ODNR awards six grants to boost historic coal mining communities
The projects are funded by the Abandoned Mine Lands Economic Revitalization program with the goal of enhancing economic and environmental opportunities in historic coal mining communities.
West Virginia confirms HPAI in two more backyard flocks
The West Virginia Department of Agriculture confirmed two cases of H5N1 bird flu in flocks in Monangalia and Greenbrier counties last week. These two cases plus another in December make three positive cases of highly pathogenic avian influenza in West Virginia in 45 days.
Pennsylvania no-till pioneer named Leopold Conservation Award winner
From the 1980s farm crisis to global agricultural mentoring, Jim Hershey’s journey to the $10,000 Leopold Conservation Award is one of innovation. Discover how his Lancaster County farm uses no-till, cover crops and buffers to lead Pennsylvania in regenerative agriculture.
Start the grazing year right: Tips for healthier pastures and better performance
Prepare for a successful grazing season by auditing soil health, frost seeding, and infrastructure now. Plan your 2026 pasture strategy to maximize forage.
Brandly inducted into Ohio Auctioneer’s Hall of Fame
Also at the Ohio Auctioneers Association conference, James Yoder, of Kaufman Realty & Auctions, was crowned the 2026 Ohio Auctioneers Senior Division Champion. Jake Adelman, of RES Auction Services, was crowned the Junior Division Champion.
Coal communities could lose crucial funding for cleaning acid mine drainage
Pennsylvania stands to lose the most abandoned mine land funding (over $169 million) if President Donald Trump signs House Bill 6938 into law. West Virginia would see a reduction of $97 million in funding. The AML fund is crucial to cleaning up acid mine drainage that is widespread across Pennsylvania, West Virginia and Ohio, and continues to threaten local ecosystems.
“Ready to settle down:” Feral cats looking for their purr-fect match
In Salem, Ohio, Brenda Austin and a small group of volunteers are working tirelessly to give feral cats a second chance. Right now, there is an urgent need for farmers and property owners willing to adopt pairs of feral cats as "barn buddies." The program also needs financial support to continue its critical work.
President signs bipartisan whole milk bill into law
Western Pennsylvania dairy farmer William Thiele was recognized in the Oval Office as President Donald Trump signed the bipartisan Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act of 2025.
What is a data center?
From improving crop yields to monitoring livestock health, AI has the power to transform farming—but it requires massive data centers to function. Discover the benefits and burdens of bringing this next-gen technology to rural America
Greene County residents debate proposal to put data center on former coal mine
For decades, the Robena Coal Mine defined Alicia, Pennsylvania. Now, a proposed natural gas-powered hyperscale data center could bring jobs back—but at what cost to the peace and health of the community? Residents share their stories on the future of Greene County.
