This web page was created programmatically, to learn the article in its unique location you'll be able to go to the hyperlink bellow: https://www.wvia.org/news/local/2026-01-22/2026-pa-farm-show-reflections-fun-and-food-with-a-wider-purposeand if you wish to take away this text from our website please contact us [ad_1] The 2026 Pennsylvania Farm Show is historical past, however its many classes will dwell on.The present's eight days of occasions, vendor exhibitions and meals gross sales drew an estimated 500,000 guests, state officers mentioned, and spotlighted Pennsylvania's $132.5 billion agriculture trade.For WVIA News, it was a possibility to indicate audiences in our protection space what the annual occasion means for communities right here at house and statewide.Members of the information workforce visited the present in Harrisburg final week to report on the richness of the present because it occurred — together with dwell radio broadcasts — but additionally with a watch towards researching bigger developments in Keystone State agriculture, from potatoes to rodeo using and chook flu.We have been rolling out these tales over the previous week, and there are extra to return. Here are a number of the highlights, a gallery of pictures and extra.High-ranking guestsThe Farm Show options almost 5,000 animals, 12,000-plus aggressive entries from greater than 4,600 rivals, plus greater than 250 business reveals, and lots of of instructional and entertaining occasions, state officers say.Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding was within the complicated final Thursday when WVIA News visited, however so was U.S. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins. She did a whirlwind tour of the present accompanied by some members of the state's Republican congressional delegation.Russell Redding mentioned he had a “nice visit” with Rollins they usually shared frequent factors of concern, together with avian influenza, however that he additionally pushed her on some considerations farmers have dropped at him over tariffs.“She said, ‘What’s on the minds of farmers?’” he started.“And I said, ‘Listen, this tariff issue weighs large. And it shows up in different ways.’” Redding mentioned. 1 of 10 — 01152026_Farm001.jpg Brian Nailor of Mechanicsburg prepares a cow for competitors on the 2026 Pennsylvania Farm Show. Aimee Dilger / WVIA News 2 of 10 — 01152026_Farm006.jpg Ally Rudy of Halifax preps a sheep for competitors on the 2026 Pennsylvania Farm Show. Aimee Dilger / WVIA News 3 of 10 — 01152026_Farm010.jpg Becky Clanton and her canine Diva, Wayne Van with Trippy the canine and Dinah Rush take a break within the small area earlier than competitions on the 2026 Pennsylvania Farm Show. Aimee Dilger / WVIA News 4 of 10 — 01152026_Farm013.jpg Baby goats stroll on a second tier within the goat snuggling space on the 2026 Pennsylvania Farm Show. Aimee Dilger / WVIA News 5 of 10 — 01152026_Farm017.jpg This 12 months's Pennsylvania Farm Show butter sculpture featured moments of state historical past over the previous 250 years — a nod to this 12 months's America250PA celebrations marking the Semiquincentennial of U.S. independence in 2026. Aimee Dilger / WVIA News 6 of 10 — 01152026_Farm019.jpg There had been loads of cowboy hats on the market on the 2026 Pennsylvania Farm Show. Aimee Dilger / WVIA News 7 of 10 — 01152026_Farm022.jpg Spectators take a look at prize-winning greens throughout the 2026 Pennsylvania Farm Show. Aimee Dilger / WVIA News 8 of 10 — 01152026_Farm023.jpg Visitors look over houseplants on the market throughout the 2026 Pennsylvania Farm Show. Aimee Dilger / WVIA News 9 of 10 — 01152026_Farm024.jpg Baby goat snuggling is a well-liked attraction on the Pennsylvania Farm Show. Aimee Dilger / WVIA News 10 of 10 — 01152026_Farm027.jpg Long-haired sheep are led out of the small area on the 2026 Pennsylvania Farm Show. Aimee Dilger / WVIA News Haley O'Brien / WVIA News Potato donuts have been served on the Pennsylvania Farm Show for many years. Pennsylvania's tremendous spudsOne of the state's hottest and longest cultivated crops has helped flip Pennsylania into "the snack food capital of the world," as Nathan Tallman put it.Tallman is CEO of the Pennsylvania Co-operative Potato Growers, a nonprofit that connects potato growers with patrons.There are greater than two dozen potato farms in Pennsylvania, he mentioned, and lots of of sorts are grown throughout the state. The cooperative works with 5 potato chip processors, together with UTZ, Herr’s and Middleswarth, he added.For those that need to style the state's spuds throughout the farm present, the cooperative serves up french fries, pierogi and its signature providing, potato donuts. Turkeys