00:26 - Just want to hang out with you.

00:26 - Okay.

00:27 - So good morning, everyone, and welcome.

00:30 - I am Cassandra Coleman, and I am the executive director of America 250 P.A..

00:35 - And we are the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Commission

00:38 - that was charged

00:38 - with planning and coordinating all of the programing projects and events

00:42 - around the 250th anniversary of our nation next year, in 2026.

00:48 - Before we begin, I'd like to thank Secretary Redding and his team

00:52 - for inviting us to join in this exciting day.

00:56 - I'd also like to acknowledge America Chief Commissioners

01:00 - Kevin Vaughn, who has joined us, as well as HMC Executive Director Andrea Lowery,

01:06 - and the many advisors and nonprofit partners on hand

01:10 - who truly make our work possible, including our friends in the legislature.

01:15 - Senator Haywood and Representative Collins.

01:17 - So thank you so much for being with us.

01:20 - Together, we are building something that reflects

01:23 - the best of who we are curious, connected, and proud to be.

01:28 - Pennsylvanian.

01:29 - Across 67 counties and over 400 local communities and counting.

01:35 - America is committed to one mission

01:39 - reaching every Pennsylvanian.

01:42 - We've launched over a dozen initiatives,

01:45 - including our countdown to 250 experiential unit.

01:49 - Over the summer, we proudly unveiled this custom built mobile exhibit

01:55 - designed to bring the semi-colon celebration to all 67 counties.

02:00 - It's packed with games, interactive features, and a storytelling booth

02:05 - where visitors can share personal or family memories for posterity.

02:10 - Now we are focused on shaping an epic statewide calendar for 2026,

02:16 - and even our friends here in Pennsylvania's largest city know

02:20 - that at the start of each new year means one thing.

02:24 - The Pennsylvania Farm Show America G50 is proud to partner

02:28 - with the largest indoor agricultural event in the nation,

02:32 - because the milestone that defines.

02:35 - America are rooted in Pennsylvania.

02:38 - And while July 4th, 1776, is the date that is etched in our minds,

02:43 - the real work of democracy stretched far beyond independence Hall.

02:48 - It happened in our towns, our mills, our barns, and our fields.

02:53 - Every day, Pennsylvanians shaped what this country

02:57 - became, and farmers and the agriculture industry as a whole.

03:01 - We're always at the heart of that story.

03:05 - Here on Germantown Avenue, it's only right to honor

03:08 - the Pennsylvania German farmers who brought crop rotation

03:11 - to the New World, and whose Pennsylvania barns stand

03:15 - as a lasting symbol of agriculture, innovation,

03:19 - efficiency and perseverance.

03:21 - Later, the Grange movement, Adams County Fruit growers and our dairy heritage

03:27 - advanced the practices and values that came to define Pennsylvania farming.

03:33 - These legacies prove what we already know.

03:37 - Pennsylvania farmers built communities.

03:40 - They fed families and sustained a nation.

03:44 - And most importantly, continue to do that today.

03:49 - In 1917, hundreds of farmers came together for the first statewide farm show,

03:54 - and a decade later, the Commonwealth laid the cornerstone for the main hall.

03:59 - Beginning a tradition

04:00 - that would grow into the extraordinary event that we all know today.

04:05 - Every year it celebrates the best of our agriculture industry

04:09 - and the extraordinary people who keep it growing.

04:13 - This event opens a window into an industry that keeps nearly

04:16 - a half a million Pennsylvanians working, half a million,

04:21 - and contributes over 130 billion to our economy.

04:26 - I can't wait for January, but it feels right to make this announcement

04:31 - in October, because it has always been the Pennsylvania farmer.

04:35 - Whether under the hot summer sun

04:38 - or by the light of the harvest moon that has kept

04:41 - the American experiment growing

04:44 - and now thriving for almost 250 years.

04:49 - And now we come to the moment that we've all been waiting for.

04:52 - And that's the theme of the 2026 Farm Show, a historic year

04:57 - that will showcase the best of what Pennsylvania has to offer.

05:01 - To help us make that announcement.

05:03 - We brought along a friend, and it's my honor to introduce

05:06 - a woman who was there at the very beginning of our story,

05:10 - and whose flag continues to inspire all of us.

05:14 - Betsy Ross.

05:20 - Well, I believe I have

05:22 - been invited to be here because I'm the oldest person around.

