In the IMAGINE Berks plan, agriculture is identified as a critical industry in Berks County, and supporting agri-business industry growth is an identified goal. As we thought more about how to further define this goal and its corresponding action steps, we knew we had to define its impact on the County. But being able to…
If you can hear the birds singing and the music of the ice cream truck driving by, then you know that it’s finally picnic season! There’s nothing better than whipping up a mountain of your favorite summer treats and eating them outside with people you love. You don’t need a fancy basket or a checkered…
While the Avian flu outbreak continues to grow in south-central Pennsylvania, for the very first time there are now flu-positive flocks in Berks County. The U.S. Department of Agriculture recently stated that the two positive flocks were found at commercial duck farms in the area, more specifically a duck breeder and a duck livestock farm.…
Spring is finally here, and that means the growing season is about to start! People everywhere are gathering up their garden tools and getting ready to break ground on their vegetable gardens for the year. If you’re a gardening newbie, growing your own fruits and vegetables in the backyard might seem like it’s more trouble…
It’s hard to believe that in the United States, food travels an average of 1,500 miles from farm to table. Meanwhile out of every retail dollar spent on food, only 15 cents returns to the farmer or rancher. Our supply chain is squeezing every last penny out of the American farmer. This is not economically…
While winter rages on in the Berks County area with cold winds and frequent snowfall, you can still stay warm and comfortable with locally-sourced alpaca wear and wool-based products. Could there be anything better than settling in with a wonderfully-soft alpaca scarf or a warm pair of wool socks warmed by the fire? Residents near…
It’s finally time to start working on your New Year’s resolutions, and you’re probably considering all of the standard choices, like exercising more, cooking more, or reading more. These are all great resolutions to make, but what if this year you made the resolutions to find as many ways as you could to give back…
The holiday season has finally arrived, and with it comes the need to begin shopping for gifts for your loved ones. So often this process can become a rushed affair just a few days before you need to have all the presents wrapped and ready to go, but the easiest way to change up this…
There’s no better way to make wonderful memories with your friends and family this autumn than to get outside. Head out to a local farm and spend a day picking apples and pumpkins, taking hayrides, and munching on apple cider donuts, or plan an excursion to a park or other outdoor space for a picnic…
B.A.R.N. Seeks Nominations For 2022 Excellence In Agriculture Awards The Berks Agricultural Resource Network, B.A.R.N., is actively seeking nominations for the award categories below intended to acknowledge and encourage excellence in agriculture-related matters across Berks County. Awards will be presented at the B.A.R.N. and Greater Reading Chamber Alliance Local Holiday Gift Guide Launch Celebration, located…