Seed Industry

Growing Conditions Coffee farming is an unforgiving and challenging business. Like wine grapes, coffee crops from the same farm can taste drastically different from year to year. There are a variety of main factors that contribute to a good crop Altitude & Sunlight
 Most good Arabica coffees grow at altitudes over 2000 feet above sea level. High-elevation coffee trees only have sunlight for part of the day, slowing the development of the coffee cherries. This slower growth increases the flavor oils that give coffee “acidity” (not sour or unpleasant, it is the winey flavor that coffee connoisseurs prize). Generally, the higher the altitude, the brighter the coffee will be. Coffee trees at lower altitudes or on flat terrain are exposed to more direct sunlight, causing the coffee cherries to develop faster, resulting in less acidity and more body. Soil Conditions 
For coffee to grow properly, it must be planted in nutrient rich soil. Coffee trees need extensive supplies of nitrog...

Some things never change about The Pennsylvania Farm Show — livestock judging, farm machinery and plenty of good food for visitors. Some things always change — the commodity princesses, improvements to the complex and new events added to the already-full schedule. This year’s show, which opens Saturday and runs through Jan. 15 at the state Farm Show Complex at Cameron and Maclay streets in Harrisburg, will feature 6,000 animals, 10,000 competitive exhibits, 290 commercial exhibitors and $540,000 in prizes. The agricultural extravaganza, Pennsylvania’s version of a state fair, has been called the largest indoor agricultural exposition in the country. Admission is free, but parking is $10.   An ongoing visual narrative of the 2010 Pennsylvania Farm Show Watch video In celebration of the milestone 95th year, here are 95 highlights to see, smell, eat, h...