05:27 - But my dear fellow Pennsylvanians, how pleased

05:29 - I am to share this historic moment with everyone.

05:35 - Certainly, most will know me by the name Betsy Ross,

05:39 - although I have been known by many names.

05:42 - And before I was a bridge, I did not know I was a bridge.

05:47 - By the way.

05:48 - But before I was a bridge,

05:51 - I was a flesh and blood Philadelphian.

05:55 - Yes, some remember me as the woman who stitched together

06:00 - the first flag of these United States

06:03 - 13 star and 13 stripes.

06:07 - A very bold and simple emblem

06:11 - for a powerful idea

06:15 - that liberty is worth the labor.

06:19 - Now, in a few short months, the world will mark

06:23 - the semi Quinn centennial of the United States.

06:28 - Did I say that right? All right, I did.

06:32 - And millions will come together

06:36 - to honor the legacy of my generation

06:41 - and every generation of Americans

06:45 - who have labored for liberty.

06:48 - So as we plan festivities to celebrate that milestone,

06:53 - it seems only right that we remember

06:56 - where this country began.

06:59 - Right here in Pennsylvania.

07:03 - It seems appropriate to remember

07:06 - that William Penn himself said

07:09 - Pennsylvania is the seed of a nation.

07:15 - We declared independence.

07:18 - We shaped a new government.

07:22 - We are the birthplace of the Army,

07:25 - the Navy and the Marine Corps.

07:29 - And yes, we stitched the first flag,

07:34 - or at least it was my first flag.

07:38 - But beyond the fife and drums,

07:42 - beyond the parchment and the speeches

07:45 - stood the people who nourished

07:48 - this spirit of 76.

07:51 - The farmers who fed a growing nation

07:58 - while I labored with needle and thread.

08:02 - Farmers sewed and reaped across Pennsylvania.

08:07 - And yes, those communities included

08:10 - those German immigrants here in Germantown.

08:16 - Farmers held our communities

08:19 - together through good and bad.

08:22 - And the fruits of their labor

08:25 - fed and clothe the continental troops

08:29 - who won our freedom.

08:32 - Who remembers

08:34 - what was the first of the three rights that Mr.

08:38 - Jefferson enumerated in our Declaration of Independence?

08:43 - Life,

08:45 - liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

08:50 - Life was first.

08:54 - Now some might honor me.

08:56 - And by saying that my creation brought our country together,

09:01 - that it made us a unity.

09:05 - But remember, without the harvest,

09:09 - there would be no life

09:11 - to give for the cause of liberty.

09:15 - My early flags were stitched from wool,

09:19 - but only the Pennsylvania farmer could truly stitch together

09:24 - the fabric of America.

09:28 - General Washington,

09:31 - he said that with reference to national welfare,

09:36 - agriculture is a primary important. Why?

09:43 - Because there is no liberty without life.

09:46 - And no life can be sustained without the work of farmers

09:52 - by the

09:53 - sweat of their brows and the strength of calloused hands.

09:57 - They turned soil into sustenance

10:00 - and made the dreams of independent school a reality.

10:05 - Pennsylvania farmers

10:07 - have kept this nation growing

10:12 - their values, patience, progress.

10:18 - Purpose became part of our national creed.

10:24 - Because being a farmer, like being an American,

10:28 - is to believe in tomorrow.

10:33 - To plant is to hope

10:36 - through drought and flood,

10:39 - through war and peace,

10:42 - through lean years and seasons of plenty.

10:46 - Our farmers have done the work

10:49 - and kept the faith.

10:53 - Now that brings us to today.

10:56 - I am proud to help to unveil the

11:00 - theme of the 110th

11:04 - Pennsylvania Farm Show,

11:07 - a theme rooted in our shared past

11:11 - and blooming with promise for the future.

11:17 - We are going to pause here for a moment

11:20 - as we unveil what that scene will be.

11:28 - Growing a nation.

11:35 - The theme is Growing a Nation,

11:39 - because that's exactly what our farmers have done

11:42 - across seasons and generations.

11:45 - And so, as we will now look ahead

11:48 - to the next 250 years,

11:52 - we will ask important questions.

11:56 - Who will take up the plow

11:59 - and labor for liberty?

12:01 - Who will keep us growing?

12:05 - Farming must be both heritage

12:09 - and horizon.

