Unlike most dairy cows in America, which are descended from just two bulls, this cow at Pennsylvania State University has a different ancestor: She is the daughter of a bull that lived decades ago, called University of Minnesota Cuthbert. The bull's frozen semen was preserved by the U.S. Agriculture Department.
Dan Charles / NPR
*Smart Talk was preempted on Wednesday for NPR coverage of the Congressional impeachment proceedings. The Farm Show conversation was recorded for a later broadcast.
After the holiday rush is over each year many Pennsylvanians look forward to the annual Farm Show in Harrisburg. The event is billed as the largest indoor agricultural exposition under one roof in the nation and at more than 100-years-old, it is certainly one of the oldest.
This year’s Farm Show is different in many respects. The sights, sounds and smells are replaced by online panel discussions and vendor maps with featured links. The popular Pennsylvania Dairymen’s association milkshakes are “on the mooove” at pop-up locations around the area. Things are different this year, but a lot of work has gone into “making hay” out of the pandemic-caused disruption.
Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding appears on Smart Talk Wednesday to highlight the changes to the 2021 show, and current issues and challenges facing the industry. Joining him are Jeff Moyer, CEO of Rodale Institute, an organic farming and research organization, along with Dr. Suresh Kuchipudi, Ph.D., Clinical Professor and Head of Microbiology at Penn State University. This discussion will include how research is transforming the agriculture industry and sparking innovation.
Then, Margaret Brittingham, Ph.D., Professor of Wildlife Resources Extension Wildlife Specialist and Calvin Norman, Penn State Extension forestry and wildlife educator join Smart Talk to offer ways to create wildlife habitats in your own back yard.
