Normally the Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg is a bustling place this time as year as it is filled with livestock, farm equipment and various other displays presented by Pennsylvania’s farming families – as well as thousands of visitors.
The site is quiet this year as the COVID-19 pandemic has made it impossible to hold any large public gatherings. Even so, Farm Show 2021 is underway, but it is being held virtually this year, according to Senator Elder Vogel (R-47).
The Department of Agriculture decided last year against holding in-person events or competitions at the 2021 Farm Show in order to mitigate the spread of COVID-19.
“Instead of hosting a live event, one that brings together hundreds of Pennsylvania farmers and draws thousands of spectators and patrons, the 2021 edition is being held virtually,” said Senator Vogel. “I know that as a farmer there is a huge difference between looking at videos of cattle and the sensory experience of walking through the livestock barns at the Farm Show. But that is life during a pandemic. We need to take all steps possible to prevent the spread this virus.”
Information about the the show, which runs through January 16, is available on the official Farm Show website at www.farmshow.pa.gov. The schedule of events and information about exhibits is available at www.farmshow.pa.gov.
Senator Vogel will be participating in the Cultivating Impact: A Year’s Review of Pennsylvania’s First Farm Bill discussion set for 8 p.m. on Wednesday, January 13. The discussion will be available at: www.facebook.com/PAFarmShow/
As the agriculture industry grows and changes, it must be supported in new ways to ensure its future success. The PA Farm Bill invests in Pennsylvania agriculture to grow opportunities and resources, remove barriers to entry, and inspire future generations of agriculture leaders in. Farm Bill grant recipients, Senate Agriculture Committee leadership and Secretary Redding will highlight successes and unveil how the Farm Bill continues to cultivate impact.
CONTACT: Cara Laudenslager,
Executive Director, Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee claudenslafer@pasen.gov