12:13 - Thankfully,

12:15 - even as we celebrate the past,

12:18 - we are welcoming a new generation,

12:22 - stepping forward to plant, to preserve

12:27 - and to grow the future of America.

12:32 - From horse drawn plows to jeeps.

12:38 - I'm not sure what exactly that is, but it's important.

12:41 - From hay wagons to high tech irrigation,

12:47 - from small family plots to whole counties

12:51 - defined by the bounty they provide.

12:56 - My friends,

12:58 - liberty is always worth the labor.

13:04 - And if you ever need a reminder of that,

13:08 - then remember

13:10 - our flag

13:12 - and our farmers

13:14 - will always be here to remind you.

13:19 - Thank you so much.

13:20 - Indeed.

13:27 - Thank you Betsy.

13:28 - We would now like to introduce the Secretary of Agriculture.

13:31 - Russell Redding.

13:32 - Yes. Yeah.

13:35 - Cassandra. Thank you.

13:37 - I feel that, after listening to Betsy Ross, we just say amen.

13:42 - Right. What a beautiful story, right?

13:45 - It's a reminder of Pennsylvania's rich heritage and history.

13:48 - It's also a reminder of the role and the pivotal role that we played in our nation.

13:53 - So today we celebrate that, and we honor the work of our flag and our farmers.

13:59 - Well said.

14:00 - So today we have a chance to to look at and celebrate

14:05 - the Farm Show theme of growing a nation.

14:09 - And I cannot think of a better time and a better place

14:12 - than right here to the work house and farm to sort of celebrate that.

14:17 - So thank you all for being here.

14:19 - To all of our friends who have joined us as I look around.

14:21 - Thank you for being part of this special day and a special announcement.

14:27 - As Betsy Ross has noted.

14:29 - This flag was stitched together just blocks

14:33 - down the street here in Philadelphia.

14:36 - It has more thread and fabric.

14:40 - It was a vision

14:41 - made real by hand and by hope.

14:45 - A symbol of unity and purpose and promise.

14:49 - And in many ways, that's what we're unveiling today.

14:53 - A new banner of Pennsylvania agriculture, rooted in our values

14:57 - and lifted by the people who make this industry thrive.

15:01 - It's a privilege to be here with you

15:04 - today, to take another step forward.

15:08 - One of the nation's most important and cherished

15:12 - enduring traditions of Pennsylvania Farm Show.

15:15 - As noted since 1917, the Farm Show

15:18 - has been more than just an event.

15:22 - It's a living, breathing portrait of Pennsylvania agriculture,

15:26 - the largest indoor exposition of agriculture in the nation,

15:30 - drawing on half a million people to come and see,

15:34 - but also to learn and to connect and be inspired.

15:38 - It's where legacies are honored.

15:41 - It's where blue ribbons are earned for the first time,

15:45 - where families return generation after generation, to exhibit

15:49 - and to see and walk those exhibits, to meet the animals, to taste

15:54 - what Pennsylvania grows and feel part of something greater.

15:59 - It's a farm show.

16:01 - Agriculture isn't just seen.

16:04 - It's lived it.

16:06 - Each year, our theme becomes the heartbeat of that experience.

16:10 - A guiding light that frames what agriculture

16:13 - means to our Commonwealth and to our nation.

16:17 - So today, I'm proud to stand along this team as our partners.

16:21 - Celebrate this theme of growing a nation.

16:25 - Because this theme is more than just

16:28 - a tag line, it's a tribute.

16:31 - It's a truth. It's a promise.

16:34 - It's a tribute to those who came before generations

16:38 - who were the land in their hands, in their hearts.

16:42 - It's a truth about the place agriculture has always held in America's story.

16:48 - Its steady, essential and enduring.

16:52 - And it's a promise that the work we do today right here in

16:56 - Pennsylvania will grow forward, stronger, smarter, more connected than ever.

17:03 - Because growing a nation

17:05 - is not just a celebration of what's been.

17:08 - It's a bold commitment to what's next.

17:13 - A growing nation means recognizing

17:15 - every acre, every animal, every leader, and every community

17:19 - in Pennsylvania's AG landscape sends the ripples far beyond our borders.

17:26 - When a farmer in Franklin County harvest corn, when a cheese maker

17:30 - in Lancaster crafts something new, when a high school student in Erie

17:35 - earns for the first time, there awards

17:38 - and sees a future in their hands that is growing a nation.

