Chester County farmers and producers received high marks from Pennsylvania Farm Show judges this week, resulting in an impressive array of ribbons in a wide variety of agricultural disciplines in the show’s landmark 100th year of operation.
Chester County Commissioners Terence Farrell and Michelle Kichline attended the Show and sought out Chester County representation in numerous categories. “The Pennsylvania Farm Show is an excellent venue for us to celebrate and share Chester County’s top industry with visitors from all over the nation,” said Commissioners’ Chair Terence Farrell.
“I was proud to see the diverse range of farmers, producers and agribusiness professionals representing our region in the Farm Show competitions, as well as the many thousands of personal interactions they had with visitors from all over the country,” added Commissioner Michelle Kichline.
Chester County cheesemakers were victorious in this year’s cheese competition with “Best of Show” honors again going to The Farm at Doe Run (Coatesville, Pa) for its “Seven Sisters” cheese entry. September Farms (Honeybrook, Pa), Birchrun Hills Farm (Chester Springs, Pa.) and Meadowset Farm and Apiary (Landenberg, Pa.) also won their respective subcategory competitions rounding out an impressive roster of cheese wins for the county.
As the top growing mushroom region in the nation, it is no surprise that Chester County also ranked well in the mushroom competitions. To-Jo Mushrooms (Avondale, Pa.) and Country Fresh Mushrooms (Toughkenamon, Pa.) won second and third places in the “Best Overall” mushroom division, while Buona Foods (Landenberg, Pa.), To-Jo Mushrooms (Avondale, Pa.) and Phillips Mushroom Farm (Kennett Square, Pa.) took first prize in their subcategory divisions.
The beef cattle, rabbit, poultry and sheep competitions yielded additional county standouts in the final show results, and Chester County residents also earned ribbons for their baking, canning, and photography talents.
“It’s so fun to attend the Pennsylvania Farm Show because it serves as a wonderful reminder of producers’ commitment to, and the variety of agriculture in the Commonwealth as well as the county,” says Chester County Agricultural Development Council Director Hillary Krummrich. “Between the exhibits, demonstrations, sites and tastes, there really is something for everyone.”
The Pennsylvania Farm Show, the largest indoor agricultural exposition in the nation, hosts nearly 6,000 animals, 10,000 competitive exhibits and 300 commercial exhibits every year in Harrisburg, Pa. This year’s show ran from January 9-16th.
For a complete list of Farm Show winners: www.farmshow.state.pa.us/results.aspx
