PA Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding presents Governor Josh Shapiro’s proclamation of ‘Here’s to the Farmer Day’ in Pennsylvania at PA Preferred® member Bow Creek Farm
Grantville, PA – During last night’s national Farm Tour concert at Bow Creek Farm and Cattle Company, Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding recognized singer Luke Bryan for his advocacy for farmers, and partnership with Feeding America to fight hunger in Pennsylvania and across the U.S.
Redding presented Governor Josh Shapiro’s proclamation naming September 19 Here’s to the Farmer Day in recognition of Pennsylvania farmers, the work they do daily to feed our families and our economy, and their partnership with Feeding America to enrich our lives and combat hunger.
“Luke Bryan’s voice shines a light on farmers and raises critical funds for Feeding America.,” said Secretary Redding. “The Shapiro Administration is singing along in support of both. And we’re putting our money where our mouth is, investing in Pennsylvania farmers and getting more of what they produce to hungry families across Pennsylvania.”
Bryan, a second-generation Georgia farmer and popular country artist, launched Farm Tour in 2009 to honor the contribution farmers make to improving lives. His five-state tour included last night’s concert at PA Preferred®-member Bow Creek Farm, a premium Red Angus beef farm owned and operated by Rob Hess. The 2024 tour is the second year the tour has been promoted with the social media tag #HeresToTheFarmer, in a partnership with Bayer, one of the country’s largest life-sciences companies.
“Farmers play such an important role in making sure we all are healthy and fed, and it’s not easy work,” Bryan said in a press release announcing the tour. “Growing up on a farm, I saw first-hand just how much dedication, effort and care they put into every single day. It’s why I’m honored to again join my friends at Bayer, give back and celebrate our farmers for everything they do to help people feel well and keep our communities strong.”
The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture connects more than two million Pennsylvanians with healthy, local food through the Pennsylvania Agricultural Surplus System and Local Food Purchase Assistance program, and a vital partnership with Feeding America’s network in Pennsylvania. Between July 2023 and June 2024, nearly $15 million in Pennsylvania-produced fruit, vegetables, animal protein, and dairy products were distributed through the charitable feeding system to those in need in all 67 counties.
Governor Josh Shapiro’s bipartisan 2024-25 budget invests in Pennsylvania’s national legacy as a leader in agriculture. The Governor’s new Economic Development Strategy recognizes agriculture as key to Pennsylvania’s future economic success.
Learn more about Pennsylvania investments in agriculture at pa.gov/aginnovation.
Contact: Shannon Powers – shpowers@pa.gov, 717.603.2056
# # #