HARRISBURG, Pa. (EYT) — Eleven farms from across Pennsylvania were formally designated as Century and Bicentennial Farms during the 2026 Pennsylvania Farm Show, according to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.
The honors were presented by Austin Davis and Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding, recognizing farms that have remained in the same family for 100 or more years. Seven farms received Century Farm status, while four were named Bicentennial Farms, including one property dating back to the Revolutionary War era.
“These farms tell a powerful story of families who have worked the same land for generations,” Davis said. He said preserving farmland helps protect both a way of life and the future of agriculture in Pennsylvania.
Redding said the honored farms reflect generations of dedication that have strengthened local communities and sustained the Commonwealth’s agricultural economy.
Since the Century Farm program began in 1977 and the Bicentennial Farm program launched in 2004, Pennsylvania has recognized 2,378 century and bicentennial farms, along with two tricentennial farms.
To qualify as a Century Farm, a property must be owned by the same family for at least 100 consecutive years, include a minimum of 10 acres or generate at least $1,000 annually in farm product sales, and have a family member residing on the property.
State officials emphasized that Pennsylvania continues to lead the nation in farmland preservation. Since voters approved the Farmland Preservation Program in 1988, the Commonwealth has protected 6,648 farms and more than 661,000 acres across 58 counties, investing more than $1.84 billion in state, county, and local funds.
Agriculture remains a major economic driver in Pennsylvania, with nearly 49,000 farms contributing $132.5 billion annually and supporting close to 600,000 jobs, according to the administration of Josh Shapiro. Agriculture is one of five core priorities in the state’s 10-year Economic Development Strategy.
Local and Regional Farms Recognized
Among the farms honored were several from western and north-central Pennsylvania:
Butler County: Harold and Connie Dunn of Butler, whose family has farmed their 63-acre Butler County property since 1915, when Lawrence Raisley purchased the land, all of which remains in use today as a sheep farm.
Clearfield County: Jeremiah Keck of DuBois, whose family farm dates back to 1860
Indiana County: Scott and Cheryl Kinter of Smicksburg, farming land held by the family since 1867
Mercer County: Multiple Bicentennial Farms operated by the Alexander and Courtney families, with ownership histories dating to the late 1700s and early 1800s
Additional farms recognized were located in Berks, Fayette, Perry, and Wayne counties.
Farm Show and America250PA Connection
The 2026 Pennsylvania Farm Show runs from January 10 through January 17 at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg. The theme, Growing a Nation, highlights the role agriculture has played in shaping the United States and continues to play in Pennsylvania’s economy.
This year’s Farm Show also serves as the official kickoff for America250PA, marking the start of statewide commemorations leading up to the nation’s 250th anniversary in July 2026.
The Farm Show remains the largest indoor agricultural exposition in the nation, featuring nearly 5,000 animals, more than 12,000 competitive entries, over 250 commercial exhibits, and hundreds of educational events. Admission is free, with parking available for $15 per vehicle.
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