Latest News from State Capitol and 55th District

August 21, 2025

PA’s Promising Future in Agriculture the Focus at Summit

Last week, the Westmoreland Fairgrounds buzzed with the energy of Pennsylvania’s agricultural community as the “More Than Just Pigs, Chicken, and Cattle” Agriculture Summit was hosted. This gathering wasn’t just another industry event — it was a testament to the resilience, innovation and promise of Pennsylvania’s incredible agriculture sector. Speakers like Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Secretary, Pennsylvania Farm Bureau President Chris Hoffman and Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward led the conversation.

Hosting the breakfast at the fairgrounds added meaning and context to every conversation. Redding noted that fairs serve as “classrooms of agriculture,” emphasizing their role in educating the public about farming and its challenges.

Redding called attention to an impressive statistic: Pennsylvania boasts the largest population of farmers aged 35 and under in the nation. More young people entering the world of farming, he emphasized, highlights a generational shift that could reshape the agricultural landscape.

Pennsylvania farms account for 7.7 million acres of land. At 57,900 farms, 97% of which are family-owned, the average farm size is 133 acres. Agriculture contributes more than $135 billion, or about 18%, of Pennsylvania’s economy and employs over half a million workers, including 280,500 direct jobs.

Yet, agriculture has seen its share of challenges. Redding addressed the threat of High Path Avian Influenza, commonly known as bird flu, which can devastate poultry operations due to its highly contagious nature.

The disease has driven up prices for eggs and poultry meat in recent years. However, Redding attributed Pennsylvania's resilience to bipartisan efforts in the General Assembly. He announced the establishment of an Animal Diagnostic Lab-West at Pennsylvania State University’s Beaver Campus, which will enhance testing efficiency as the state’s two other labs are located in the central and eastern regions. Notably, Pennsylvania is the only state to create a recovery fund specifically for impacted poultry farmers.

“Farms in other states are seeing the virus transfer to cattle, but not here in Pennsylvania, and I believe the actions taken by the General Assembly can be credited for that,” Redding asserted. He further underscored how events like the Westmoreland Fair are crucial in raising awareness about agriculture’s significance and the importance of prompt legislative action.

Redding summarized that by meeting challenges, resolving them quickly and attracting new families to the world of agriculture, the future is bright for farming in Pennsylvania. “Even though there are places in Pennsylvania where no one mentions a cow or greenhouses, they know that Pennsylvania makes up a large chunk of the world’s population and that we’re in the food business and have three ports,” he said. “So, looking at the future, I like our chances.”

Expanding on Redding’s perspective, Hoffman highlighted the importance of community engagement.

“Farmers’ breakfasts are one of my favorite things to attend. Between the food and the company, there’s much to look forward to,” he said. “It was great to meet with so many people today to speak about their work, hear their concerns and share what we are doing to cultivate the future of our industry.”

The Westmoreland Fair was a perfect venue for this gathering. County fairs are more than just summer traditions—they're essential showcases for Pennsylvania agriculture. They connect our communities, celebrate our rural heritage, and highlight the next generation of agricultural leaders through youth programs like 4-H and Future Farmers of America. 

As the summit concluded, I am excited for Pennsylvania’s agricultural future! With a new generation of farmers ready to innovate, and open communication between those who work in agriculture and lawmakers in Harrisburg, the Commonwealth is poised to continue powering not just its economy, but the nation’s food security. 

A special thank you goes out to the Westmoreland County state representative delegation for their support and commitment to agriculture. Additionally, a huge thank you to our energy sponsors: EQT Corporation, Energy Transfer, CNX Resources, Diversified Energy, Penn Ag Industries Association, Pennsylvania Cattlemen’s Association and Seneca Resouces, whose contributions play a vital role in strengthening our agricultural sector.

The summit wasn’t merely about pigs, chickens and cattle—it was about the people who make Pennsylvania agriculture thrive and the young farmers who will carry it forward into the future.

Here are some additional news topics and reminders I would like to share.

Join Me on Wednesday! - Want to hear more about all that is happening in Harrisburg and in the 55th District? Please join me for a town hall on Wednesday, Aug. 27, from 5:30 – 7 p.m. at Lazarus' Tomb Coffee House, 1821 5th Ave. in Arnold. 

Attention Students: House Fellowship Program Taking Applications -The Pennsylvania House Legislative Fellowship Program is accepting applications for its spring 2026 semester.

The program is based at Pennsylvania’s Capitol in Harrisburg where fellows are assigned to work with House standing committees or leadership offices; are compensated for their work (which may also include college credit); and are provided the opportunities to draft and present their own legislation, attend meet-and-greets with various public officials and staff, and tour some of the Commonwealth’s historic public spaces, to name a few.

Qualified applicants must be college undergraduate juniors or seniors, graduate students or law school students; enrolled in a Pennsylvania college/university or a Pennsylvania resident enrolled in an out-of-state institution; and have a GPA of 3.0 or higher.

For more information or to apply, visit pahousefellowship.us. Applications can be submitted via email to pahousefellowship@pabmc.net. The deadline for applying is Oct. 1.

Grant Opportunity for Small Businesses - Applications for the Department of Environmental Protection’s (DEP) Small Business Advantage Grant program are now open for Pennsylvania-based, for-profit small businesses with fewer than 100 full-time equivalent employees. 

The program provides reimbursement grants ranging from 50% to 80% of eligible project costs to Pennsylvania small businesses to improve energy efficiency or reduce pollution or waste by upgrading or replacing equipment or supplies; improving processes; or reducing runoff into affected waterways. More information is available at pa.gov.


Representative Jill Cooper
55th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Jordan Frei
724.875.8450
jfrei@pahousegop.com
RepJillCooper.com / Facebook.com/RepJillCooper