Beaver County News

Senators Tracy Pennycuick and Elder Vogel Jr. hosted a Town Hall on January 8 to discuss technological innovations in Pennsylvania's agricultural sector. The event, held at the Farm Show complex, featured conversations with state Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding and Penn State University Agricultural Sciences Dean Troy Ott, among others.

"Today’s Town Hall showcased some of the most unique and exciting things happening in Pennsylvania agriculture," stated Sen. Elder Vogel Jr. He emphasized the importance of technology in maintaining Pennsylvania's leadership in agricultural innovation.

Sen. Pennycuick remarked on the rapid pace of technological advancement and its application by local innovators. "While buzzwords, like AI, dominate conversations about innovation, the real impact comes from the individuals who take these concepts and turn them into practical applications," she said.

Secretary Redding discussed a $10 million state agricultural innovation fund aimed at helping agribusinesses enhance food production through technology.

Troy Ott highlighted how technological advances can assist farmers more effectively. He noted that students are increasingly seeking information on new technologies for farming.

Daniel Dotterer, a farmer from Clinton County, supported the innovation fund and shared how virtual vet visits are being used to address veterinary service shortages on his farm.

Daniel Foy, CEO of AgriGates, addressed cybersecurity concerns for farmers' data and pointed out that 63% of agritech originates outside the U.S., calling for better support for domestic research.

Paul Nickerson from INTAG expressed optimism about agritech's future in Pennsylvania while acknowledging business challenges.