Pennsylvania Impact is a new series of publications that describes how Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences serves the people of Pennsylvania. Through teaching, research and Penn State Cooperative Extension programs, the College is making a significant contribution to the economic health of Pennsylvania and its broad agricultural sectors, to the health and well-being of our families and communities, and to the preservation of our environment and natural resources.

At Penn State, the Grass Is Always Greener

In 1989, Pennsylvania's turf industry generated an estimated $1.5 billion annually, with more than 2 million acres devoted to turf in the state. Since then, the industry has grown substantially. The prominence of turfgrass in the state-from golf courses and athletic fields to home lawns-can be attributed in part to 75 years of world-renowned research and educational programs in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences.

Teaching How to Use Pesticides Safely

The high quality and abundance of food we enjoy are direct results of the safe and proper use of pesticides. If misused, however, pesticides are potentially harmful. The Pesticide Education Program in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences strives to educate all certified pesticide applicators and consumers across the Commonwealth, with an eye toward protecting pesticide users, public health, plant and animal health, and the environment.

Protecting Our Food, Our Farms, and Our Families

Natural disasters such as floods and droughts can affect farm production and public safety. A variety of domestic and foreign diseases-accidentally or intentionally introduced-may threaten human, animal, or plant health. Natural or human-made contaminants may wreak havoc with our food and water supplies. Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences conducts research and educational programs that are helping to enhance the security of our food system, the health and safety of our citizens, and the continued viability of our agriculture.

Encouraging the Use of Green Fuels and Power

Pennsylvania and the nation need new sources of clean, sustainable, environmentally friendly energy to limit reliance on fossil fuel, reduce pollution, and in some cases, create new markets for agricultural products. Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences is leading the way in developing new fuels and technologies, demonstrating the economic and societal impact of "green energy" sources, and evaluating the environmental efficacy of alternative fuels.

Making a Dangerous Job Less Hazardous

Agriculture is a dangerous business. Nationally, between 700 and 800 farmers are killed each year. Agricultural safety and health programs designed and offered by researchers and extension educators in Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences target farm workers and their families, rural youth, and emergency service providers. The result has been a long-term reduction in farm injuries and fatalities in Pennsylvania.

Global Agriculture Comes to Pennsylvania

Exports of Pennsylvania food, agricultural, and forestry-related products are worth more than $1.5 billion annually. The state's Hispanic population has grown by 70 percent and its Asian population by 60 percent since 1990. Pennsylvania must prepare its agriculture leaders and citizens for a future marked by complex cultural and global interrelationships. The College of Agricultural Sciences is responding with programs for students, international audiences, and domestic producers.

Building Health in Pennsylvanians

Experts say nearly 1.3 million Pennsylvanians may live at risk of hunger. Obesity, diabetes, and other health problems are on the rise. National headlines chronicle outbreaks of food-borne illness. To help address these issues, the College of Agricultural Sciences sponsors programs on nutrition, health, and food safety that are helping to enhance the well-being of our citizens.

Securing Our Homeland's Food System

In today's world, a terrorist attack on the food we eat, the water we drink, or the air we breathe is not unthinkable. But whether an emergency is caused by terrorists or a natural or accidental event, the science and protocols needed to respond are virtually identical. The College of Agricultural Sciences is at the forefront in developing the tools and programs needed to protect our citizens, our food system, and our economy.

Enhancing Profits and the Environment with Trees

Pennsylvania's forest products industry employs more than 100,000 people and contributes more than $5 billion to the economy annually. The state's 17 million acres of forests also provide recreational opportunities, wildlife habitat, and other benefits. Through research-based educational programs, the College of Agricultural Sciences is helping to sustain this vital resource through forest stewardship and sound urban forestry practices.

Milking Higher Profits from the Dairy Industry

With fluctuating milk prices and extreme weather, recent years have been hard on Pennsylvania dairy farmers. Risk management on the farm-locking in milk prices and insuring crops against loss-has emerged as a critical strategy for dairy farmers to protect their businesses. The College of Agricultural Sciences offers a variety of programs to help producers manage risk, become more efficient, and improve the bottom line.

