Why State Funding Matters: Penn State Plays Critical Role for Pa. Agriculture

Jun 13, 2022

For Penn State alumnus Jim Shirk, a farm owner from Lancaster County, access to the research, information and programming offered by the College of Agricultural Sciences and Penn State Extension have allowed his family farm to thrive for nine generations.

“My wife and I are the ninth generation to own our family farm in Lancaster County,” said Shirk, a 1993 graduate of the College of Agricultural Sciences. “It came into our family in 1758, so our family has been farming longer than the country has been around. One of the things that has helped our family [farm] not just survive but really continue to grow for nine generations has been access to tremendous information from the College of Agricultural Sciences and the Extension Service.”

Shirk, who also is a territory manager for Ceva Poultry, said the unbiased research conducted at Penn State helps the state's agriculture industry to address a variety of challenges, ranging from diseases like avian influenza to invasive pests like the spotted lanternfly.

“It hits home with us personally because this is the industry that provides for my livelihood, and without Extension we could really be much more vulnerable,” Shirk said.

Source : psu.edu

Video: Fendt Testimonial | Fendt 726 Vario Gen7 | Peter Watson Jones Ltd.

What happens when a farm buys its first Fendt? For Peter Watson Jones Ltd, the Fendt 726 Vario Gen7 has exceeded expectations from day one. For Jack, Farm Manager at Peter Watson Jones Ltd in North Shropshire, UK, the Fendt 726 Vario Gen7 wasn't just another tractor purchase. It was the farm's first experience with the Fendt brand.

Operating across a 1,200-acre arable farm alongside a 250,000-head broiler enterprise, the business has evolved significantly over the last decade, moving to a straight arable system with fewer staff and machines. Since arriving on the farm, the Fendt 726 Vario has established itself as the main drilling and cultivations tractor, earning its place through performance, versatility and efficiency. Whether it's handling large-scale cultivations or working with a new 4.5m strip-till drill, the tractor continues to impress.

Jack highlights its excellent manoeuvrability, operator comfort and ability to deliver strong pulling power at low engine speeds. The result? Outstanding fuel efficiency without compromising performance. Reliability has also been a key factor, with dependable backup from the team at TR Machinery helping to keep the tractor working when it matters most.

?? Watch as Jack shares why the Fendt 726 Vario Gen7, the farm's first Fendt, has made such a strong impression and become an integral part of their operation.