Penn State Extension Berks County

10/08/2026

Important canning safety update!

🍋 Pucker up, canners! There’s a new NewsFlash!
Not all bottled lemon juice is created equal. For tested canning recipes, reach for "from concentrate" or reconstituted juice—not fresh-squeezed or “not from concentrate.”
Stay in the know with the NCHFP NewsFlash!

When in doubt, check it out! Read the latest NewsFlash from the National Center for Home Food Preservation: https://nchfp.uga.edu/newsflash/home-canning-safety-why-the-type-of-bottled-lemon-juice-matters

10/07/2026

The Berks County 4-H Cloverbud Club will hold its first meeting of the year on Saturday, October 24th, from 10 am - noon, at the Berks County Ag Center, 1206 County Welfare Rd, Leesport.
The Berks County 4-H Cloverbud Club is for youth ages 5-7 (ages as of January 1, 2027). The youth will learn about various topics through hands-on learning.
Make sure to enroll your members in ZSuites at https://4h.zsuite.org before the meeting date.

10/01/2026

This two-day event includes a live cattle evaluation with topics covering bovine respiratory disease, ration formulation, technology in beef production systems, and herd health tools. It will be held in State College at the Penn State Beef and Sheep Center on Oct. 13 & 14. Cost is $50. Registration deadline is Oct. 6.

https://extension.psu.edu/beef-short-course

Learn about bovine respiratory disease, ration formulation, herd health tools, and technology used in beef production systems during this educational program.

09/30/2026

Join us to understand the parts and functions of a rain barrel and learn how to connect it to your downspout. The workshop will be Oct 17, 1-2 pm. Cost is $60 which includes a barrel and a kit to convert it into a rain barrel. Participation is limited to 12. Registration is required.

https://extension.psu.edu/rain-barrel-workshop-build-your-own

09/21/2026

Check out lots of articles for new and beginning farmers, including online courses and upcoming events!

https://view.email.extension.psu.edu/?vawpToken=QFHHYMJUW67UXAS2AUVABKQBFY.70248&utm_medium=email&utm_source=MarketingCloud&utm_campaign=NBF_2026_SEPT_GN_EM_NEWSLETTER&utm_content=NBF_2026_SEPT_GN_EM_NEWSLETTER&subscriberkey=003d000003ADKV2AAP

09/21/2026

Learn techniques such as "no rake" and "chop and drop," discover what to leave in the garden to provide winter habitat for beneficial insects, and explore how to save seeds from favorite plants for next year’s garden. Join us on Sept. 23, 6:30-7:30pm. Cost is $10. Registration is required.

https://extension.psu.edu/ready-set-rest-fall-gardening

Learn simple, sustainable ways to prepare your garden for winter, support beneficial insects, protect plants, and save seeds for next year's garden.

09/10/2026

Fall is an excellent time to manage biennial and perennial weeds and Japanese stiltgrass in pastures and hay and to control weeds after silage harvest.

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — We are approaching an excellent time of year to manage biennial and perennial weeds, especially in grass pastures and hayfields. Biennials...

09/04/2026

Here are a few ways to preserve herbs, starting with harvesting tips. You can freeze herbs in ice cube trays in water, in oil, flat, and also the stems and leaves.

https://extension.psu.edu/freezing-herbs

Some herbs maintain their flavor better when frozen instead of dried.

09/03/2026

The ServSafe® Food Safety Program is for individuals who are serving as managers or are in a supervisory role requiring certification. Classes will be held Oct. 8 and 9 at Penn State Berks Campus. Cost is $165. Registration deadline is Oct. 1.

https://extension.psu.edu/servsafe?gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23379273794&gbraid=0AAAAAD3XkJPnF9kLRGBxuNpc7bZwiPSWG&gclid=Cj0KCQjwkt_UBhDMARIsALpnOAzermChv6OZHMFvJmsIXbJtoamnpwOcxELT7glndMhhrSwWPJm1vbgaAt18EALw_wcB

09/03/2026

LET’S COOK CHARCUTERIE BOARDS - Learn how to put a healthy
twist on a popular trend in this “Let’s Cook Charcuterie Boards” workshop.

Saturday, November 14
10 a.m. to noon
Yuengling Brewery Gift Shop
420 Mahantongo St.
Pottsville, PA
Cost: $30
Register by: November 11

extension.psu.edu/cook-boards or 877-345-0691