On-Farm Research "Farmers constantly experiment. We try new products, new methods, new management styles, all within the domain of an ever-changing mother nature." The On-Farm Research Program at PASA offers producers an opportunity to conduct applied research on their farms. Results of this farm-based research directly benefit producers by answering questions related to increasing overall sustainability and profitability of their farms. Design and implementation of these research trials is uncomplicated and intended to enable research to be farmer-directed. Since 2003, PASA, in conjunction with The Pennsylvania State University, have been working to identify producer research interests. Two previous surveys of the membership have shown strong interest in the several topics, including proper cover crop management, animal parasite control (specifically in small ruminants) and methods to improve soil fertility. For more information concerning the On-Farm Research Program at PASA contact Michele Gauger at 814-349-9856 or e-mail at michele@pasafarming.org. You can also learn more about Penn State's On-Farm Research Program by visiting http://onfarm.cas.psu.edu, or by contacting Ron Hoover, On-Farm Research Program Coordinator at 814-865-6672 or e-mail at rjh7@psu.edu. Recent On-Farm Research Trials Weed Control in Small Grains Assessing the Status of Small to Mid-Size Cider Press Operations in Pennsylvania Early Blight Control in Organic “Valencia” Tomato with Copper Hydroxide Increased Soil Fertility and Aeration to Reduce Buttercup in Pastures Small Ruminant Management Current On-Farm Research Projects Cover Crop Management Row Covers & Control of Squash Bug and Cucumber Beetle in Winter Squash Varieties Spring Seeded Cover Crop Rolling Demonstration

The Pennsylvania Association for Sustainable Agriculture (PASA) is a nonprofit organization working to improve the economic prosperity, environmental soundness and social propriety of Pennsylvania food and agricultural systems. We work with farmers who grow our food, consumers who eat the food, and those concerned with the ecological wellbeing of our environment and natural resources, among many other interest groups.

PASA is the only statewide, member-based, sustainable farming organization in Pennsylvania and the Northeast, and is one of the largest in the nation. The Association seeks to address the sustainability of the entire food and agriculture industry, and places great value on efforts to build bridges between various and disparate participants in the food system.

PASA creates networks and markets to strengthen the ties between concerned consumers and family farmers. PASA is building statewide channels that link farmers with farmers, farmers with consumers, and consumers with markets. As our organization has grown, we've had some real successes with a variety of educational programs - both on and off the farm, that are shaping new partnerships that enhance the lives and livelihoods of producers and consumers.

PASA is a network of people who care - we all have a role in assuring the health and longevity of our regional farms and food supply. PASA is the catalyst that brings together those dedicated to advancing sustainable food and farming systems. PASA is a dynamic new model for partnerships between traditional agricultural and our ever-changing society and has worked to forge positive and needed changes in the way food is grown, harvested, distributed, and marketed in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Our family farms face enormous threats and whether we can save farming in time is up to all of us. They can and will be saved - if they have enough friends (and farmers). Please be one of them. Please join us.