PA Friends of Ag Foundation

Winter Ag Workshop Series

Home / Winter Ag Workshop Series
coffee cup and computer

We are excited to be hosting the Winter Ag Workshop Series again this year! The 2026 series of sessions will take place during the afternoons of February 2 – 5, 2026 via Zoom. Both “live” and on-demand options are available. Attendance is open to everyone!

Attendees will be able to earn up to 8 Act 48 hours (up to 2 per session). Don’t miss the chance to learn how to bring agriculture into your classroom right from your computer!

Sessions will take place each day at 4-5 pm EST. You’ll be able to interact and ask questions of our presenters. Can’t make it at those times? No worries! You can also register to participate in an on-demand format. On demand sessions will be available until Sunday, March 8, 2026. We hope this will make it easier to attend during the school year. Have questions? Email us at CRSchaeffer@pfb.com.

Registration is Now Open!

2025 Winter Ag Workshop Series

Food Safety
Beth Kocsis, Penn State Extension

Educational Opportunities with Pennsylvania State Parks Kim Lott, PA DCNR
Rain Gardens Andy Yencha & Jodi Sulpizio, Penn State Extension
Agricultural Biosecurity Dr. Ernest Hovingh, Penn State Extension

2024 Winter Ag Workshop Series


Mushroom Cultivation
Dr. John Pecchia, Director of the Mushroom Research Center and Spawn Laboratory

Grape Growing & Viticulture in the Classroom
Dr. Michael Campbell, Director, Lake Erie Regional Grape Research and Extension Center
Trout Farming
Adam Pritts, Laurel Hill Trout Farm, LLC
Unearthing the Microscopic World: Soil Science in the Classroom (Soil Microscopy)
Suzanne Shea, Certified Soil Food Web Lab Tech, Old Sword Farm

2023 Winter Ag Workshop Series

The C3 Framework in Agriculture: College, Career & Civic Life Lynn Wallin, M.Ed., Education Specialist, Utah State University & National Center for Agricultural Literacy
Distance Learning with the Keystone Elk Country Alliance Ben Porkolab, Conservation Education Coordinator, Keystone Elk Country Alliance, Elk Country Visitor Center
Folk’s Butterfly Farm David Folk, Folk’s Butterfly Farm
Cheese is Whey Cool! Andrea Gardner, Education Specialist, National Center for Agricultural Literacy

2022 Winter Ag Workshop Series

Project Based Learning for Agricultural Literacy (Secondary focus) Andrea Gardner, Education Specialist, National Center for Agricultural Literacy
Cultivating Agricultural Literacy (Elementary focus) Lynn Wallin, M.Ed., Utah State University & National Center for Agricultural Literacy
Growing Tomatoes and Cucumbers Hydroponically Dr. Elsa Sanchez and Dr. Robert Berghage, The Pennsylvania State University
Beef’s Role in a Nutritious Eating Pattern from Baby and Beyond Beth Stark, RDN, LDN, PA Beef Council/Northeast Beef Promotion Initiative
On the Search for Native and Invasive Species in Your Local Natural Areas Amy Jewitt, Pennsylvania Natural Heritage Program & Western Pennsylvania Conservancy
Bringing Poultry into Your Classroom Phillip Clauer, The Pennsylvania State University

2021 Winter Ag Workshop Series

Connecting with the Food System: The PA Farm to School Network Kelsey Porter, The Food Trust – Pennsylvania Core Partner, National Farm to School Network
Building Outdoor Learning Opportunities: School Gardens Diane Velozo, PA Friends of Agriculture Foundation
A Sweet Time with Maple Sugaring Eric Rensel and Carey Huber, Parker Dam State Park Complex – Department of Conservation and Natural Resources
Building Employability Skills Through Agriculture Across Pennsylvania Doreen Petri, Erie City School District Natalie Barkley, Newport School District Laura Fridirici, M.Ed., Pennsylvania Department of Education