Latest News from State Capitol and 55th District

December 23, 2025

Celebrate Agriculture at this Year’s Farm Show
Pennsylvania is long known as a leader in the United States’ farming industry.

It shines in many categories, such as dairy and livestock, as well as production crops such as corn, hay and soybeans. And it certainly must be noted that Pennsylvania is the largest producer of mushrooms.

Therefore, the 110th Pennsylvania Farm Show’s 2026 theme, “Growing a Nation,” is a fitting nod to the Commonwealth’s role in building our country as we celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States of America in 2026.

Scheduled for Jan. 10-17, the Farm Show, which can only be referred to as a high-energy celebration of everything that is Pennsylvania farming, is quite an experience and one of my favorites.

The largest indoor agriculture exhibition in the nation, the Pennsylvania Farm Show is a farmer’s opportunity to display their animals and other goods. In fact, between competitions and exhibits, just about everything happens in plain view and easily captures visitors’ interests.

The history of the show dates back to the 1600s, when William Penn, Pennsylvania’s founder, routinely hosted agricultural events for farmers to share their knowledge with each other. The event occurred at different locations for many years until landing in Harrisburg and was then hosted in various buildings throughout the city.

In 1929, funds were allocated by state officials to build a permanent structure for the then-called “Pennsylvania Corn, Fruit, Vegetable, Dairy Products and Wool Show.” Soon after, construction began on the 10-acre building now called Main Hall, and it is still part of the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex. The first farm show was hosted there in 1931.

As the farm show increased in popularity, additional spaces were constructed in 1938, including an arena and a coliseum. Interestingly, from 1942 to 1946, much of the space was leased to support the war effort. Ground maintenance personnel for the Army Air Corps were trained there and the Middletown Air Service Command’s engine repair shop was housed there as well.

Now, the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex has more than 1 million square feet of interior space between 11 halls and three arenas.

It makes perfect sense to celebrate Pennsylvania agriculture annually and with a week-long exhibition.

The Commonwealth’s more than 49,000 farms and related industries contribute to more than $130 billion, or about 18%, of Pennsylvania’s economy. The industry involves more than a half-million workers, including 280,500 direct jobs.

During the event, roughly 6,000 animals will be on display and nearly 250 commercial exhibits. The event serves as a showcase for the top competitors from more than 100 county and local fairs held throughout the Commonwealth.

While at the event, there are a variety of featured exhibitions and displays. For example, talented chefs will showcase dishes made with Pennsylvania-sourcec ingredients. If you are interested in farming and want to learn more, daily workshops titled So You Want to be a Farmer? are scheduled.

Regular fan-favorites, like the 1,000-pound butter sculpture and delicious Farm Show Food Court, also will be available.

You need not work on a farm to have appreciation for this incredible event! In fact, every time I attend the Farm Show, I walk away with a better understanding and appreciation for the hardworking farmers who produce our food and goods. If you have the availability, I highly recommend you visit!

You can plan your visit by learning more at pa.gov or following the dedicated Facebook page, facebook.com/PAFarmShow. Admission to the show is free. Parking is $15 per vehicle. Shuttle service is provided.

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

Remember to License Your Dog for the New Year - The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture is reminding dog owners to license their pets for 2026.

All dogs must be licensed when you buy or adopt them (earliest is eight weeks old) or three months of age, whichever comes first. Dog owners may choose to purchase single-year licenses or a lifetime license. To purchase a lifetime license, the dog must have some form of permanent identification, such as a microchip or tattoo. Single-year licenses must be purchased each year by Jan. 1.

Single-year licenses cost $10.80, while lifetime licenses cost $52.80. Senior citizens or people with disabilities may purchase a single-year license for $8.80 or a lifetime license for $36.80.

Licenses are available for purchase through county treasurers. For more information, visit westmorelandcountypa.gov.

Enter Now for Litter Hawk Youth Award Program - Submissions are now being accepted for the 2026 Litter Hawk Youth Award Program, a recognition program for students in kindergarten through sixth grade to share how they help keep Pennsylvania beautiful.

This year’s theme is Celebrate America250 – Keep It Beautiful, inviting Pennsylvania students to share their creativity and inspire pride in our communities as we approach America’s 250th anniversary.

Students in kindergarten through grade four are invited to submit a poster, while students in grade five are asked to submit an essay and students in grade six should submit a video.

First place and second place winners will receive a certificate. All participants will receive a litter hawk sticker. The deadline to participate is Saturday, Jan. 31. Winners will be announced in April in conjunction with a display of winning entries at the Capitol. For more information, visit keeppabeautiful.org/.

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