The Shapiro Administration has recognized the George R. and Barbara A. Hess Farm in Shoemakersville, Berks County, as a Pennsylvania Bicentennial Farm, marking over 200 years of family ownership and operation. This prestigious designation, awarded by Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding, highlights the Hess family’s enduring commitment to agriculture and their community, preserving a vital part of Berks County’s rural heritage.
The Hess Farm’s history dates back to 1805 when Jacob Seidel, the great-great-great-grandfather of George Hess, purchased the original 288 acres for just 5.39 British pounds per acre. The farm’s legacy includes the original farmhouse, built in 1856, and a springhouse, both of which are still in use today. A portion of the farm was preserved through a conservation easement in 2004, ensuring that this land will remain dedicated to agriculture for generations to come.
Berks County is home to a significant number of historic farms, with 34 Century Farms and 13 Bicentennial Farms recognized to date. The recognition of the Hess Farm as a Bicentennial Farm highlights the county’s rich agricultural tradition and the perseverance of its farming families.
Secretary Redding praised the Hess family and others like them for their contributions to Pennsylvania’s agricultural legacy. “These families embody the best of Pennsylvania agriculture and our commonwealth’s heritage,” he said. “They have not only been tirelessly devoted to feeding our communities for generations, but they are also passing down their family legacy to feed Pennsylvania’s future.”
The recognition took place during Penn State’s Ag Progress Days, an annual event that showcases the latest advancements in agricultural research, technology, and practices. The event is a key platform for celebrating the achievements of Pennsylvania’s farming community, drawing tens of thousands of visitors each year.
This honor comes as Governor Josh Shapiro’s administration continues to prioritize agricultural innovation and conservation, with significant investments proposed in the state’s 2024-25 budget to maintain Pennsylvania’s leadership in agriculture. These initiatives include a $10 million Agriculture Innovation and Conservation Fund, $35 million in new funding for the Agricultural Conservation Assistance Program (ACAP), and an additional $5 million for the Nutrient Management Fund.
The Hess Farm’s recognition as a Bicentennial Farm is not just a celebration of the past but a commitment to the future of farming in Berks County, ensuring that the land and its legacy will endure for centuries to come.
