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Penn State Extension reviews 4‑H, Master Gardener and farm outreach programs for Northumberland County
Summary
Penn State Extension summarized 4‑H participation, Master Gardener projects, a Seed to Supper series and farm biosecurity planning; the educator said grant funding supports local programming.
A Penn State Extension representative summarized youth and agricultural education programs that serve Northumberland County and outlined upcoming classes and partnerships.
Ethan Howard, client relationship manager with Penn State Extension, told commissioners the Extension uses land‑grant research to improve local lives and described an array of programs beyond traditional agriculture. "If you're not familiar with Penn State Extension, basically what we are is we take the research being done, through the land grant system... and we try to improve people's lives with it," Howard said.
Howard said local 4‑H programming has diversified to include healthy‑living, STEAM, leadership and outdoor projects. He reported that three Northumberland County teens attended the 2025 Penn State leadership conference and that Extension educators and partners have engaged just over 200 youth this year in after‑school STEAM/STEAM‑plus programs.
On the Master Gardener front, Howard said about 13 active Master Gardener volunteers in the county will write local articles and support public gardening projects. The office will also run a Seed to Supper program with Oasis Recovery Club in Shamokin the week of June 2–6; participants will receive seeds, a gardening book and basic supplies.
Howard reported Extension‑led farm programming as well. Emily Fred, the dairy educator, has helped farms develop biosecurity plans to prepare for the risk that high‑path avian influenza could affect dairy cattle. Agronomy and pesticide classes and farm pest‑monitoring projects were also described; Howard said those activities have been funded by federal and state grants.
Commissioners thanked Howard for the overview and noted interest in growing Extension presence in county schools; Howard said Extension staff are meeting with Milton High School about expanding 4‑H programming there.
Howard closed by encouraging residents to use Extension resources and by noting the office’s emphasis on partnerships with local organizations and school districts.
