Pennsylvania's strong agricultural roots and conservation ethic were in the spotlight at 107th Pennsylvania Farm Show as Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding recognized eight farm families whose farms were the latest to be named Century Farms. Awards honored farms in Adams, Bucks, Carbon, Huntingdon, Mifflin, Montour, Northampton, and Perry counties.
"These families are the bedrock of Pennsylvania's agricultural heritage," Secretary Redding said. "They have kept their land and precious farming resources in the family, feeding the progress and productivity of future generations. They embody this year's Farm Show theme, Rooted in Progress."
Since the Century Farm program's inception in 1977 and the creation of the Bicentennial Farm program in 2004, the department has recognized more than 2,300 Century and Bicentennial Farms.
Following are the farm families honored, by county, with location and year established:
Adams County -- Edward L. Shirley A.S. Prosser Farm, York Springs, established 1858
Bucks County -- Stephen and Annette Worthington, Doylestown, established 1861
Carbon County -- Fairyland Farms, Lehighton, established 1922
Huntingdon County -- Ryan and Amber Senft Farm, Three Springs, established 1917
Mifflin County -- Joseph and Beth Laughlin, Lewistown, established 1921
Montour County -- Curtis M. and Stephanie J. Bower Farm, Danville, established 1861
Northampton County -- Anthony E. Verba, Hellerton, established 1904
Perry County -- Eric & Barbara McMillen, Loysville, established 1912
To be named a Pennsylvania Century Farm, a farm must be owned by the same family for at least 100 consecutive years. A family member must live on the farm, and the property must include at least 10 acres of the original holding, or gross more than $1,000 annually from sales of farm products.
Categories: Pennsylvania, Rural Lifestyle