Nine farm families in Bedford, Berks, Lancaster, Lehigh, Lycoming, Perry, and Westmoreland County farm families honored with Bicentennial and Centennial Farm designations.
Governor Josh Shapiro has continued Pennsylvania’s national leadership in farmland preservation to protect agricultural land for future generations.
Harrisburg, PA – Today at the 2025 Pennsylvania Farm Show, Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding recognized Mark and Kim Weber, whose Berks County farm had been in their family for 200 years, naming it a Pennsylvania Bicentennial Farm. Eight families, in Bedford, Berks, Lancaster, Lehigh, Lycoming, Perry, and Westmoreland counties received the 100-year Pennsylvania Centennial farm designation.
"These families represent the best in Pennsylvania agriculture," Secretary Redding said. "Reflecting the 2025 Farm Show theme, Powering Pennsylvania, these families have been feeding our communities and our economy for generations. Their hard work and dedication continue to power the future of agriculture in our state."
Since the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture started the Century Farm program in 1977 and the Bicentennial Farm program in 2004, more than 2,340 Century and Bicentennial Farms and two Tricentennial Farms have earned the distinction.
Farms owned by the same family for at least 100 consecutive years are eligible to be named a Pennsylvania Century Farm. A family member must live on the farm, and the property must include at least 10 acres of the original farm or earn more than $1,000 annually from sales of farm products.
Many Century and Bicentennial Farms are preserved farms, protecting the land for future farming generations through conservation easements. Pennsylvania leads the nation in preserved farmland, with 6,482 farms and 646,754 acres in 58 of the state’s 67 counties permanently protected from development.
Since he took office in January 2023, Governor Josh Shapiro has continued Pennsylvania’s national leadership in farmland preservation to protect agricultural land for future generations, preserving 333 farms and over 27,500 acres.
Farms recognized today include:
Bedford County
Dennis and Sandra Millin, Everett
The Millin family has farmed in Bedford County since 1874, when Sandra’s great-grandfather Ephraim Wilkins purchased the farm. Today, Sandra and Dennis manage a 201.5-acre grain operation on the same land, with a recently renovated farmhouse that showcases the farm’s rich history. The farm’s original log structure dates to pre-1874.
Berks County (Bicentennial Farm)
Mark and Kim Weber, Mohnton
The Weber family’s farm in Mohnton dates back to 1784, making it one of Berks County’s oldest continuously operated farms. Mark and Kim Weber are the seventh generation of Webers to own the crop farm. The original barn and two homes remain, and the farm was preserved in 2012, ensuring that it will continue to be a productive farm for future generations.
Lancaster County
Daniel and Margiann Burkholder, Denver
Since its purchase in 1923, Burkholder’s Ever-Green Farm has been a symbol of their family legacy. Originally 57 acres, 19 acres remain in operation today under the stewardship of Daniel and Margiann Burkholder, who grow fresh produce. The original barns and farmhouse, built in 1796, still stand.
Lonnie and Stanley Kauffman, Bird-in Hand
The Kauffman family’s century-old farm in Bird-in-Hand, originally 90 acres, has grown to 103 acres under the stewardship of Lonnie and Stanley. Their thriving, family-run orchard reflects the hard work of past generations. A 2015 book titled Faith, Family, and Fruit honors the farm’s legacy.
Lehigh County
Paul and Nancy Semmel, Schnecksville
The Semmel family’s Excelsior Farm has been a dairy operation since 1917. Originally 102 acres, it is now a preserved farm that continues to thrive under the guidance of Paul and Nancy Semmel. A rich history of agricultural innovation includes being the first Pennsylvania Power and Light (PPL) all-electric dairy farm and hosting international dignitaries for research demonstrations.
Lycoming County
Adam and Shannan Kinley, Colgan Station
The Kinley family has been farming the same 106-acre plot in Cogan Station since 1904. Adam and Shannan are the latest generation to manage the farm, which is now a beef and row crop operation. The family also maintains the Grove Cemetery, a historical site dating back to Samuel Kinley’s original purchase.
Perry County
Carol Winell Zaitz
The Winell Zaitz farm in Duncannon, purchased in 1875, spans 129 acres and is now being passed down to the family’s fifth generation. Carol and her family continue to farm the land, which includes a historic farmhouse built before the Civil War and a barn from 1880. The farm is primarily a grain operation.
Westmoreland County
John and Stacy True, Sewickly Township
The True family has cultivated the land in Sewickley Township since 1924, when Jacob and Katherine Wolf first purchased the 50-acre farm. Today, John and Stacy continue the tradition by raising beef, pork, and chickens, with the original chicken coop and barn still in use. The farm has been passed down through four generations, preserving both its agricultural heritage and family legacy.
John and Martha Fetter, Greensburg
The Fetter family’s century-old farm in Greensburg has been owned and operated by four generations, starting with Mary S. Fetter in 1918. Today, John and Martha raise beef cattle on the 75-acre farm, maintaining the heritage of their ancestors while ensuring the farm’s place in Westmoreland County's agricultural future.
To learn more about Pennsylvania’s Farmland Preservation Program and investments in a secure, sustainable future for Pennsylvania, visit agriculture.pa.gov.
For the latest Farm Show news, visit farmshow.pa.gov or follow PA Farm Show on Facebook and Instagram.
Note: Photos from today's event will be available at pacast.com and in the Farm Show photo gallery.
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