Agricultural Leaders Celebrate the State’s Vital Industry at the 109th Farm Show
The 2025 Pennsylvania Farm Show kicked off on January 5 with a grand ribbon-cutting ceremony in Harrisburg, marking the beginning of the state’s largest agricultural event. As officials gathered in the Maclay Street Lobby, they celebrated not just the event but also the deep-rooted importance of agriculture to the state’s economy, culture, and daily life.
U.S. Rep. Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson, who chairs the House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee, was among the first to speak, emphasizing agriculture’s crucial role in sustaining America’s way of life. “This is a show that showcases Pennsylvania, really America’s number one industry,” Thompson said. “The industry that provides us with most of the things that are essential in our lives: food, fiber, building materials, energy resources.”
Agriculture’s Impact on Pennsylvania’s Economy
As the ribbon was cut and the crowds filled the exhibition hall, attendees were reminded that Pennsylvania’s agricultural sector is more than just an essential part of its culture—it is a significant driver of the state’s economy. Pennsylvania Community and Economic Development Secretary Rick Siger took the stage shortly after the opening, reinforcing the theme of the 2025 event: “Powering Pennsylvania.”
“The agricultural industry in Pennsylvania provides nearly 600,000 jobs, meaning one in every 10 jobs is tied directly to agriculture,” Siger said. “This industry is an ecosystem that contributes more than $130 billion annually to the state’s economy.” The sheer scale of the industry’s impact cannot be overstated, with Pennsylvania leading the nation in producing a variety of agricultural products from dairy and livestock to mushrooms and corn.
In his remarks, Siger also highlighted the forward-thinking nature of Gov. Josh Shapiro’s administration, which includes agriculture as a top priority in a 10-year economic development plan aimed at strengthening the state’s agricultural foundation.
Showcasing Agriculture’s Diversity and Resilience
Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding offered his own perspective on the industry’s current state. Speaking after the ribbon-cutting, he noted the inherent strength and diversity of Pennsylvania’s agriculture, while also acknowledging the sector’s fragility in the face of challenges.
“Agriculture is diverse, strong, and growing, but it’s also fragile,” Redding explained. “We’ve learned a lot over the past year, particularly dealing with droughts and flooding, which have posed significant challenges. Looking ahead, we face even more changes, especially related to immigration, tariffs, and environmental regulations.”
This year’s Farm Show is particularly poignant as it highlights these issues—while showcasing how agriculture continues to thrive despite difficulties. Pennsylvania’s farmers and agriculture leaders remain resilient, and they are determined to adapt to whatever the future holds.
The Importance of Federal Support
Federal support for agriculture has been a key topic of conversation, particularly after the signing of a $100 billion disaster package by President Joe Biden on December 21. This package includes an extension of the Farm Bill, which is expected to benefit farmers across Pennsylvania and the broader agricultural community.
Redding emphasized that the disaster package was “really important” for the state, providing much-needed relief and stability as farmers continue to navigate the uncertainty posed by climate conditions and other external factors. The support comes at a crucial time when agricultural communities are still recovering from the challenges posed by drought and flooding over the past year.
Additionally, U.S. Rep. Thompson weighed in on the incoming administration of President-elect Donald Trump, noting that the new U.S. Secretary of Agriculture nominee, Brooke Rollins, would be a strong ally for the agricultural community. Thompson praised Rollins as “the Cabinet member that’s closest to President Trump,” which he believes bodes well for the future of agriculture in the U.S.
A Celebration of Pennsylvania’s Agricultural Legacy
The 2025 Pennsylvania Farm Show is a celebration of the state’s agricultural legacy. Visitors to the event will experience a range of agricultural activities, from competitive events to hands-on educational opportunities, in over one million square feet of exhibit space. The show features everything from livestock exhibitions to a massive butter sculpture that weighs in at 1,000 pounds—a symbol of the state’s dairy industry.
The theme of the 2025 Farm Show, “Powering Pennsylvania,” encapsulates the significance of agriculture to both the state’s past and its future. The event serves as a reminder of the vital role that farming plays in Pennsylvania’s identity and economic success.
Despite the challenges faced by the agriculture industry, the 2025 Farm Show offers a hopeful glimpse into the future. It brings together thousands of individuals from across the agricultural sector, united by a common goal: to ensure that agriculture continues to thrive for generations to come.
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