Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture

Announced recently, Christopher Bond joined the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture in August 2025 as Assistant Director of the Farm Show Complex and Expo Center. Chris will oversee events and operations at the complex. Chris most recently served as Director of Agricultural and Environmental Education at the Milton Hershey School in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Chris has more than 20 years of varied experience as an agriculture and environmental educator, as well as experience running facilities and operations on a college campus, at research and teaching farms, and in a retail plant nursery. Soon to complete his master’s degree in educational leadership, Chris holds a bachelor’s degree in general studies from Southern New Hampshire University, and an associate’s degree in criminal justice from Fingerlakes Community College in New York. He has also earned nursery technician credentials in Ohio, New York, and Maine, as well as permaculture designer certification. He lives in Marietta. You can read additional information on Chris’s biography on our website: https://lnkd.in/eRfB7xz5 Please help us extend congratulations to Chris.

📣 Announced recently, Heidi Svonavec was named the Executive Director of the PA Farm Show Complex and Expo Center in Harrisburg.   A Somerset County native, Svonavec has more than 25 years of experience in show management with 17 of those years at the 24-acre Farm Show Complex in her roles as assistant and as show manager for commercial and special events. Svonavec has served in various roles with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture for nearly 22 years. She has spent time on her parent’s farm 👩🌾 in Somerset as a wedding planner and is a partner in her family’s auction business, Luce Auctioneers, LLC.   A graduate of Penn State University, Svonavec received her Bachelor of Science degree in agricultural education. She currently resides in Franklin County with her family and enjoys supporting their farming, tractor pulling, equine and basketball interests. Svonavec supports ag youth development programs and holds membership in various ag organizations. You can read additional information on Heidi’s biography on our website: https://lnkd.in/eRfB7xz5 🥂 Please help us extend congratulations to Heidi.

August is National Dog Month! This month, we want to highlight the importance (and requirement) of licensing your dog in Pennsylvania! Licensing your dog is the fastest way to make sure your pup is returned to you safely if they ever get lost or separated from you and your family. Think of it as their very own ID card! Do you know if your pup is licensed? Read more about dog licensing below! #NationalDogMonth #LoveYourDogLicenseYourDog

Farmland now, farmland forever. Recently, the Shapiro Administration announced an $8.8 million investment to preserve 2,017 acres on 33 farms across 16 Pennsylvania counties — protecting this land permanently from residential or commercial development. Farmland was preserved in: Armstrong, Berks, Bucks, Chester, Cumberland, Dauphin, Lackawanna, Lancaster, Lebanon, Lehigh, Lycoming, Montgomery, Northampton, Schuylkill, Washington, and York counties. This joint investment between state and local governments ensures Pennsylvania farmers have access to high-quality land — helping them continue feeding our families and supporting our economy. To date, Pennsylvania has protected 6,597 farms and 656,568 acres in 58 counties from future development. Read more: http://bit.ly/3Hrkm49 Farmland Preservation Program: https://bit.ly/3X3XbkR

Ag Progress Days were hosted by Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences August 12-14th. It continues to host nearly 50,000 people annually from the Agriculture Industry bringing experts, families, elected officials, and farmers from across the state and the region! Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences Pennsylvania Farm Bureau

During Penn State University's Ag Progress Days recently, we recognized eight extraordinary farm families from Berks, Blair, Cambria, Luzerne, Perry, Schuylkill, and Snyder counties whose land has been in the same family for 100 years or more. Each legacy is one of resilience, stewardship, and an enduring love for the land. - Cecilia Partsch – Cambria County – Century Farm - 1924 - Clinton & Jessica Black – Blair County – Century Farm - 1920 - Keith A. & Lori L. Flanders – Snyder County – Century Farm - 1920 - William J. & Richard W. Farabaugh & Joseph P. Burkhart – Cambria County – Century Farm - 1918 - Robert Grajewski & Susan Garing – Luzerne County – Century Farm - 1917 - El-Jon Farms – Berks County – Century Farm - 1912 - Marbarger Family – Schuylkill County – Century Farm - 1896 - Richard D. Metz, Jr. – Perry County – Bicentennial Farm - 1825 PA is a national leader in farmland preservation because of families like these — who see farming not just as a livelihood, but as a promise to their communities and the future. To all honorees: thank you. Your roots run deep, and your legacy keeps our ag industry strong for generations to come. Recap: https://bit.ly/4oAKcmH Learn more: https://bit.ly/41aApKi Penn State Extension

This year’s #AgProgressDays brought together the best of #PAagriculture — and we’re proud to have been part of it! From hands-on field demos to policy discussions, youth programs, and cutting-edge ag tech, this year’s event showcased the strength, innovation, and resilience of our ag community. Over three days, thousands of Pennsylvanians came together to: ✅ Explore climate-smart practices ✅ Celebrate our next generation of ag leaders ✅ Share research, resources, and ideas ✅ Strengthen partnerships across the industry A huge thank you to Penn State University and everyone who helped make this event a success. The future of agriculture is growing throughout the commonwealth. Recap: https://bit.ly/4lqtXpB

Pennsylvania farmers are leading the way—building healthy soil, protecting clean water, and creating habitats that support our wildlife and future. Their commitment to stewardship drives our work forward. That’s why we’re proud to stand with Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and Secretary Jessica Shirley to re-launch the Pennsylvania Agriculture Conservation Stewardship Certification Program (PACS). This program recognizes farmers who lead by example—protecting our natural resources while strengthening their operations. PACS isn’t just about earning a certification—it’s about honoring the values, dedication, and leadership at the heart of sustainable farming in PA. 🔗 Learn more: https://bit.ly/4oE7OHs

Yesterday, Secretary Russell Redding and Governor Shapiro toured Penn State's Ag Progress Days, celebrating Pennsylvania’s agriculture community and the innovation driving it forward. Their walk-through included stops at the College Building, where featured exhibits showcased cutting-edge research and resources for agribusinesses. They also visited the PA Department of Agriculture Building to learn more about the programs and services supporting farmers, agribusinesses, and consumers across the Commonwealth. Throughout the day, they met with vendors, students, and guests, hearing firsthand the passion and challenges of those helping to shape the future of #PAagriculture. And of course, no visit to Ag Progress Days is complete without a stop for some Penn State Berkey Creamery ice cream! See more: https://bit.ly/46RfWhb Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences