For The Record

By Michael Frank

Next to holidays and a big snowstorm my favorite event of winter is about to arrive. After a year done virtually the PA Farm Show 2022 is back. An event that, if possible, I tell everyone they should plan to attend as it has so much to offer.

A huge part of our diverse PA economy is in the spotlight this coming week. According to The Natural Conservancy, PA Agriculture and its industries offer $83.8 billion in direct economic output, 280,500 jobs and $10.9 billion in earnings for Pennsylvanians.

This year the farm show theme after two years in person is “Harvesting More.” The event will showcase crowd favorites like the annual butter sculpture, hundreds of displays highlighting how agriculture is used and an integral part of our everyday lives.

I am always amazed how agriculture is part of every industry. Like making yarn for clothing, wood turned into pots and pans and so much more. The farm show does a great job highlighting that and will take you a full day to explore all the excitement.

If you are unable to attend PCN tv provides exceptional coverage all week long that you can watch right from you home. From the High School Rodeo held on Saturday to special clips of livestock shows, exhibits and more all week.

And before I sign off for this week’s For the Record, I can’t forget the amazing food. Some of the best food in the state is offered by associations that steward our agriculture industry all year long. My favorite the potato donuts. Yes, potato donuts some of the best in the state and usually you have to wait in the line for up to an hour but it’s well worth the wait. Also, can’t forget the ribeye sandwich and so many other options. If you can dream it is probably there and farm fresh. Finally, I can’t forget to get a Farm Show Milkshake from the Dairy Association.

If you have the chance stop in and check out all PA Agriculture has to offer, please do, you won’t be disappointed. Several local participants will have entries in several of the contests and livestock shows. We will be recapping them on TheRecord-Online this week and providing coverage when possible.

The 2022 show runs January 8 -15 from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, except Sunday, January 9, when it runs 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Saturday, January 15, when it opens at 8 a.m. and closes at 5 p.m. The Food Court in the Expo Hall will be open from 12 p.m. to 9 p.m. on Friday, January 7. No other areas or events are open to the public that day.