Recent News
Agriculture is always evolving, and supporting innovation is critical to keeping Pennsylvaniaās farms and agricultural communities strong.
Iām proud to announce two Agriculture Innovation Grants awarded in the 47th Senate District:
Tiny Seed Farm in Rochester will receive $31,690 for an automated specialty crop system.
Dream, Invent, Inspire in Evans City will receive $5,247 to help implement an AI system for vertical garden and crop management.
These investments will help bring new technology to our agricultural industry, improve efficiency and productivity, and give our farmers and ag businesses the tools they need to compete and succeed.
Pennsylvania agriculture is a major part of our economy, supporting nearly 600,000 jobs and more than 48,800 farms. Iāll continue working to support innovation and strengthen agriculture across our Commonwealth.
Care for those who served: PA veterans homes are looking to hire RNs and LPNs to provide care to those who answered our nationās call. Learn more about these opportunities and apply here: https://bit.ly/4hLZx39
Live from Elk State Forest in northern PA, the Elk Cam is a window into the world of these impressive animals, as well as turkey, deer and other wildlife. Best viewing times are mornings and evenings. Watch here: https://bit.ly/4guxlk3
Children are heading back to school, so please keep an eye out for school buses. Motorists must stop at least 10 feet away from school buses that have their red lights flashing and stop arm activated. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4qcTuXk
Had a great week at Ag Progress Days! š¾
It was great to spend time with farmers, agricultural leaders, exhibitors, and families from across Pennsylvania to talk about the future of agriculture and the issues that matter most to our rural communities.
Iām proud to support Pennsylvania agriculture and will continue working to make sure our farmers have the tools and resources they need to succeed.
Thanks to everyone who stopped by and made this yearās Ag Progress Days a great one! šš
I was proud to chair the joint public hearing, āCultivating 250 Years: Pennsylvania Agriculture Past, Present and Future."
A special thank you to Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding; Congressman Glenn Thompson, Chairman of the U.S. House Committee on Agriculture; retired Lebanon County dairy farmer Robert Smith; the Reskovac family from Fayette County; and Dean Troy Ott, Dean of Penn Stateās College of Agricultural Sciences, for sharing their experiences and providing valuable testimony.
I also want to recognize my fellow Agriculture Committee chairsāSen. Judy Schwank, Rep. Eddie Day Pashinski and Rep. Dan Moulāfor their leadership and participation in this important discussion.
Pennsylvania agriculture has a proud 250-year history, a vital role today and a bright future. Iām grateful to everyone who continues to work to keep our farms and agricultural communities strong for generations to come.
Link for full hearing...https://www.senatoreldervogel.com/2026/07/27/joint-ag-081226/
Under the new state budget we recently passed, the maximum PA State Grant award has increased to the highest amount in program history, helping students across the commonwealth and their families pay for higher education. The maximum award is $6,000 for 2026-27.
Learn more: https://bit.ly/4ckY6Vx
You can help eliminate fraud in benefits programs such as cash assistance, food stamps, childcare, home energy assistance and medical assistance. Report suspected fraud to the State Inspector General here: https://bit.ly/4boxlz9
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