17:43 - Because it's not just what we grow from the ground,

17:49 - it's what we grow from.

17:50 - Grit, from our values and our vision,

17:53 - from the indigenous stewards of this land

17:56 - to the immigrant farmers who brought their tools and traditions

18:01 - to the black agricultural communities, who endured and resisted and thrived.

18:07 - To the farm families whose names are rooted

18:10 - in the hills and hollows of Pennsylvania.

18:13 - To the young farmers with vision, to the food system advocates

18:17 - and the intrepid educators.

18:20 - To the dreamers and risk takers and the change makers.

18:25 - Each of these groups has helped grow

18:27 - Pennsylvania by passing down knowledge

18:31 - and opening the doors and pushing all of us forward.

18:35 - Their legacy isn't just in the land,

18:38 - it's in the ideas that they've sparked in the communities that they've built.

18:44 - At the 2026 Pennsylvania Farm Show,

18:46 - we'll proudly celebrate all of these contributions

18:51 - with all of the exhibits and the stories and experiences

18:54 - that honor their impact and show how they've worked

18:59 - and how we continue to grow this nation today.

19:03 - To anyone listening who may not have been to the Farm.

19:07 - Show, may not know agriculture.

19:11 - If your heart is in your hands and your land

19:14 - and the food and the people and the promise of it all.

19:18 - This is a place for you.

19:21 - You have a seat at this table.

19:23 - So come and grow with us.

19:25 - Because in Pennsylvania, agriculture is more than an industry.

19:30 - It's a legacy, and it's a responsibility.

19:32 - It's a story that we write together,

19:36 - that we care with purpose and with hope.

19:39 - And that story continues today.

19:42 - When a dairy farmer rises before dawn in Somerset County,

19:45 - but a mushroom grower in Chester County, harvest by hand

19:49 - when a forester in Tioga County tends

19:52 - to Penn's Woods, and a family right here

19:55 - at work House and farm nurtures the community garden.

19:59 - They're not just growing food.

20:01 - They're not just growing futures.

20:04 - They're growing a nation.

20:06 - So thank you for being here.

20:08 - Look forward to this Farm Show this year very much.

20:11 - And I'm always, always pleased to be on the grounds of someone

20:15 - who's a great steward.

20:16 - So, Kim Staab, if you would please join us and tell us the story of the week

20:20 - house and farm.

20:21 - Thank you.

20:26 - Good morning.

20:27 - Thank you, Secretary Redding.

20:28 - Thank you to the Farm Show and America to 50 PA for being here at work.

20:32 - Welcome.

20:33 - It's a beautiful day here in Germantown.

20:35 - We're so excited to be partners

20:37 - with you as we launch this year's Farm Show theme, growing a Nation.

20:41 - Here at Whic.

20:42 - One Quaker family lived for nine generations, from 1690

20:46 - all the way to 1973.

20:48 - The Worcester Heinz family that called this place home

20:51 - had a lot of occupations over their 283 years in residence,

20:55 - but farming and gardening have always been central to their lives.

20:58 - From the earliest family members growing flax for linen production here

21:02 - in Germantown to a later generation bringing Pennsylvania

21:05 - and the United States its first Guernsey cow, the Alderney cow,

21:09 - to an even later generation.

21:11 - Founding the first women's

21:12 - horticultural school in the nation, that's now Temple Amberley campus.

21:16 - Wick's legacy of growing a nation is strong.

21:19 - No family member better understood

21:21 - that vital link between agriculture, the land and the American identity.

21:26 - Better than the sixth generation resident, Reuben Haynes.

21:28 - The third.

21:29 - While he is best remembered for helping found the Horticultural Society,

21:33 - the Academy of Fine.

21:33 - Arts, the Academy of Natural Sciences, and a lot of other sort of prominent

21:37 - institutions when it came to educating his own children.

21:41 - He wrote that, you know, after their book learning, and I quote,

21:44 - with what additional pleasure will I lead them forth into the garden

21:47 - and the field and teach them to admire the economy of vegetation

21:51 - their little hands have deposited in the earth.

21:53 - Point out the bees as example to stimulate their industry and Sierra

21:57 - mantle decked with wildflowers, which they have picked, assisted to gather.

22:01 - And so today we use that past as inspiration for the present.

22:05 - We are home to the oldest rose garden in the United States.

