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ALERT! Berks County South Campus Closed Monday, October 5: The Berks County South Campus will be closed to staff and the public on Monday, October 5, to complete a scheduled electrical utility project. The South Campus Building will be without power from 8 am to 5 pm while Met-Ed conducts this work. For safety reasons, no one will be permitted to enter or access the South Campus building for any reason between 8 am to 5 pm on October 5.

The County appreciates the public’s understanding and apologizes for any inconvenience this temporary closure may cause.

Landowner Resources

Landowner Resources

Resources

Farmer's Guide to the PA Department of Agriculture

Farmer's Guide to Pennsylvania State Funding and Grant Programs

How to Start a Farm: Beginning Farmers and Ranchers - USDA offers dedicated help to beginning farmers and ranchers. USDA considers anyone who has operated a farm or ranch for less than ten years to be a beginning farmer or rancher. months to implement practices. 

Best Management Practices Grants - Various grants are available to the Berks County Conservation District and its partners at different times of the year. These grants are usually available to certain geographic areas/watersheds and/or practices. It generally takes 1 year to receive the funding and another 3-12 months to implement practices.

Manure Management Requirements and Basics of Manure Management Requirements - The land application of animal manures and agricultural process wastewater must follow the standards for development and implementation of a plan to manage nutrients for water quality protection using standards outlined in the Manure Management Manual unless the requirements described in 25 Pa. Code § 91.36(b) are met in another way such as a permit or approval from the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP). This links on this page offer resources to assist in the development of that plan.

No Till Tips - A quick reference guide for the no-till farmer.

Cover Crops for Sustainable Crop Rotations - Why switching to cover crops is worth it.

Cover Crops Tips - A quick reference guide for the no-till farmer.

Benefits of Stream Bank Fencing - Stream bank fencing is a low-cost, low-maintenance farm management tool that provides many benefits.

Forested Buffers: The Key to Clean Streams - Clean Up Streams with Forested Buffers.

Pond Agencies and Permits in Pennsylvania - Information on the role of various agencies and permits that may be required for construction or maintenance of earthen ponds.

Agricultural Financing Options

Beginning Farmer Tax Credit Program - State program that provides tax credits to owners of agricultural assets who sell or rent agricultural assets to beginning farmers. 

Beginning Farmer Realty Transfer Tax Exemption - State program that provides an exemption from state and local realty transfer tax for preserved farms that are transferred to a qualified beginning farmer.

Next Generation Farmer Loan Program - State program that uses federal tax-exempt financing to reduce a farmer’s interest rate for capital purchases, such as the purchase of farmland or agricultural machinery and equipment.

Grow Ahead (Beginning Farmer Loans) - Horizon Farm Credit for young, new, and beginning farmers that also include
  • Educational resources to grow your financial literacy
  • Opportunities to work with experienced agriculture mentors
  • Grants and Awards for the next generation of farmers  

Grant and Loan Opportunities for Starting Your Farm - Penn State Extension compilation of available resources.
 
Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) - Federal program that provides financial and technical assistance to implement conservation practices that optimize environmental benefits on working agricultural and forest land.

Resource Enhancement and Protection Program (REAP) - State program that enables farmers, businesses, and landowners to earn PA income tax credits to offset the cost of implementing conservation practices.

Best Management Practices Grants - Various grants are available to the Berks County Conservation District and its partners at different times of the year. These grants are usually available to certain geographic areas/watersheds and/or practices. 
USDA - Farm Service Agency Loans - various Federal loan options to designed to help farmers get the financing they need to start, maintain, or expand their farms

PA Industrial Development Authority Loans - State program that offers low-interest loans or lines of credit to Pennsylvania businesses for uses including land and building acquisitions, construction, and machinery and equipment purchases

Greater Reading Chamber Alliance (GRCA) / Greater Berks Development Fund - Certified Economic Development Organization in Berks County able to access funding from the Pennsylvania Department of Community Development and other sources.
Farm Vitality Planning Grants - State program that helps fund professional services for those planning for the future of a farm - through business planning, efficient transitions of ownership, strategic expansion, diversification of agricultural production, and building a team of financial and technical expertise as a resource for farmers

Avian Influenza Resources - Resources, reporting and safety information regarding high pathogen avian influenza.  

Preserved Farm Owner Resources - Forms and information for landowners of preserved farms