HARRISBURG, PA — The Pennsylvania Farm Show, the state’s most significant agricultural event, commenced on January 10, 2026, with a vibrant opening ceremony featuring marching bands, mounted troopers, and a blue ribbon. The event, themed “Growing a Nation,” highlights the importance of agriculture in Pennsylvania, showcasing its contributions to local economies and community sustenance.
State Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding officially opened the eight-day show, emphasizing that agriculture is not merely an industry but a foundation built “from soil and sweat.” He was joined by U.S. Representative Glenn “GT” Thompson and Cassandra Coleman, Executive Director of America250PA, among others. The ceremony 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 from the Farm Show’s Star Spangled Sing-Off.
A notable highlight was the unveiling of a semiquincentennial bell, part of a series of Liberty Bell replicas across the state, designed by Pittsburgh artist Cody Sabol. The bell, adorned with a quilt theme, symbolizes the nation’s agricultural heritage and will travel throughout the Farm Show Complex. This initiative marks the beginning of commemorations leading to the 250th anniversary of the United States.
On January 12, the focus shifted to youth engagement and workforce development. Redding announced the distribution of $600,345 in PA Farm Bill Agriculture & Youth Grants, which included 15 matching awards and 47 direct awards. These grants aim to prepare young people for careers in Pennsylvania’s expansive $132.5 billion agriculture sector, benefiting projects in 33 counties. This announcement coincided with a Career Expo that connected over 2,200 students with opportunities from 48 agricultural businesses.
Among the grant recipients, Trellis for Tomorrow, a nonprofit from Chester County, received $18,100 to enhance garden- and farm-based programs for youth. They have been providing hands-on agricultural experiences for over 22 years, impacting more than 1,600 young people and distributing over 30,000 pounds of organic produce through their initiatives.
The event continued its emphasis on workforce development on January 13, spotlighting the creation of partnerships known as the Centers for Excellence. These initiatives aim to unite industry groups, higher education institutions, and state government to foster growth in agricultural sectors. Redding highlighted that the theme “Growing a Nation” represents agriculture’s critical role not only in the economy but also in public health and national security, supported by a state investment of $4.1 million for these centers.
On January 14, Governor Josh Shapiro and Redding announced the opening of applications for a second round of the Agricultural Innovation Grant Program, which will provide an additional $10 million to support technology adoption and sustainability projects in the agriculture sector. The first round of grants has already supported 88 projects across 45 counties, focusing on vital areas such as soil and water protection and energy efficiency.
Military recognition was a key part of the Farm Show on January 15, with 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. Lake was honored for his contributions to regenerative agriculture and for mentoring fellow veterans entering the agricultural field. An additional $300,000 was announced for the next round of Veterans in Agriculture Grants, with applications opening on January 30.
The final days of the Farm Show highlighted the legacy of family farms in Pennsylvania. On January 16, Redding and Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis recognized 11 farms with Bicentennial and Centennial designations, illustrating the enduring nature of agriculture in the state. This recognition program has awarded 2,378 farms since its inception, celebrating those that have remained within the same family for generations.
Officials reiterated the importance of farmland preservation and the significant role agriculture plays in the state’s economic strategy. Since the inception of Pennsylvania’s farmland preservation program in 1988, thousands of farms and hundreds of thousands of acres have been protected from development.
For further information on youth opportunities in agriculture, visit agriculture.pa.gov/kidsarethefuture. Details on PA Farm Bill grants and a map of prior grant recipients can be found at agriculture.pa.gov/pafarmbill.