22:08 - In its original plan, which today holds over 50 cultivars of unique heritage

22:12 - roses, some of which survived only because they survived here at work.

22:17 - And although our Northwest Philadelphia neighborhood is not as rural

22:20 - as it once was, we have transformed our historic farm

22:23 - that once grew flax, oats, corn, and wheat into a community gathering space.

22:29 - Our home farm is worked not just by our farmer, but

22:31 - in tandem, side by side with our friends and neighbors.

22:35 - Our harvest of both historic and modern vegetables, fruits and flowers

22:39 - draws inspiration both from our historic collection at work

22:42 - and the great diversity of Germantown citizenry.

22:45 - It's so

22:46 - rewarding, particularly in an urban environment, to bring families

22:49 - and schoolchildren here together to grow a connection to the land at work.

22:53 - I've watched kids

22:54 - eat carrots, tomatoes and cucumbers straight from the vine and the earth.

22:58 - I've listened to school kids

22:59 - who have never actually seen a bee pollinate a plant in real life, like,

23:03 - drop their jaws, and I've seen, you know, how this this work all comes together.

23:08 - Together, our community brings that same enthusiastic energy to work and the farm.

23:12 - As Reuben and his family did all those years ago.

23:15 - Here, we believe that we make our communities,

23:17 - our commonwealth and our nation stronger by growing together.

23:21 - And so, as we prepare for the 250th anniversary

23:23 - of the declaration of Independence,

23:25 - we're so excited to celebrate our farm and the history

23:28 - together with our friends here in historic Germantown, across Philadelphia

23:32 - and throughout the Commonwealth.

23:33 - So thank you so much for being here today, and we look forward to showing you

23:36 - around the farm, around the site

23:37 - to see some of our historic plants and historic treasures we have inside.

23:41 - And I'd like to introduce,

23:42 - Senator Heywood, our friend and partner from up the street to come 50.

23:55 - I surprise Secretary Redding

23:59 - with a small basket

24:01 - of tomatoes grown from my garden.

24:06 - I share with him,

24:07 - and I share with you all that it was Secretary Redding who really introduced me

24:12 - into this idea of a farm and urban farming

24:16 - and getting a State farm bill that included urban farming.

24:21 - I want to thank Secretary Redding for that leadership.

24:27 - He went from community and legislation to my home,

24:31 - and we decided to create a small garden.

24:37 - As elected official, I gotta tell you,

24:39 - my ego probably went a little bit too far, and I asked my daughters

24:43 - to create something indicating

24:46 - that we had Haywood Farm.

24:50 - But it is a small plot.

24:54 - This farm show

24:56 - is such a tremendous contribution to our community, particularly

25:00 - for urban legislators who don't really see the impact of farming directly.

25:05 - Other than at the grocery stores.

25:08 - So I cannot thank you all

25:10 - enough for having this new thing

25:14 - that includes growing a nation.

25:16 - I also want us to have a sincere thank to Wick House,

25:19 - because this is a place where we need to get more and more

25:23 - young people from our neighborhoods to to see and experience.

25:27 - Because when they do see, when they do experience,

25:30 - it will open their eyes not just to the pollination from the bee,

25:35 - but to the garden, to the air, to the trees, to nature.

25:39 - I want to thank Rick House for being consistently welcoming

25:43 - to individuals and students throughout this area,

25:48 - and last, in connection with 20, 52, 50.

25:54 - We are also looking to the future

25:58 - and what the new America can be based upon

26:01 - growing America, based upon the diversity that we have now,

26:05 - and how we can come together in the ways that Secretary Redding has described.

26:10 - The various organizations that have done so.

26:14 - I would be remiss if I did not add

26:17 - that when we look at 250 in the past,

26:20 - that we do need to consistently acknowledge across the nation.

26:25 - And although not so much here in Pennsylvania, the free labor,

26:29 - the free labor that allowed the nation to grow

26:33 - for over 200 years.

26:37 - Having said that,

26:39 - thank you, Betsy Ross.

26:43 - For your vision of what the nation could be

26:48 - and having a symbol that can help the nation

26:51 - become what it should be.

26:54 - Thank you.

27:00 - Thank you.

27:00 - Senator.

27:01 - I would now like to introduce Heidi Seven Novick, the executive director

27:04 - of the Pennsylvania Farm Show.

27:09 - Hi. Good morning.

