PA farmworker of the year awards announced

By Blake Jackson

The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture and the Department of Labor & Industry have recognized three outstanding frontline agriculture workers as the first recipients of the Pennsylvania Farmworker of the Year award.

Jose Mateos, Stephen “Cowboy” Kulp, and Charles “Cam” Bishop were honored for their exceptional contributions to the state's agriculture industry.

The award highlights the critical role that agriculture workers play in producing a safe and abundant food supply.

The Shapiro Administration has emphasized its commitment to supporting the agriculture industry, including investments in workforce development and innovation.

“Skilled, diligent team-players like Jose, Stephen, and Charles feed our families, inspire their coworkers and are the foundation of their employers’ success,” Secretary Redding said. “The Shapiro Administration applauds the contributions agriculture workers make to our communities and our economy and to every one of our daily lives. Governor Josh Shapiro has made the agriculture industry a top priority since day one, recognizing agriculture as central to Pennsylvania’s future economic vitality.”

The award winners were nominated by their employers and selected based on their initiative, determination, and positive impact on their coworkers. Their dedication and hard work exemplify the values of the agriculture industry.

"Jose learned a lot about modern fruit production and used that knowledge and experience to pass along to his co-workers and to scores of new employees over the years," said Brad Hollabaugh. "His careful, patient guidance helped those with lesser skills achieve at a level that met company standards."

"Beyond his technical skills, Stephen's standout quality lies in his exceptional teamwork," said Mark Musselman. "He seamlessly collaborates with our doctors and USDA inspectors, fostering a cohesive and efficient workflow."

"Cam is a wealth of knowledge about cutting meat, but also exemplifies what seem to be lost character traits like timeliness, perseverance, and the willingness to learn even after all of this time," said Doug Patterson.

The Shapiro Administration is committed to supporting the agriculture workforce through initiatives such as apprenticeship programs and the Agriculture Innovation Fund. These investments aim to ensure the continued growth and success of Pennsylvania's agriculture industry.

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