By Blake Jackson
On the seventh day of the 2026 Pennsylvania Farm Show, Lieutenant Governor Austin Davis and Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding honored 11 farms, designating seven as Century Farms and four as Bicentennial Farms, including one of the state’s oldest dating back to the Revolutionary War. These recognitions celebrate farms that have remained in the same family for generations.
The program highlights Pennsylvania’s economic and rural heritage. Since the Century Farm program began in 1977 and the Bicentennial Farm program in 2004, the state has recognized 2,378 century and bicentennial farms, along with two tricentennial farms.
“Pennsylvania’s Century Farms tell a powerful story of families who have worked the same land for generations, preserving not just their livelihoods, but a way of life that defines our Commonwealth,” Lt. Gov. Davis said.
“By honoring these multigenerational farms and continuing to invest in farmland preservation, we’re ensuring that agriculture remains strong, sustainable, and rooted in Pennsylvania communities for generations to come.”
“Celebrating these family farms is a testament to Pennsylvania’s enduring agricultural heritage,” Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding said. “Generations of hard work, dedication, and innovation have preserved these lands, strengthened local communities, and fed our Commonwealth. We honor these families for their commitment to farming and for keeping Pennsylvania’s agricultural legacy alive for the future.”
Eligible farms must have been owned by the same family for at least 100 consecutive years, include at least 10 acres of the original property, or generate $1,000 or more in annual farm product sales, with a family member living on the property.
Pennsylvania leads the nation in farmland preservation, protecting 6,648 farms and over 661,000 acres since 1988, with $1.84 billion invested in state, county, and local funds.
Governor Josh Shapiro emphasizes agriculture as a key pillar of the state’s economic development strategy, with nearly 49,000 farms contributing $132.5 billion to the economy and supporting almost 600,000 jobs. Since January 2023, the Governor has invested $147 million to preserve 499 new farms and more than 41,600 acres across Pennsylvania.
Farms recognized include properties in Berks, Butler, Clearfield, Fayette, Indiana, Mercer, Perry, and Wayne counties, representing generations of families who continue to farm, maintain historic structures, and uphold Pennsylvania’s agricultural legacy.
Photo Credit: gettyimage-jamesbrey
Categories: Pennsylvania, Government & Policy