NEW HOLLAND, PA — Governor Josh Shapiro and Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding visited New Holland Agriculture’s Lancaster County campus yesterday. The visit gave them a first-hand look at the cutting-edge machinery that is shaping the future of farming.
In his 2024-25 budget proposal, Governor Shapiro has placed agriculture at the forefront, earmarking $10.3 million for Agriculture and Conservation Innovation funds. This significant investment aims to support innovative manufacturers and provide opportunities for farmers to enhance their efficiency and productivity, with a keen eye on soil and water conservation.
Speaking about the importance of rural communities and farmlands in Pennsylvania’s economic development, Governor Shapiro highlighted the central role of innovation. “We understand that our economic success is dependent on our rural communities and our farmlands. There’s real innovation happening all across our Commonwealth, especially on our farms,” he said.
New Holland Agriculture, a brand of CNH Industrial, is a prime example of this innovation. The company’s sprawling 341-acre campus in Lancaster County includes a 150-acre test farm and a 700,000-square-foot equipment manufacturing plant. Not only does the campus provide 600 jobs, but it also offers a Pennsylvania-certified Ag Equipment Service Technician Apprenticeship program, preparing a new generation of technicians to service advanced, computerized equipment.
Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding emphasized the ripple effects of investing in agriculture. “When Pennsylvania invests in agriculture, everybody wins. Our family farmers have innovated and fought to stay competitive in a tough marketplace, all the while being the original leaders in conserving our environment and our priceless soil and water resources,” he said.
The high-tech equipment developed and manufactured by New Holland runs on alternative energy sources and autonomous technology. This innovation allows farmers to precisely target fertilizer and pesticide applications, lower costs, increase productivity, and secure their farms’ future.
Richard Heisey, Vice President for Product Engineering at CNH Industrial, spoke about the company’s deep roots in Pennsylvania agriculture. “A vital part of our longstanding success has been the close work we do with our customers to break new ground in innovation, sustainability, and productivity,” he said.
Governor Shapiro’s budget proposal signifies a significant push towards magnifying the impact of conservation investments in the PA Farm Bill. The proposed funds will boost various programs, including the Resource Enhancement and Protection Program, Conservation Excellence Grants, Farm Vitality Grants for planning, the Agricultural Conservation Assistance Program, and others. This commitment to agriculture and conservation is set to usher in a new era of sustainable farming in Pennsylvania.
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