Matt Enright, Lancaster Farming Journalist Profile

Articles

Apple Growers Facing More Cold Weather

5 days ago | lancasterfarming.com | Matt Enright

The cold temperatures that hit the Northeast at the beginning of April are likely to come back in early May, meaning potential damage to apple crops. Drew Lerner, senior agricultural meteorologist and president of World Weather Inc., spoke April 10 in a webinar hosted by USApple. He said apple crops in the Northeast already sustained damage from recent cold weather. Areas in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York recorded low temperatures of 20 to 25 degrees April 9.
Celebrate Easter With Offerings From Local Farm Stands

1 week ago | lancasterfarming.com | Matt Enright

With Easter fast approaching, families are looking for local food for their celebrations, and farms and farm stands are stepping up. In Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, those looking for the sweeter side of Easter can stop at MD Farm Stand, where Maddie Fryer offers specialty breads, baked goods and fresh produce. “Everything is home baked, I have my own chickens,” Fryer said. Fryer started MD Farm Stand in October, beginning with a small flock of six chickens.
Rollins Says Administration’s Bird Flu Response Is Working

1 week ago | lancasterfarming.com | Matt Enright

MYERSTOWN, Pa. — U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins touted the success of her five-point plan on avian influenza and egg prices Monday following a farm tour. “The good news was right after that plan was announced, we saw the price of eggs coming down,” the secretary said. In response to a question about vaccines for poultry, Rollins said USDA will not stand by without doing everything it can to solve the problem of avian influenza.
Controlling Critters: What To Do About Moles, Voles and Shrews

2 weeks ago | lancasterfarming.com | Matt Enright

As spring rolls along and temperatures rise, homeowners may start to see little animals digging up their yards. Moles, voles and shrews can wreak havoc on a lawn with their digging. “The voles are chewing on roots and seeds, they can do damage to shrubs in the wintertime especially,” said Joel Martin, operator of Countryside Pest Control in Stevens, Pennsylvania.
5K Memorial Run Pays Homage to Produce Grower Bruce Hollabaugh

2 weeks ago | lancasterfarming.com | Matt Enright

The family of an Adams County man who died of complications from a brain tumor will honor him this month with an event to celebrate his farm and his love of running. Bruce Hollabaugh grew up on the family farm, Hollabaugh Bros. Inc., in Biglerville, Pennsylvania. “He loved everything outdoors. He loved watching things grow, nurturing things in the soil,” Kay Hollabaugh said of her son. Bruce was 41 when he died in 2022, leaving behind a wife and three children.
Wholesale Egg Prices Down, But Customers Still Facing High Prices in Stores

2 weeks ago | lancasterfarming.com | Matt Enright

Wholesale egg prices are falling sharply, but consumers have yet to see much relief. Commodity tracker Barchart reported egg prices fell more than 64% in February, the largest drop on record. Egg inventory has gotten a boost from increased egg imports, and from farms coming back into production after avian influenza infections this winter, said Gregory Martin, a Penn State Extension poultry educator.
Shapiro Touts Pennsylvania Ag Innovation as Tariff Threats Loom

3 weeks ago | lancasterfarming.com | Matt Enright

On the eve of anticipated sweeping tariffs imposed by the federal government, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro seized an opportunity to promote the state’s vital ag sector, especially hardwoods and forest products. “About 600,000 of our fellow Pennsylvanians work in the ag industry, generating $132 billion a year,” Shapiro said during a press conference at Metzler Forest Products in Mifflin County.
How Could Ag Exporters Adjust to Trump Tariffs?

3 weeks ago | lancasterfarming.com | Matt Enright

The U.S. ag industry could adapt to lessen harm from the trade war President Donald Trump may be touching off. Farm groups could develop new markets or new product selling points, observers said during a March 19 webinar hosted by the National Agriculture Law Center. One opportunity is for the U.S. to focus on exporting high-quality products, even if that means reducing export volumes.
Shapiro Touts Methane Digesters in Visit to Dairy Farm

3 weeks ago | lancasterfarming.com | Matt Enright

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro visited a Blair County dairy on Wednesday to promote his plans for expanding methane digesters. “Pennsylvania has always been a leader in energy and agriculture — two industries that power our economy,” Shapiro said at Penn England Farms in Williamsburg.
USDA Cuts Threaten Food Bank and Farmer Partnerships

4 weeks ago | lancasterfarming.com | Matt Enright

USDA cuts are forcing food banks to adjust. The cuts include more than $1 billion for the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program and the Local Food for Schools Cooperative Agreement Program. Among the funding is a three-year contract for $13 million in Pennsylvania. USDA provided the money so the state could buy food from farmers to distribute to food banks. In a press conference Tuesday, Gov.