27:12 - I'm thrilled to share a glimpse of what's ahead as we look forward

27:16 - to one of our Commonwealth's most beloved activities and traditions.

27:20 - Our state fair, the Pennsylvania Farm Show,

27:23 - happening January 10th through 17th.

27:26 - Each year, the Farm Show brings 500,000 visitors

27:30 - over the course of eight unforgettable days.

27:33 - It's not just an event, it's a celebration of our agricultural roots.

27:38 - A major economic driver for our state, and a place where learning,

27:42 - community and innovation come together under one very big roof.

27:48 - And 2026 is going to be extra special.

27:52 - As we celebrate America's 250th anniversary,

27:55 - the farm Show will be joining the nation and honoring our shared history,

28:00 - our resilience, and our growth with a patriotic theme.

28:03 - You won't want to miss.

28:05 - New. This year, visitors will be able to explore heritage

28:08 - breeds of animals, showcasing the roots of American farming

28:13 - and the vital role these breeds continue to play today.

28:17 - Enjoy red, white and blue themed competitions

28:20 - that highlight the creativity and spirit of our communities.

28:24 - Whether it's baking, quilting, growing Christmas trees or vegetables.

28:30 - Don't miss our special Patriotic Arena events

28:33 - designed to inspire pride in our past and excitement for our future, while

28:39 - honoring veterans and those who are still currently serving our country.

28:43 - Join in the wild rides for top cowboys and cowgirls.

28:47 - Cowgirls at one of our four PRCA rodeos,

28:52 - a thrilling tribute

28:54 - to the Western traditions that helped shape our nation.

28:58 - Honor the legacy of our gentle giants by taking a draft horse

29:01 - for a spin around the arena and at the driver draft event.

29:05 - And for a truly immersive experience, check out our AG Explorer stations,

29:10 - designed to offer hands on opportunities

29:13 - and show how agriculture has formed our history.

29:16 - Every step of the way.

29:19 - And of course, it wouldn't be the Farm show without the food.

29:22 - We're excited to introduce delicious new offerings

29:25 - that showcase the diversity and innovation of Pennsylvania agriculture.

29:30 - Be sure to try the chocolate covered strawberries,

29:33 - a sweet celebration of our dairy and fruit producers.

29:37 - Start your morning with a mushroom and spinach breakfast burrito, a hearty

29:42 - and healthy option that highlights a multitude of our thriving ag sectors.

29:48 - And for the more adventurous foodies, don't miss the Mushroom Coffee,

29:53 - a bold new brew made with Pennsylvania mushrooms

29:56 - that's sustainable and packed with the flavor.

29:59 - These new items join all your favorite farm

30:01 - show items to make this year's food court better than ever.

30:06 - The 2026

30:07 - Pennsylvania Farm Show is more than just a milestone year.

30:10 - It's an invitation.

30:12 - An invitation to learn, to celebrate, and to see firsthand

30:16 - the innovation and dedication that defines Pennsylvania agriculture.

30:21 - So I invite you mark your calendars now, January 10th through the 17th.

30:26 - Come with your family, your friends,

30:29 - your neighbors, and your questions.

30:32 - Whether you're a farmer, a foodie,

30:33 - a student, or simply curious, there's something for everyone.

30:37 - The 2026 Pennsylvania Farm Show will be a proud

30:41 - celebration of how we've grown and where we're going.

30:45 - I'll see you at the Farm Show.

30:47 - Good.

30:50 - And now, please welcome the Pennsylvania State Fair.

30:53 - Queen. Ava.

30:53 - Emily.

30:59 - So, especially with this new, logo that we have here

31:02 - and the new theme for the Pennsylvania Farm Show.

31:04 - It's very fitting because as a young person in agriculture,

31:08 - I can see every single day how Pennsylvania agriculture

31:11 - is truly growing our nation.

31:14 - Now, anywhere from,

31:15 - we're we're proud to carry on tradition that really sustains and nourishes America

31:20 - anywhere from the milk that nourishes our families, from across the Commonwealth

31:24 - to the plants and greenhouse production that brightens our communities,

31:27 - to the communities and the farming that, produces

31:31 - the soybeans and corn that feeds both people and livestock,

31:34 - and even to our mushrooms that feeds our people across the

31:37 - great Commonwealth as well.

31:39 - Pennsylvania agriculture doesn't just help our state.

