Recent News
Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Secretary Redding and I sat down to discuss this year`s PA Farm Show. Thank you to all who make this week so special and successful year after year.
🥛 Whole Milk is Back in Schools! 🥛
I’m proud to share that the Whole Milk for Healthy Kids Act has been signed into law — allowing schools nationwide to once again offer whole and 2% milk to students!
This is a win for our kids and our Pennsylvania dairy farmers, who work hard every day to provide nutritious, high-quality milk for our communities.
A big thank-you to Glenn Thompson for leading the charge and to my colleagues who supported this effort. Together, we’re helping our students grow strong and supporting our local dairy industry. 🐄
Read full press release here: https://www.senatoreldervogel.com/2026/01/16/pa-state-lawmakers-and-agriculture-leaders-applaud-the-signing-of-federal-whole-milk-for-healthy-kids-act/
How can AI improve work zone safety? That’s the latest @PennsylvaniaDepartmentofTransportation Innovations Challenge for PA high school students.
Teams must submit entries by Jan. 30 for a chance at a prize. Submission information here: https://bit.ly/3Lb5usy
Yesterday I joined Governor Shapiro and Secretary Redding for a tour at the Farm Show. I’m always grateful that as elected officials we can come together in support of agriculture and the hardworking men and women who keep the industry moving forward.
In case you missed it:
Earlier today, I joined Representative Eddie Day Pashinski to lead a joint hearing of the Senate and House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committees at the PA Farm Show to talk about an issue that doesn’t get nearly enough attention — the mental health crisis facing Pennsylvania’s farmers.
We heard powerful stories from farmers, advocates, and experts about the real challenges our agriculture community faces every day — from financial stress and health care shortages to the stigma that too often keeps people from asking for help.
I’m so grateful to everyone who shared their experiences. As I’ve said before, our farmers are the backbone of our nation, and we need to do everything we can to support their well-being.
You can watch the full hearing below 👇
https://agriculture.pasenategop.com/ag-011426/
If you or someone you know is a farmer in crisis, please reach out:
📞 AgriStress Helpline: 833-897-AGRI (2474)
💬 Text PA to 741-741
📞 Or call/text 988 for the National Suicide Hotline
I was honored to attend the PA FFA Mid-Winter Convention yesterday. It was a blast to witness the recognition of our agricultural education students across the Commonwealth. Not to mention, it was a record-breaking event with 1,448 FFA jackets and 536 Keystone State Degrees awarded! The future of agriculture in PA is strong! Congrats to all!
High school seniors have until Jan. 31 to apply for $10,000 college scholarships as part of the @America250PA celebration. More than three dozen PA schools will match it and 25 will be awarded in six PA regions for the 2026-27 year. Learn more and apply here: https://bit.ly/4qdK2SH
High school seniors have until Jan. 31 to apply for $10,000 college scholarships as part of the @America250PA celebration. More than three dozen PA schools will match it and 25 will be awarded in six PA regions for the 2026-27 year. Learn more and apply here: https://bit.ly/4qdK2SH
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