Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding honored 11 Pennsylvania families today for their commitment to farming. Two families, the Donald and Donna Kerchner family of Lenhartsville, Berks County, and the Richard Thomas family of Troy, Bradford County, were named Bicentennial Farms for having been in the same family for 200 years. Nine families were honored with Century Farm status for keeping their farms in the same family for 100 years.
The families were honored at a ceremony during Penn State's Ag Progress Days. They were recognized for their dedication to farming and for their commitment to preserving Pennsylvania's agricultural heritage.
The Kerchner family farm was established in 1790 by Donald's great, great grandfather, George Adam Zettlemoyer. The farm has been passed down through the generations and is now owned by Donald and Donna Kerchner. The family raises beef cattle on more than 97 acres of the original purchase.
The Thomas family farm was established in 1802 by Noah Wilson. Dr. Reuben Rowley served in the Revolutionary War, and after he served received approximately 148 acres of the land, where he settled, continuing to practice medicine and farm. Reuben's descendent Richard Thomas inherited the farm in 1973 and has placed the farm in a trust in the names of his son and grandchildren.
The other families honored with Century Farm status are:
Roger and Sandy Kromer Farm, Kittanning, Armstrong County (established 1923)
Joanne M. Fisher Farm, Warriors Mark, Centre County (established 1895)
David and Donna Klingerman Farm, Bloomsburg, Columbia County (established 1922)
Richard J. Carol Farm, Punxsutawney, Jefferson County (established 1897)
Dorman Family Farm, Duncannon, Perry County (established 1877)
Mark and Ryan Sechler Farm, Confluence, Somerset County (established 1873)
Thomas, Gregory, and George Perry Farm, York (established 1923)
Leroy R. and Joyce A. Bupp Farm, Seven Valleys (established 1859)
The Shapiro Administration is committed to supporting Pennsylvania's farm families and rural communities. The bi-partisan budget Governor Shapiro signed includes funding, incentives and initiatives to support farmers in planning for growth and innovation, transitioning their farms to the next generation, supporting farm management to conserve and improve soil and water resources they rely on, and investments in the infrastructure they need to get their products to market and compete.
These families are a testament to the hard work and dedication of Pennsylvania farmers. They have preserved our state's agricultural heritage for generations, and they continue to play an important role in our economy.
Photo Credit: pixabay-klawson
Categories: Pennsylvania, General, Livestock, Beef Cattle