31:42 - It helps other people and other states grow as well

31:46 - through opportunities like for the Pennsylvania Fair Queen

31:49 - program, FFA, and the Pennsylvania Junior Farm Show Committee.

31:53 - We actually encourage

31:54 - and join in the youth to our agriculture production and practices.

31:58 - Not only do this help grow our nation, but it gives these people,

32:02 - young people, a voice in agriculture and a way to sustain

32:05 - and make sure that our Pennsylvania, agriculture and the farming community

32:10 - has someone to take over for the next years as well

32:13 - with these younger youth, committees as well.

32:15 - It just develops the skills, confidence and leadership to carry farming

32:19 - and agriculture really far into the future as well, and ensure that Pennsylvania

32:24 - agriculture keeps growing strong and for the generations to come as well.

32:30 - So on behalf of not only the Pennsylvania Fair Queen Foundation,

32:33 - but also for the Pennsylvania Farm Show, we thank you for always inviting the youth

32:37 - and having a youth, involved not only the agriculture, but the farming

32:40 - traditions to bring us all together as we're the next generation to come.

32:44 - So thank you.

32:46 - Yes. Thank you.

32:50 - Aviva.

32:50 - It's now my honor to reintroduce Secretary Russell Redding.

32:55 - Cassandra.

32:56 - Thank you.

32:56 - And, again, I'll.

32:58 - I'll try to to wrap this up.

33:00 - Senator Haywood, I mean, I'm impressed.

33:03 - Haywood farms has a nice ring to it, doesn't it?

33:06 - But what a great story and a reminder that

33:09 - that is, at the end of the day, sort of what the Farm Show is about.

33:13 - Right? It's all it's history, right?

33:15 - It's 250 years or 300 for standing here.

33:19 - It's that history.

33:20 - But it's also those who see an opportunity, right,

33:24 - to see a chance to sort of change their community,

33:26 - to change their neighborhood in some way, to feed themselves and maybe a family

33:31 - that's inside of the farm show.

33:33 - That's what growing a nation is about.

33:36 - We see that here today, and I'm always humbled.

33:39 - What I stand on ground that, ancestors and others,

33:43 - sort of the forefathers who had vision, who had spirit,

33:46 - who stitched together both a flag and a country and a nation

33:51 - to stand here and really talk about and celebrate

33:55 - an industry that is important both to our daily existence

33:59 - but also to our past and our future

34:02 - that is growing a nation.

34:05 - But as I often say, it doesn't stay here.

34:07 - It will not stay here just because you and I like it.

34:12 - It's about how we invest in

34:13 - what we see as the vision for this industry.

34:17 - And every day, proud to be part of a team with Governor Shapiro.

34:23 - There's a vision for agriculture in the state.

34:25 - He often says that he sees Pennsylvania's future

34:29 - running right through our farms.

34:32 - I think how poetic it is,

34:35 - but also how true it is that we get a chance to see

34:38 - both our past here and our future in agriculture.

34:43 - That's what it means to grow a nation.

34:45 - This is a call to action.

34:48 - It's nice to celebrate.

34:49 - It's good to talk about what it was, but

34:52 - we also need to stay here and continue to grow and thrive.

34:56 - So I ask each of you to join in this call,

35:00 - just as Betsy

35:01 - Ross had shared in The Call of a New Nation.

35:05 - We ask you to join this.

35:06 - Join us this year for the Farm Show and Growing a New Nation.

35:10 - It's exciting times.

35:12 - It's also a time that we need to tell our story,

35:15 - both as a nation and it's its history and this journey,

35:19 - all that it took to come here and stay here, but also what

35:22 - it will take to thrive and continue to grow,

35:26 - both an industry and this nation.

35:29 - So on behalf of the Department of Agriculture

35:30 - and the governor and the team, I want to say thank you to all of those

35:34 - who are here.

35:34 - And I see folks who are present today who are part of that very storied,

35:40 - Farm Show's history of 110 years

35:43 - wouldn't be here without the farmers across the state.

35:46 - As noted, our advocates here with us today.

35:48 - So thank you for being here.

35:50 - Thank you for helping us grow a nation.

35:52 - And we'll see you at the Pennsylvania Farm Show. Thank you.

35:58 - Thank you.

35:59 - All right. Thank you very good.

36:01 - Nice job.

36:07 - You know.

36:33 - They.