Secretary Rollins Highlights Agriculture’s National Impact at Pennsylvania Farm Show

The Pennsylvania Farm Show continues through Saturday, wrapping up another successful year of celebrating agriculture in the Commonwealth.

HARRISBURG, Penn. (RFD NEWS) — The Pennsylvania Farm Show is winding down after a week showcasing the state’s $130 billion agricultural economy, bringing together producers, consumers, and industry leaders from across the Keystone State. One of the major highlights of the week included a visit from Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins.

Farm broadcaster Dave Williams has been in attendance throughout the event and joined RFD NEWS with an update from the show floor.

In his interview with RFD NEWS, Williams recapped Secretary Rollins’ appearance at the show, including her remarks to attendees and his opportunity to interview both Rollins and Congressman G.T. Thompson. He shared key takeaways from her message, which focused on the importance of agriculture to the national economy and on Pennsylvania’s role in feeding and fueling the country.

Williams also reflected on additional standout moments from the week, pointing to the wide range of exhibits, livestock competitions, and educational experiences that highlight the diversity and strength of Pennsylvania agriculture. He emphasized the value of the Farm Show as a platform to showcase the state’s ag sector to both rural and urban audiences.

The conversation also touched on Williams’ personal favorite parts of the annual event and what keeps drawing him back year after year. As a longtime ag broadcaster, he spoke to the importance of telling agriculture’s story and serving as an advocate for farmers, ranchers, and rural communities.

Related Stories
Rep. Randy Feenstra, R-IA, details how the “One, Big, Beautiful Bill” Act (OBBBA) supports farmers, biofuels, and rural communities with tax breaks, crop insurance relief, and ag infrastructure.
Jake Charleston of Specialty Risk Insurance shares risk-reduction strategies to help cattle producers prepare for a successful year ahead.
Farms and major food companies use AI to improve efficiency and forecast demand. Still, developers said that training AI for different uses is only possible with support from knowledgeable workers.
More than 1,100 residents and farmers have signed a letter urging Ag Secretary Brooke Rollins to step in, saying the proposal threatens irrigation supplies and long-term farm viability in the region.
Concerns over Chronic Wasting Disease are fueling a long-standing legal battle between Minnesota regulators and deer farmers. The case could soon reach the state’s Supreme Court with broader implications for agriculture.

Marion is a digital content manager for RFD News and FarmHER + RanchHER. She started working for Rural Media Group in May 2022, bringing a decade of digital experience in broadcast media and some cooking experience to the team.

LATEST STORIES BY THIS AUTHOR:

RealAg Radio host Shaun Haney discusses how AI integration in grocery retail could impact farmers and the broader food supply chain.
Livestock Conservancy Senior Program Manager Jeannette Beranger explains the upcoming poultry census and ongoing efforts to preserve rare and heritage poultry breeds raised across the U.S.
Alliant Chairman of Agriculture and former U.S. Ag Secretary Mike Johanns explains the R&D Tax Credit, the recent Tax Court ruling, and ways livestock producers and agribusinesses can qualify.
Texas Ag Commissioner Sid Miller joins us to discuss the cattle herd rebuild, trade concerns, and how ranchers would define “America First” policy priorities.
Stream all the action from livestock shows across Rural America with your annual subscription only on RFD+
Ag Committee Chairman Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson has referred to the proposal as “Farm Bill 2.0.”
Agriculture Shows
Hosted by Scott “The Cow Guy” Shellady and RFD News Markets Specialist Tony St. James, Commodity Talk delivers expert insight into the day’s ag commodity markets just before the CME opens. Only on RFD-TV and Rural Radio SiriusXM Channel 147.
A look at the news, weather and commodities headlines that drove agriculture markets in the past week.
Everything profits from prairie. Soil, air, water — and all kinds of life! Learn how you can improve your land with prairie restoration, cover crops and prairie strips, while growing your bottom line.
Special 3-part series tells the story of the Claas family’s legacy, which changed agriculture forever.