By Blake Jackson
Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding recently visited students at Danville Area High School to see firsthand how agricultural technology funded through the PA Farm Bill Agriculture & Youth Grant Program is helping prepare the next generation of agricultural professionals.
Students from Advanced Placement Environmental Science and Honors Veterinary Science classes demonstrated skills they have developed using drones and other equipment purchased through the grant initiative.
“Teaching students to use technology employers need today gives them the skills and inspiration to stay in Pennsylvania and drive our agriculture industry forward tomorrow,” Secretary Redding said.
“The Shapiro Administration is committed to investing in opportunities every young person needs to succeed, and funding the technology and innovation Pennsylvania’s agriculture industry needs to attract these talented students and continue competing and leading the nation tomorrow,” Redding added.
Since 2023, Danville Area High School and Penn State Extension’s Montour County youth programs have received nearly $24,000 in Ag & Youth grant funding. The support has allowed students to gain hands-on experience with drone technology, a rapidly expanding tool in modern agriculture.
“This opportunity has allowed me to provide my agriculture students with hands-on drone-flying experience. Drones are a cutting-edge technology being used in multiple areas of our global economy," Danville teacher Van Wagner said.
"My students gain valuable flying experience and can even apply for a drone pilot’s license from the Federal Aviation Administration. These students graduate high school not only with some really amazing experiences but with an actual pilot’s license,” Wagner added.
Agricultural drones are increasingly used for crop monitoring, precision spraying, planting, and data collection, making technology skills highly valuable in today’s workforce.
The technology is also supported through Pennsylvania’s $30 million Agricultural Innovation Grant Program, which is funding projects that promote efficiency and modernization across the state's agricultural sector.
Redding also encouraged schools and youth organizations to apply for the 2026-27 Ag & Youth Grants, which are accepting applications through October 2, 2026.
The program provides grants to support agricultural education, leadership development, career exploration, and workforce training opportunities for young people.
Since 2019, the Ag & Youth Grant Program has invested $3.5 million in 377 projects across Pennsylvania, helping students gain the skills needed to support the future of the state's $132.5 billion agriculture industry.
The initiative complements the Shapiro Administration’s broader workforce development strategy, which includes expanded funding for career and technical education, apprenticeships, and vocational training programs throughout the Commonwealth.
Photo Credit: pacast
Categories: Pennsylvania, Education, Government & Policy