2026 Pennsylvania Farm Show Spotlights “Growing A Nation” Theme
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture announced the lineup for the 2026 PA Farm Show, set to run from Saturday, January 10 through Saturday, January 17 at the Farm Show Complex and Expo Center in Harrisburg. Admission to the indoor expo is free, with parking priced at $15 per vehicle. Organizers expect the event to draw hundreds of thousands of visitors eager to explore the state’s agricultural heritage, innovations, and food products.
A Celebration Rooted in History
This year’s show carries the theme “Growing A Nation,” highlighting Pennsylvania’s foundational role in shaping the United States through agriculture. The event also serves as the official kickoff for America250PA, the statewide initiative commemorating the 250th anniversary of the nation’s founding. As one of the original thirteen colonies, Pennsylvania’s contributions to democratic traditions and economic growth are front‑and‑center throughout the week.
Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding emphasized the show’s educational value:
“The Pennsylvania Farm Show is reason to celebrate every year. This year, commemorating agriculture’s role in the life of our nation makes these eight days an even more meaningful opportunity to foster understanding, positive relationships, and connections with the men and women who grow our food each day.”
The sentiment was echoed by a special guest appearance from Founding Father Benjamin Franklin, who praised the tradition of bringing together producers and consumers to encourage civil discourse and shared learning.
Featured Exhibits and Activities
Tour stops highlighted a blend of historical reverence and forward‑looking innovation. Below are the main attractions that visitors could experience:
A Walk Through Penn’s Woods
Led by Jonathan Geyer, director of the Hardwoods Development Council, this exhibit explored Pennsylvania’s 17 million acres of forestland. Attendees learned how sustainable forestry contributes $39.1 billion annually to the state economy and supports over ten percent of the manufacturing workforce. Displays featured biochar, thermally modified hardwood, Pennsylvania maple products, and Real American Hardwoods, alongside Shapiro Administration investments aimed at improving soil health, boosting crop yields, and reducing carbon emissions.
The New Pennsylvania Homestead at So You Want to Be a Farmer
Hosted by Jen Brodsky, farmer and regenerative food business consultant with True North Collective and Piebird Farm, this exhibit offered hands‑on activities for aspiring and seasoned farmers alike. Topics included vermiculture, DIY greenhouse construction, historic smokehouse preservation, and the Three Sisters planting method used by Native Americans and early settlers. Resources from the Pennsylvania Agricultural Business Development Center were highlighted to help attendees cultivate their own sustainable plots.
Pennsylvania Charcuterie Revolution
Chef Kurt Wewer, an award‑winning chef and consultant with Central PA Chef Consultants, showcased a sampler of Pennsylvania‑grown meats, cheeses, wines, honey, maple, potatoes, and mushrooms. Visitors could watch live demonstrations on the PA Preferred® Culinary Connection Stage, sample dishes prepared by culinary school students, and take home cookbooks that inspire farm‑to‑table cooking.
PA Apple Growers Apple Wall
Ellie Hollabaugh Vranich of Hollabaugh Brothers Orchards and the Pennsylvania Apple Board revived the popular Apple Wall—a large mosaic made entirely of apples that reveals a hidden message when viewed through a smartphone. The wall served as a photo backdrop and a tasting station for a variety of apples, ciders, and related products.
Fantastic Fiber
Madison Shaw, a veteran of Farm Show rabbit competitions and youth leadership programs, guided visitors through the world of flax, hemp, and wool. The segment highlighted how youth are integrating fiber into the food‑fuel‑food equation and featured the fan‑favorite Angorapalooza competition, where participants spin angora rabbit fur into yarn on the spot and weave it into judged products.
America250PA Mobile Experience
Hosted by Cassandra Coleman, Executive Director of America250PA, this interactive booth invited guests to test their knowledge of Pennsylvania history via trivia based on the U.S. citizenship test, play a retro‑style adventure video game, and meet representatives of iconic Pennsylvania snack and confectionery brands that have helped earn the state its reputation as the nation’s snack capital.
Farm Show Food Court Preview
The tour concluded with a preview of the Food Court, hosted by Pennsylvania FFA State President Sarah Firestone. Firestone outlined the menu of items available at the GIANT Expo Hall and Main Hall courts, noting that proceeds support Pennsylvania food grower organizations and youth scholarships aimed at fostering the next generation of agricultural leaders. The food court opened to the public from noon to 9 p.m. on Friday, January 9, ahead of the show’s official opening on January 10.
Show Scale and Economic Impact
The Pennsylvania Farm Show remains the nation’s largest indoor agricultural expo. The 110th edition featured more than 5,000 animals, over 12,000 competitive entries from roughly 4,600 participants, and upwards of 250 commercial exhibits alongside hundreds of educational and entertainment sessions. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, the state’s agriculture industry supports nearly 600,000 jobs and contributes $132.5 billion to the economy each year.
For a complete schedule, maps, and additional details, visitors can consult the official website at farmshow.pa.gov.
—Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture
