HARRISBURG, PA — Beneath the bright lights and packed halls of the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex on Thursday, state leaders paused the bustle of the nation’s largest indoor agricultural expo to honor those who have served in uniform—and those who continue serving their communities through agriculture.
Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding and Maj. Gen. John Pippy, the Commonwealth’s adjutant general and head of the Department of Military and Veterans Affairs, led Military Appreciation Day at the 110th Pennsylvania Farm Show, recognizing the service, sacrifice, and leadership of veterans and active-duty service members.
The day featured ceremonies, family-focused programming, and a blend of solemn recognition and spirited competition, underscoring the deep ties between Pennsylvania’s military community and its agricultural roots.
“Pennsylvania’s veterans bring unmatched discipline, innovation, and resilience to agriculture,” Redding said, praising their continued contributions to feeding communities, strengthening the economy, and sustaining rural life.
During a morning ceremony, the Shapiro Administration presented the newly established Pennsylvania Veteran Ag Entrepreneurship Award to George Lake, a 30-year U.S. Marine Corps veteran and owner of Thistle Creek Farms in Huntingdon County. Lake was recognized for transforming his family’s century-old farm into a nationally known regenerative, pasture-based livestock operation while mentoring other producers, particularly fellow veterans seeking a path into agriculture.
The award highlights veteran-owned agricultural businesses that demonstrate innovation, diversification, conservation-minded practices, and long-term viability while strengthening local food systems and creating jobs.
Redding also announced the opening of the next round of the Veterans in Agriculture Grant Program, with $300,000 available to support veteran farmers and agribusinesses. Through the program, veteran-serving organizations award mini-grants—typically up to $15,000—to help cover equipment, planning, safety, and business development costs. Applications will be accepted from January 30 through March 13, 2026.
Maj. Gen. Pippy said the initiative reflects a broader commitment to ensuring veterans have the tools to succeed beyond military service, noting that many continue to lead “both in uniform and in the fields that help feed our nation.”
The afternoon brought a lighter but no less symbolic moment with the popular Army vs. Navy Cookoff, where service members competed using Pennsylvania-grown ingredients on the PA Preferred Culinary Connection Stage. Judges ultimately declared the Army the winner, drawing cheers from veterans, families, and Farm Show visitors.
Military Appreciation Day programming also included discounts for service members, resource displays highlighting veteran-focused agricultural programs, and a puppy-snuggling fundraiser supporting Dog T.A.G.S., a nonprofit that trains service dogs for veterans.
The 2026 Pennsylvania Farm Show runs through Saturday and serves as the official kickoff of the commonwealth’s America250PA commemorations, celebrating Pennsylvania’s role in the nation’s founding and its ongoing economic impact through agriculture. More information about the Farm Show is available at farmshow.pa.gov.
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