LITITZ, PA — In an announcement that highlights the vital role of agriculture in Pennsylvania’s economy, Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding and Community and Economic Development Secretary Rick Siger this week unveiled the 2025 Pennsylvania Farm Show theme, “Powering Pennsylvania,” at Oregon Dairy in Lititz. This theme encapsulates the state’s commitment to agriculture as a pillar of economic strength and a champion of sustainable practices.
Oregon Dairy, a family-owned agritourism and green-energy leader, exemplifies the theme. Since its inception in 1952, the business has evolved from a modest dairy farm into a multifaceted operation. It features locally-sourced products on the PA Preferred Scooped: an Ice Cream Trail, a supermarket, bakery, restaurant, and a community education center. The dairy uses solar panels and a manure digester to convert waste into energy, showcasing a model for sustainable food production.
The Farm Show, scheduled from January 4-11, 2025, at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center in Harrisburg, is more than an agricultural fair; it is an economic engine, drawing half a million visitors annually. The event will include beloved attractions such as the 1,000-pound butter sculpture, competitive agricultural events, and the Farm Show Food Court, while providing over a million square feet of interactive educational opportunities.
Secretary Redding emphasized the economic impact of agriculture, noting that it supports 593,000 jobs and contributes over $132.5 billion to the state’s economy annually. He highlighted the sector’s role in producing green energy, which sustains both local and statewide communities.
Secretary Siger pointed out agriculture’s pivotal position in Pennsylvania’s economic development strategy. He noted the Shapiro Administration’s focus on supporting agriculture as one of the state’s key industries, recognizing its potential for growth and innovation.
This theme and the Farm Show itself reflect a broader vision for community and economic development, where sustainable practices and local food production are integral to economic resilience and growth. As Pennsylvania continues to lead in agricultural innovation, the 2025 Pennsylvania Farm Show will serve as a testament to the power of agriculture in fueling the state’s future.
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