylvania Farm Show
January 23, 2009 PSAC Board Meeting
February TBA Legislative Committee
March 16, 2009 College Capitol Day
April 7, 2009 PSAC Board Meeting
April 7, 2009 Farewell Dinner for Dean Steele
April 8, 2009 PSAC Delegate Meeting
April 25, 2009 Ag Action Network Skybox Event