2026 PA Farm Show Unveils 1,000-Pound Butter Sculpture

By Blake Jackson

Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding unveiled the 2026 Pennsylvania Farm Show Butter Sculpture, a 1,000-pound masterpiece celebrating the intertwined history of U.S. agriculture and the nation’s defining moments.

This year’s sculpture is titled, “A Toast to Our Nation’s 250th Anniversary: Inspired by Founders. Grown by Farmers.” The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, American Dairy Association North East, and the Pennsylvania Dairy Promotion Program sponsored the artwork.

“The butter sculpture is a people-pleasing favorite every year at the Pennsylvania Farm Show,” Secretary Redding said. “In this America250 year, it takes on a deeper meaning reflecting how agriculture has been the roots of our nation’s growth and prosperity for 250 years, and how Pennsylvania farmers will continue to lead us forward.”

The unveiling included Pennsylvania dairy farmer Carolyn Eaglehouse from Milky Way Farm in Chester Springs and several dairy industry leaders. The sculpture, designed for America’s 250th anniversary, honours Pennsylvania’s critical role in the nation’s founding and its ongoing contributions to agriculture and the economy.

Set in 1776 Philadelphia, it features Benjamin Franklin and the Founding Fathers celebrating the signing of the Declaration of Independence with a toast of milk. Patriotic touches, including the Liberty Bell, a tribute to Betsy Ross, and red, white, and blue accents, reflect the semi-quincentennial. The sculpture’s base highlights Pennsylvania’s rich agricultural heritage.

“Pennsylvania’s agricultural roots date back to our nation’s earliest days,” said Eaglehouse. “While the Founding Fathers were shaping a new country, farmers here were building a strong dairy industry that continues to thrive today. I’m incredibly proud to be part of that legacy.”

Created by Jim Victor and Marie Pelton of Conshohocken, the sculpture reflects the 2026 Farm Show theme, Growing a Nation, celebrating America250. Since 1995, the duo has crafted 24 butter sculptures, marking the event’s 35th year.

Following the show, the Land O’Lakes-donated butter will be recycled at Reinford Farms in Juniata County and converted into renewable energy through the farm’s methane digester.

Photo Credit: pennsylvania-farm-show