Affordable Technologies, Increased Farm Profits

In Pennsylvania, as in many areas of the country, it’s becoming increasingly difficult for farmers and growers to stay in business. The cost of producing crops continues to climb, while profit margins continue to shrink. These producers need affordable technologies that allow them to increase their on-farm income and reduce costs.

Penn State Deer Research Guiding Wildlife Managers

Hunting is vital to Pennsylvania’s economy, with an economic impact of $4.8 billion annually, according to the Center for Rural Pennsylvania. Much of that comes from white-tailed deer hunting, which is the favorite pursuit of many of the state’s sports enthusiasts.

Sustaining Pennsylvania’s Unique Natural Resources

More than half of Pennsylvania—12 million acres—is covered in forest. Forests purify our air and water and provide habitat for wildlife. They also provide areas for recreation and beauty. Economically, Pennsylvania’s hardwood forests are some of the most valuable and productive in North America.

Keeping Emerging Diseases and Invasive Species Out

Since the first ships made passage across mysterious oceans, trade has ferried bounty from country to country. Unfortunately, in addition to their treasures, these ships also carry hidden cargo—insects, plants, animals and diseases that have the potential to become pests to foreign lands. Today, globalization dramatically increases the rate of international trade; as a result, the influx of dangerous, non-native pests and diseases is on the rise.

Improving the Environment in Pennsylvania

A healthy environment is a top priority for most Americans, and pure, plentiful water and waste disposal are vital concerns in Pennsylvania. Communities spend millions of dollars protecting and improving their water supplies and establishing methods and locations to safely dispose of wastes.

Strengthening Communities across the Commonwealth

Whether it’s economic boom or bust in a given community, unique challenges must be faced as change occurs. Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences has developed new tools and programs to help communities and individuals address the challenges of economic change on many fronts.

Mushroom Production: Sweetening the Smell

Pennsylvania produces more mushrooms than any other state in the nation. It's a commodity that contributes $255 million to the state's economy. But growing mushrooms can be a smelly business. College researchers are studying mushroom production techniques to find ways to lessen the odoriferous impact for people who live near a facility.

Cleaner Water for Pennsylvania

We drink it. We grow food with it. We play in it, and we simply can't live without it. College programs are helping to reduce "nonpoint source pollution" of the state's rivers, streams, lakes and groundwater supplies and protect this invaluable resource.

Pest Management for the Future

The public increasingly voices concerns about the effects of pesticide use. Yet insects and diseases left unchecked can literally wipe out a crop. The College's Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programs are uncovering new methods to effectively reduce pesticide use in Pennsylvania while still allowing crops to be grown profitably.

Managing Nutrients for a Better Environment

It's said that you can never have too much of a good thing, but when it come to nutrients, that isn't always the case. College programs are helping Pennsylvanians to determine where and when nutrients are causing problems and to find solutions that work.

Building Safety Into Our Food System

Preventing foodborne illness takes a full-scale effort-from farm to table. The College works with farmers, food processors, distributors and consumers to reduce the growth of harmful bacteria in the foods we eat and lessen the incidence of foodborne illness.

Building Human Capital for Tomorrow's Food and Fiber System (Educating Students)

The world's population is projected to double in the next 50 years, but how will we feed, clothe and house all of these people? College programs for high school and undergraduate students are educating new generations of scholars and leaders who will help us meet this challenge.

Helping Pennsylvania's Families to Succeed

Families meet a wide variety of new challenges as they enter the workforce. Penn State Cooperative Extension programs enhance the capacity of service agencies to help new workers master the life skills they need to be successful in their jobs and in life.

Milking Profits through Good Management

Dairy farming is Pennsylvania's largest production agriculture sector, accounting for more than $1.5 billion in output, but it's getting tougher and tougher for dairy farmers to stay in business. To help the state's farmers to succeed, the College develops and teaches new management techniques that boost efficiency and profitability.

Mapping the Future with Information Systems

Using technologies known as Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and remote sensing, the College is helping Pennsylvania's agencies and communities protect valuable natural resources, make sound land-use choices and save lives.

Building Young Potential Throughout Pennsylvania

In our fast-paced, high-tech society, young people need adequate opportunities to cultivate the skills that are essential to making positive decisions and living healthy, productive lives in an increasingly complex world. Penn State Cooperative Extension 4-H/youth development programs provide these opportunities to thousands of young people throughout Pennsylvania.

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