HARRISBURG, PA — The annual Pennsylvania Farm Show commenced on January 10, 2024, with a vibrant ceremony featuring marching bands, mounted troopers, and a blue ribbon cutting. This year’s theme, “Growing a Nation,” underscores the importance of agriculture in the state’s economy and community life. State Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding opened the eight-day event, emphasizing that agriculture is a testament to hard work and dedication, crafted “from soil and sweat.”
The opening ceremony was a festive occasion, emceed by Deputy Agriculture Secretary Lisa Graybeal. Highlights included a color guard from the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, the Pennsylvania State Police mounted unit, and a performance of the National Anthem by Carly Green, a 14-year-old winner of the Farm Show’s Star Spangled Sing-Off.
America250PA played a significant role in the opening, unveiling a semiquincentennial bell, a replica of the Liberty Bell, designed by Pittsburgh artist Cody Sabol. The bell, painted with a quilt theme, symbolizes the connection between the nation’s agricultural heritage and its future. Visitors had the opportunity to sign a second bell at the America250PA exhibit, reinforcing the event as the start of a year-long celebration leading up to the 250th anniversary of the United States.
As the week progressed, the focus turned to youth development and workforce initiatives. On January 12, Redding announced the allocation of $600,345 in PA Farm Bill Agriculture & Youth Grants during a Career Expo. These grants, distributed across 33 counties, aim to prepare young individuals for careers in Pennsylvania’s robust $132.5 billion agriculture industry. The expo successfully connected over 2,200 students with opportunities from 48 agricultural businesses.
Among the grant recipients, Trellis for Tomorrow, a nonprofit based in Chester County, received $18,100 to enhance its garden- and farm-based youth programs. The organization has been providing hands-on agricultural experiences for over 22 years, benefiting more than 1,600 youth and distributing over 30,000 pounds of organic produce through its initiatives in the past six years.
On January 13, discussions shifted towards research and market development. Officials highlighted the Pennsylvania Centers for Excellence, which foster partnerships between industry groups, higher education institutions, and state government. Graybeal noted that the theme “Growing a Nation” reflects agriculture’s critical roles in public health and national security, supported by a $4.1 million state investment in these centers.
The following day, January 14, Gov. Josh Shapiro and Redding announced the opening of applications for a second round of the Pennsylvania Agricultural Innovation Grant Program, offering an additional $10 million to support projects aimed at enhancing technology adoption and energy efficiency in agriculture. The first round of funding has already supported 88 projects across 45 counties.
Military recognition was also a key focus during the event. On January 15, Military Appreciation Day featured the introduction of the Pennsylvania Veteran Ag Entrepreneurship Award. This award was presented to George Lake, a 30-year veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and owner of Thistle Creek Farms, for his commitment to regenerative farming and mentorship of other veterans entering agriculture. Additionally, $300,000 will be available in the upcoming round of Veterans in Agriculture Grants, with applications opening on January 30 and closing on March 13, 2026.
As the event neared its conclusion on January 16, attention turned to preserving agricultural legacy. Lt. Gov. Austin Davis and Redding designated 11 farms as Bicentennial and Centennial Farms, honoring families that have maintained these farms for over a century. The Century Farm program, initiated in 1977, has recognized 2,378 farms, with two farms achieving tricentennial status.
State officials emphasized the importance of farmland preservation, highlighting that Pennsylvania’s longstanding program has protected thousands of farms and hundreds of thousands of acres from development since its inception in 1988. The Shapiro Administration continues to view agriculture as a fundamental pillar of the state’s economic strategy.
For more information on youth opportunities in agriculture, visit agriculture.pa.gov/kidsarethefuture. Details on PA Farm Bill grants and a map of prior recipients can be found at agriculture.pa.gov/pafarmbill.
