A highlight of the week was Governor Josh Shapiro’s address at the Public Officials Luncheon. He spoke passionately about the role agriculture plays in our future, reminding us that “farming—while deeply rooted in our history—is also key to our future success here in the Commonwealth.” As someone who works closely on agriculture policy, it was encouraging to hear the Governor reaffirm his commitment to fully funding the PA Farm Bill, investing in the nation’s first Agriculture Innovation Grant Program, and supporting farmers through conservation, food security, and workforce initiatives.
We also recognized 11 Centennial and Bicentennial Farms. Families who have farmed the same land for 100, 200, and even more years. Their stories are living history, and they remind us why Pennsylvania leads the nation in farmland preservation and why protecting our working lands matters so deeply.
Of course, no Farm Show recap would be complete without the food. From PA Dairymen’s milkshakes to mushrooms, potatoes, honey, and maple products, the numbers alone are impressive, and delicious! The food court and PA Preferred Culinary Connection showcased not only amazing flavors, but also the farmers, producers, and small businesses behind them.
What inspires me most, though, is the next generation. I write this having just come in from caring for horses in a –1 degree windchill, a reminder that farming is incredibly hard, unrelenting work. When you work with animals, there are no sick days and no shortcuts; the animals need care every single day, and sometimes around the clock.
This year’s Farm Show featured record-breaking FFA participation, youth livestock auctions that raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for scholarships, and career expos connecting students with real opportunities in agriculture. What gives me hope is that so many of these young people are stepping into this field fully aware of how demanding it is, and choosing it anyway, because they believe in feeding their communities and sustaining this way of life for generations to come. Seeing that commitment and enthusiasm firsthand makes me deeply optimistic about the future of farming in Pennsylvania.
It’s not only the next generation of farmers that was on display, Sprinkles, Fluff, and Fudge also came to meet their fans at the Farm Show! These three were part of this year’s Adopt a Cow program, an engaging initiative that brings farming to life for kids and families across the Commonwealth and beyond.
Managed by the Dairy Excellence Foundation, the Adopt a Cow program connects classrooms and individuals with real dairy calves, helping participants learn about animal care, agriculture, and the environment through photos, videos, and hands-on lessons. Originally designed for traditional classrooms, the program has grown to reach homeschoolers, community groups, and families as well. This year, Adopt a Cow will impact more than 2 million participants in over 45,000 classrooms and groups, inspiring curiosity, understanding, and appreciation for dairy farming and the people who make it possible.
As your representative, and as a member of the House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, weeks like this reinforce why I am so committed to supporting our farmers, rural communities, and agriculture-related businesses. When agriculture thrives, Pennsylvania thrives.
Thank you to everyone who came out to enjoy all the Farm Show has to offer. I’m already looking forward to next year!