For the week of October 19, 2026
https://extension.psu.edu/franklin
UPCOMING WEBINARS AND EVENTS: Penn State Extension is pleased to continue providing quality education via various webinars and recordings. If you have difficulty registering online for these live webinars, please contact Penn State Extension’s customer service team at
1-877-345-0691. Most of these webinars will be recorded and available for later viewing as well. Continue searching our website, extension.psu.edu, for the latest offerings.
Friday, October 30, 2026, 9:30 AM – Cow Comfort Around the Farm – Cow comfort is essential to maximizing herd health, productivity, and profitability on today’s dairy farms. Penn State Extension invites dairy producers, farm employees, and industry professionals to attend Cow Comfort Around the Farm, an on-farm educational program focused on management strategies, animal-handling practices, and equipment considerations to support healthier, more productive cows and calves. The program will be held on October 30, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at a private farm in Fayetteville, PA 17222. Participants will gain practical insights into improving cow comfort throughout the farm, with discussions centered on housing, handling, calf comfort, and facility management. Registration is required by October 28, 2026, at 11:45 p.m. To register, visit: https://extension.psu.edu/cow-comfort-around-the-farm. For additional information, contact Samantha Gehrett at Penn State Extension at 717-706-6034 or smr5319@psu.edu.
Monday, November 9, 2026, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM – Mid-Atlantic Organic and Sustainable Agricultural Exchange – The Mid-Atlantic Organic and Sustainable Agricultural Exchange, slated for Nov. 9 at the Best Western Premier, 800 E. Park Drive, Harrisburg, will give farmers and agricultural industry professionals the opportunity to learn the latest research and practical strategies to strengthen their operations.
The conference will feature a variety of dedicated educational tracks in grain crops, horticulture, livestock, and dairy to showcase current organic and regenerative production research alongside proven on-farm applications. Participants will gain valuable insights from farmer and grain marketing panels, take part in interactive discussion groups, and connect with exhibitors offering products, services, and solutions designed to support a wide range of agricultural enterprises.
Organizers have noted that space is limited, so preregistration before Oct. 30 is required. Exhibitors can register for a fee of $200; non-profit exhibitors can register for $50; general registration is $25 prior to Oct. 30, after which the fee will be $30. More information is available on the Penn State Extension website at https://extension.psu.edu/mid-atlantic-organic-and-sustainable-agricultural-exchange or contact Ashley Isaacson, agronomy extension educator, at 717-921-7628 or ani5071@psu.edu.
Tuesday, November 17, 2026, 1:00 PM – Pesticide Study Session – Need last-minute help reviewing for the November 18, 2026, PDA Certified Pesticide Applicator Exam?
Penn State Extension is holding a study session focused on the private applicator pesticide exam, from 1:00 – 4:00 PM on November 17, 2026, at Penn State Extension Franklin County, Room 1, 181 Franklin Farm Lane, Chambersburg, PA 17202.
For the moment, the private pesticide exam is still open-book, but it may be helpful to review study materials, practice exam questions, and learn test-taking tips in a group setting (Many applicators studying to test for a commercial pesticide license category take closed-book exams, but this study session will be helpful to review materials from the CORE study books). Participants must bring their own private pesticide applicator CORE study manual to class. If you plan to use previously purchased study packets, please note that some materials may have been updated. Ensure your study materials include the latest manuals, or purchase an updated study packet by contacting 1-877-345-0691.
This study session is held the day before the next scheduled PA Department of Agriculture (PDA) pesticide exam held in Chambersburg at the Ag Heritage Center, 185 Franklin Farm Lane, Chambersburg, PA 17202. You must pre-register for the upcoming pesticide exams to save a seat in the room. Questions? Or for more information, contact Tosh Mazzone at Penn State Extension at 717-809-2192.
Monday, November 30, 2026, 5:00 PM – Evergreen ID and Wreath Making – Join the Penn State Master Gardeners of Franklin County at the Ag Heritage Building, Lower Level, 185 Franklin Farm Lane, Chambersburg, for a popular workshop. In this hands-on session, you’ll learn how to identify various evergreens and create your very own wreath. The cost of the workshop is $25, and materials will be provided. Participants are encouraged to bring their own pruners and garden gloves. Additional embellishments are welcome. For additional information and online registration, visit https://extension.psu.edu/evergreen-identification-and-wreath-making or call 1-877-345-0691.
Tuesday, December 1, 20265, 9:00 AM – Evergreen ID and Centerpiece Making – Join the Master Gardeners of Franklin County at the Ag Heritage Building, lower level, located at 185 Franklin Farm Lane, Chambersburg, for a chance to create your own custom centerpiece using a variety of greens. The cost for this hands-on workshop is $25. Participants will not only craft a beautiful arrangement but will also learn to identify common evergreens. All materials will be provided; however, participants are encouraged to bring their own pruners and garden gloves. Feel free to bring additional embellishments as well. For additional information and to register online, visit https://extension.psu.edu/evergreen-identification-and-centerpiece-workshop or call 1-877-345-0691.
Tuesday, December 1, 2026, 5:00 PM – Evergreen ID and Tabletop Tree Arrangement – Join the Master Gardeners of Franklin County at the Ag Heritage Building, Lower Level, 185 Franklin Farm Lane, Chambersburg, for an engaging, hands-on workshop where you will learn to identify evergreens, shrubs, and perennials while creating your own tabletop tree arrangement. Guided by Master Gardeners, you will craft a unique tree 12 to 18 inches tall. The cost of the workshop is $25, and materials will be provided. Participants are encouraged to bring their own pruners and garden gloves. Additional embellishments are welcome. For additional information and online registration, visit https://extension.psu.edu/evergreen-identification-and-tabletop-tree-arrangement or call 1-877-345-0691.
