The annual Pennsylvania Farm Show commenced on January 10, 2026, showcasing the state’s agricultural heritage with a vibrant procession featuring marching bands and mounted troopers. This year’s theme, “Growing a Nation,” set the stage for an eight-day event that included grant announcements, workforce recruitment initiatives, and tributes to military service and family farms.
State Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding, accompanied by U.S. Representative Glenn “GT” Thompson and other notable officials, emphasized agriculture’s vital role in supporting communities and bolstering the Pennsylvania economy. During the opening ceremony, which was hosted by Deputy Agriculture Secretary Lisa Graybeal, attendees enjoyed performances from the Revolutionary New Philly Fife and Drum Company and a rendition of the National Anthem by Carly Green, a 14-year-old winner of the Farm Show’s Star Spangled Sing-Off.
A highlight of the opening was the unveiling of an America250PA semiquincentennial bell, designed by Pittsburgh artist Cody Sabol. This Liberty Bell replica symbolizes the state’s agricultural roots and will travel throughout the Farm Show Complex, while a second bell invites visitors to leave their signatures at the America250PA exhibit.
Focus on Youth and Workforce Development
On January 12, attention shifted to youth engagement and workforce development in agriculture. Redding announced a total of $600,345 in Pennsylvania Farm Bill Agriculture & Youth Grants. These grants, awarded across 33 counties, aim to prepare young people for careers in the state’s extensive $132.5 billion agriculture industry. The announcement coincided with a Career Expo that connected over 2,200 students with opportunities from 48 agricultural businesses.
Among the grant recipients was Trellis for Tomorrow, a Chester County nonprofit that received $18,100 to enhance its youth programming. The organization has provided hands-on agricultural work experiences for over two decades, impacting more than 1,600 youth and distributing over 30,000 pounds of organic produce through its initiatives.
Labor & Industry Secretary Nancy A. Walker and Education Secretary Dr. Carrie Rowe highlighted the Shapiro Administration’s commitment to workforce development, noting the establishment of 115 new apprenticeships since taking office. They reported a significant 50 percent increase in funding for career and technical education and apprenticeships in the 2025–26 budget, totaling $183 million.
Innovation and Military Recognition
As the week progressed, the focus expanded to include research and innovation in agriculture. On January 14, Governor Josh Shapiro and Redding announced the opening of applications for a second $10 million round of the Agricultural Innovation Grant Program. This program aims to support projects that enhance technology adoption, production expansion, and environmental sustainability. Details about the application process will be published in the Pennsylvania Bulletin, with submissions accepted from February 2 through April 18, 2026.
Military recognition was a key theme on January 15, when Redding and Major General John Pippy, Pennsylvania’s adjutant general, commemorated Military Appreciation Day. The day featured the inaugural Pennsylvania Veteran Ag Entrepreneurship Award, presented to George Lake, a 30-year U.S. Marine Corps veteran and owner of Thistle Creek Farms. His commitment to regenerative agriculture and mentorship of fellow veterans was acknowledged as a significant contribution to the farming community. Additionally, $300,000 will be allocated for the upcoming round of Veterans in Agriculture Grants, with applications opening on January 30.
The event culminated on January 16 with the designation of 11 Bicentennial and Centennial farms, honoring families who have maintained agricultural operations for over a century. Redding and Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis celebrated seven farms with a century of family ownership and four farms with over 200 years of history, underscoring the importance of preserving Pennsylvania’s agricultural legacy.
State officials reiterated the necessity of farmland preservation, highlighting a long-standing program that has safeguarded thousands of farms from development since its inception in 1988. They reaffirmed agriculture’s position as a core element of Pennsylvania’s economic strategy.
For information on youth opportunities in agriculture, visit agriculture.pa.gov/kidsarethefuture. Details about Pennsylvania Farm Bill grants and a map of previous recipients can be found at agriculture.pa.gov/pafarmbill.
