By Blake Jackson
For Stacey Vetter and her family, agriculture is more than a livelihood it is a way to bring people closer to the food they eat. Together with her husband, Alex, she runs Vetter Farms in Potter County, where they manage a commercial beef herd alongside a smaller group of registered Black Angus cattle. What began with just three cows has steadily grown into a 50-head cow-calf operation focused on quality production.
“We’ve always been involved in agriculture,” Vetter said. “I grew up on a pig and beef hobby farm, and when my husband and I started raising cattle ourselves, it just kept growing from there.”
The family is now expanding their herd and strengthening genetics through initiatives like embryo transfer, aiming to build a sustainable future. While their produce stand has long served the local community, the Vetters recently found a new opportunity through the Pennsylvania Beef Council’s PA Beef to PA Schools program.
Partnering with The Nutrition Group, they now supply beef to Northern Potter School District and Ulysses schools, delivering about 25 pounds each month. “I know they did a smash burger event that went over really well,” Vetter said. “They’re also planning to use it for tacos and chili days.”
The connection is especially meaningful, as both Stacey and her husband attended Northern Potter schools. “When Northern Potter came on board, it really brought things full circle for us,” Vetter said.
Vetter also values educating students about agriculture. “I’ve always believed in the old saying that if you know your farmer, you know your food,” she said. “In today’s world, people want reassurance that their food is grown locally and with care.”
Photo Credit: gettyimages-erdinhasdemir
Categories: Pennsylvania, Livestock, Beef Cattle