Pennsylvania FSA State Committee Gains New Farm Leaders

By Blake Jackson

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Farm Service Agency (FSA) has announced the appointment of five agricultural leaders to serve on the Pennsylvania FSA State Committee.

The committee plays a key role in guiding the delivery of federal farm programs and supporting producers across the Commonwealth.

FSA state committee members are appointed by Secretary of Agriculture Brooke L. Rollins and help carry out the Trump Administration’s Farmers First commitment. Their responsibilities include overseeing county committee operations, addressing program delivery appeals from the agricultural community, coordinating with industry partners, and ensuring farmers are informed about available FSA programs. Each state committee consists of three to five members, including a designated chair.

Bonnie L. Wenger of Lebanon has been named chair of the Pennsylvania committee. Wenger has spent three decades managing a diversified farm that produces crops, corn stover for mushroom companies, broiler chickens, and cattle, along with livestock trucking and custom farming services. The operation is currently transitioning to its fourth generation of family leadership.

Cheryl Ann Fairbairn of Coatesville will serve as a member. She co-owns and operates an Angus breeding and hay farm and is a retired Penn State Extension educator with expertise in beef production and 4-H youth livestock programs.

M. Abraham Harpster of Spruce Creek, a partner and owner of a large dairy operation spanning Huntingdon and Centre counties that milks more than 3,600 cows and grows corn, soybeans, and alfalfa.

Steven L. Hykes of Greencastle brings experience from his forage and row crop farm, which includes raising replacement dairy heifers, contracted hogs, and a small beef herd.

Thomas R. Nagle Jr. of Patton, a full-time beef and grain farmer for 14 years and former vice president of the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau, rounds out the committee.

“These individuals, selected by Secretary Rollins in partnership with key stakeholders in each state, are held in high regard in the agriculture industry and are entrusted to ensure FSA programs are delivered in a manner consistent with federal farm policy and in the best interest of all agricultural producers in their state,” said FSA Administrator Bill Beam.

“Their appointment to the FSA state committee is a testament to their standing in the industry and their dedication to the agriculture industry, rural America and President Trump’s America First, Farmers First policies.”

Photo Credit: usda-farm-service-agency