Today, Governor Tom Wolf kicked off the 103^rd Pennsylvania Farm Show, celebrating our state’s agriculture industry through the 2019 theme, “Inspiring Pennsylvania’s Story.” The theme, which will be represented throughout the duration of the weeklong event, honors agriculture’s rich history and inspires the future yet to come.

“Pennsylvania’s agriculture industry is both a treasure and a powerhouse, contributing hundreds of billions of dollars to our economy each year, and the Farm Show is the nation’s biggest event to honor it,” Governor Wolf said. “Each year, people from around the state and the country look forward to attending, to experience both new events and see old favorites alike. I encourage guests this year to take time to have conversations, engage with others, and listen to the stories of Pennsylvania agriculture.”

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“Nearly 600,000 Pennsylvanians are helping to write our story each day through their hard work, dedication, and passion. Through their commitment to sustainable agriculture, to conservation, to animals, food, and research; their work with their hands, with tools, with technology; and their efforts to provide for their communities,” said Sec. Redding. “Each tale has been chronicled in here in Pennsylvania, and the 103^rd Farm Show will shine a light on them through an array of activities, exhibits, shows, and conversations.”

This year’s event will include theme-related events like a daily story time for children, interviews with real Pennsylvanians working in agriculture, and opportunities for attendees to engage and tell their own stories. It will also include Farm Show staples ─ the iconic treats and events that guests look forward to all year, like the six-horse hitch competition, theme days like Military Veterans and their Families Day, programs on the Culinary Connection stage, and the Sheep to Shawl contest.

The ceremony began with a Pennsylvania Army National Guard ceremonial color guard and the singing of the National Anthem by 2019 Farm Show Star-Spangled Sing-off winner Faith Brown of Dauphin County. The event was emceed by state FFA President Jenna Harnish of Bradford County, and Vice President of Operations for the 4-H State Council Julia Jumper of Westmoreland County.

The Pennsylvania Farm Show is the nation’s largest indoor agricultural event, featuring 12,000 competitive exhibits, more than 5,200 of which are animal competitions, plus 300 commercial exhibitors. The show runs January 5 to 12, 2019. Admission is free and parking is $15 in Farm Show lots. The Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center is easily accessible from Interstates 81 and 83.

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