Agriculture Programs Expand Conservation, Testing and Dairy Support

The USDA will increase funding for its Regenerative Pilot Program to $1 billion for fiscal 2027, expanding support for whole-farm conservation and changing the program to improve access. Pennsylvania is adding a $65 million, 46,000-square-foot facility to Penn State’s Animal Diagnostic Laboratory, expanding testing capacity and adding enhanced-containment space for threats including avian influenza and African swine fever. Three students received $3,000 Dairy Leaders of Tomorrow scholarships, and another $3,000 scholarship is open to eligible undergraduates with Pennsylvania connections who are interested in dairy marketing; applications are due Nov. 29. Farms can also apply for grants for technology and facility improvements by Nov. 1.