had been on show on the Farm Show. Care is taken to maintain the world clear and free from spreading chook flu. Birds make a comeback While Pennsylvania has not totally recovered from the 2022 avian flu outbreak, agricultural consultants say it is time to let the poultry trade unfold its wings.From fluffy Silkie chickens to ‘mini’ Bantam chickens — birds that are usually 1 / 4 to half the dimensions of a typical rooster — the Pennsylvania Farm Show welcomed a wide range of poultry, even turkeys, to Harrisburg final week.There are not any current confirmed instances of chook flu in Northeast or Central Pennsylvania, in keeping with the United States Department of Agriculture. As of Jan. 21, the state confirmed one affected business flock and three yard flocks for a complete of 35,540 birds.Redding listed chook flu as one of many state’s prime priorities for 2026.He mentioned his division will proceed to fund diagnostic and baseline testing, in addition to work with the state's recreation fee to trace instances amongst wild birds. He additionally mentioned Pennsylvania’s dedication to biosecurity and different measures limits the unfold of the virus.“We've been fortunate that the biosecurity … we've worked at for the last two and a half years is working. That's proven to be really important … We’re doing the right things,” Redding mentioned. Serenity Oakley, 8, does a barrel race with Layne Weber, a rodeo cowboy competing throughout the First Frontier Circuit Finals Rodeo on the Pennsylvania Farm Show. Rodeo expertise for youngsters with particular wantsBefore dozens of cowboys and cowgirls competed within the First Frontier Circuit Finals Rodeo on the Pennsylvania Farm Show, they shared their ardour with youngsters who've particular wants throughout the Exceptional Rodeo.“It's something that everybody loves to do. It's very fulfilling for the contestants, everybody involved,” mentioned Becky Clanton, one of many rodeo organizers. “We have a lot of kids that come back year after year. Even as they're more adults, they still love to come.”Serenity Oakley made a decent loop across the barrel, holding her horse tight.The 8-year-old from Harrisburg beamed as an expert rodeo cowboy confirmed her the best way to barrel race and cord a dummy calf.“I just tried, tried my best,” she mentioned.Serenity’s mother, Cari Oakley, watched as her daughter tried every occasion.“I think it's a good opportunity for special needs kids to get out there and interact and be themselves,” Oakley mentioned. Taylor Sturn of Newville blows mud from the coat of her Polled Dorset sheep, Rocko, throughout the 2026 Pennsylvania Farm Show. Additional protection and mattersIn addition to these options: 2026 Pa. Farm Show details and statsSelected statistics in regards to the present from Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture officers:● Pennsylvania FFA Foundation bought 25,000 slices of pizza, with 1,700 lbs. of mozzarella cheese and 20,000 lemonade servings from 4,400 lbs. of lemons.● Pennsylvania Beekeepers Association served 497 gallons of ice cream, 14,000 honey sticks, 2.5 tons of honey and bought 950 lbs. of beeswax.● Pennsylvania Cooperative Potato Growers handled guests to 23,000 lbs. of contemporary reduce french fries, 9,000 lbs. of baked potatoes, 90,000 pierogies; 550 gallons of batter in potato muffins, 2,000 lbs. of baked candy potatoes and 20,000 lbs. of potato donuts.● Mushroom Farmers of Pennsylvania bought 10,000 kilos of mushrooms in six menu gadgets.● Pennsylvania Livestock Association happy crowds with greater than 30,000 kilos of pork, beef and different merchandise.● PA Dairymen’s Association patrons downed 20,200 gallons of milkshakes,1,600 loaves of bread for grilled cheese sandwiches and seven,200 kilos of mozzarella cheese cubes.● Eighteen calves from 4 family-run dairy farms had been born on the Calving Corner.● Delegations from 37 international locations networked with Pennsylvania agricultural commerce leaders.● The PA Farm Show Scholarship Foundation awarded 21 school college students from 18 Pennsylvania counties and 10 universities every with $6,000 scholarships from funds raised on the 2025 Farm Show. The Bill and Betsy Macauley Foundation contributed an extra $1,500 per pupil. ● Redding introduced a $600,345 funding in PA Farm Bill Agriculture & Youth Grants, together with 15 matching and 47 direct awards to organizations in 33 counties. [ad_2] This web page was created programmatically, to learn the article in its unique location you'll be able to go to the hyperlink bellow: https://www.wvia.org/news/local/2026-01-22/2026-pa-farm-show-reflections-fun-and-food-with-a-wider-purposeand if you wish to take away this text from our website please contact us