HONEY BROOK TWP, PA — Chester County recognized a Westtown Township farming family and a volunteer-operated agricultural education center on October 23 for their contributions to preserving local farming traditions and developing the next generation of agricultural workers and community leaders.
Joe and Laura Stratton of Strattons’ Wynnorr Farm received the 2026 Chester County Farmer of the Year Award, while the Romano 4-H Center of Chester County earned the Distinguished Service to Agriculture Award.
AgConnect presented the honors during a ceremony at the Romano 4-H Center in Honey Brook Township, attended by Chester County Commissioners and representatives of the county’s agricultural community.
The recognition reflects two approaches to sustaining the county’s agricultural sector: maintaining family farming operations and providing educational programs that introduce young people to agricultural practices and related skills.
The event included a roundtable discussion between the recipients and county commissioners focused on youth participation in agriculture, access to educational opportunities and the industry’s role in Chester County’s economy.
“Chester County agriculture is strengthened by the people and organizations that invest their time, resources, and knowledge in its future,” the Board of Commissioners stated jointly.
The Stratton family’s connection to Wynnorr Farm dates to 1924, establishing more than a century of agricultural activity at the Westtown Township property.
Joe and Laura Stratton have maintained the multigenerational operation while supporting agricultural education and youth engagement.
The farm previously operated several agritourism activities, including pumpkin sales, hay wagon rides, a produce stand and an educational station for children.
Although those public activities have ended, the family has continued its involvement in youth programs and agricultural outreach.
Joe Stratton credited relatives, employees, customers and neighbors for supporting the farm over the years.
“We were quite surprised, as so many other farm families in Chester County are deserving of this honor,” Stratton remarked.
The Romano 4-H Center received its award for providing facilities and educational opportunities for young people participating in agricultural and other youth development programs.
The nonprofit operates under an all-volunteer board and relies on donations and fundraising to maintain its facilities.
It provides space at no cost to 4-H programs, supporting activities involving livestock, dairy production and horses, as well as clubs focused on cooking, sewing and rocketry.
The center also hosts agricultural education initiatives, including Lamb Camp, which connects participants with specialists in sheep, wool and goat production.
Its operating model provides youth organizations with access to facilities without charging program-use fees, reducing a potential financial barrier to participation.
Don Cairns, a board member and former president of the Romano 4-H Center, emphasized the broader developmental role of agricultural education.
“They give young people a place to learn new skills, build confidence, discover interests, and connect with others who share those interests,” Cairns explained, referring to youth programs.
The awards recognize the role of both established farm families and nonprofit educational organizations in maintaining agricultural knowledge and opportunities for younger residents.
Additional information about AgConnect and its agricultural recognition programs is available at https://go-agconnect.org.
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