The 2025 Pennsylvania Farm Show, held on January 10, was a special occasion for nine farm families who were honored with century or bicentennial farm designations by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. Among these families were Sandra and Dennis Millin of Big Run Farm in Bedford County, who shared their cherished memories of growing up on the farm and working alongside family members. Sandra Millin’s great-grandfather purchased the 140-acre farm in 1874, and today, the Millins continue the farming legacy by growing corn, soybeans, and vegetables on the land.
The Fetter family, located in Westmoreland County, also received a century farm designation for their 75-acre farm, which has been passed down through multiple generations. John Fetter and his wife Martha converted the farm into a beef cattle operation, and they hope to pass it along to their children in the future. The True family, also from Westmoreland County, has been farming their 50-acre property since 1924, raising beef, pork, and chickens on the original buildings.
Other families honored at the farm show included the Winell Zaitz family from Perry County, the Kinley family from Lycoming County, the Semmel family from Lehigh County, the Burkholder family from Lancaster County, the Kauffman family from Lancaster County, and the Weber family from Berks County. Each family has a unique farming history that dates back at least 100 years, showcasing their dedication to Pennsylvania agriculture.
During the ceremony, Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding commended the century and bicentennial farm families for their commitment to the land and their contributions to the state’s agricultural industry. The Century Farm Program, established in 1977, and the Bicentennial Farm Program, established in 2004, have recognized over 2,340 farms with century or bicentennial designations, highlighting the rich agricultural heritage of Pennsylvania.
To qualify for century or bicentennial farm status, a family must have owned the same farm for at least 100 or 200 years, respectively, and must live on the farm. The farm must also have at least 10 acres of the original holding or generate more than $1,000 annually from selling farm products. These criteria ensure that only farms with a long-standing family legacy and commitment to agriculture receive the prestigious century or bicentennial designations.
The farm families honored at the 2025 Pennsylvania Farm Show represent the resilience, dedication, and passion of Pennsylvania’s agricultural community. Their stories serve as a testament to the enduring legacy of family farming and the importance of preserving and celebrating the agricultural heritage of the state.