AgCulture 2025 by Engle Printing & Publishing Co., Inc

The Benefits of a Thriving Agricultural Sector

Though the cost of many goods and services has increased in recent years, discussions about inflation often focus on the rising cost of groceries. According to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Economic Research, food prices in the United States rose 23.6% between 2020 and 2024. That's led many people to cut back on luxuries like dining out. As people dine out less, they may be looking to expand their culinary horizons at home, and that goal is best achieved when the agricultural sector is put in position to meet consumer demands. Indeed, that link is just one of the many ways that a thriving agricultural sector benefits everyone.

A strong agricultural sector greatly benefits the economy.

Job creation is widely cited as a pathway to economic recovery, and a well-supported agricultural sector can create millions of jobs. The agricultural tech firm Sabanto estimates 2025 began with about 2.4 million unfilled jobs within the agricultural sector. A 2022 report from Maryville University indicated the agricultural sector employs as much as 10.3% of the nation's workers. The link between a thriving agricultural sector and a strong economy is undeniable.

A thriving farm is a productive farm.

Modern grocery stores offer an abundance of healthy foods, and many of those foods are grown on farms. The Farm Bureau reports that a single acre of land can grow various crops, producing as much as 50,000 strawberries or just under 2,800 bushels of wheat. Consumers who enjoy visiting grocery stores that offer an array of fresh, nutritious foods, including fruits and vegetables, should know that those options are only available when a thriving agricultural sector is prioritized.

Farms are vital to production of other products as well.

According to Maryville University, a thriving agricultural sector is involved in more than just food production. IFP Energies notes that bio-based chemistry uses raw materials derived from biomass, such as plants like wheat, corn, and potatoes, to produce an array of products, including inks, dyes, and detergents. So it's not just the foods people eat that can be traced to a thriving agricultural sector. Biobased chemistry is also considered green because it promotes a reduction of the environmental impact of industrial production.

There's no shortage of reasons to support a thriving agricultural sector. Indeed, consumers from all walks of life benefit in myriad ways when the success of the agricultural sector is prioritized.

SUPPORTING LOCAL FAIRS FOR 30 YEARS!

Hess Family Is Embracing the Opportunity

To Continue Family Farming Tradition

BY GEORGE DEIBEL

It’s been a hectic handful of months for Matt Hess, but he has ended up exactly where he always wanted to be.

Matt and his wife, Caitlin, became parents of a son, Jackson, on Dec. 14. A couple weeks later, they signed the paperwork to buy Country Star

Farm, the land Matt’s grandfather Harold Hess farmed for decades. And in March, the family moved into the farmhouse on Weaver Road in Strasburg.

“It’s been pretty good,” Caitlin said. “It’s a whole learning curve, especially adding a little one. It’s what we’ve always dreamed off, to raise kids on a farm. I feel like you learn a lot more if you get raised on a farm.”

Jackson (left), Matt (middle), and Caitlin Hess

Photos

George Deibel

Caitlin grew up around horses in Chester County. She works for ABS (formerly American Breeders Service) on farmland in the Willow Street area.

The extended Hess family and their employees are responsible for farming 250 acres, growing crops such as tobacco, corn, and soybeans, as well as hay and straw.

In addition to his farming duties, Matt is deputy chief for Refton Fire Company and the chairman of commercial exhibits for the West Lampeter Community Fair.

“We take things one day at a time,” Caitlin said.

Matt added, “New house, new barns, new buildings. We’re trying to adjust to everything.”

A 2009 graduate of Lampeter-Strasburg High School, Matt is a third-generation farmer. Harold rented the land for nearly 50 years, and Matt’s dad, Dale, is also a longtime farmer.

Matt typically spends six days a week working on the farm. He tries to take a break on Sundays, in part to show respect for the Amish and Mennonites, who do not work on Sundays. Matt said Saturdays are typically as busy or busier than a weekday.

Not surprisingly, spring and summer are the busiest seasons because crops are getting planted and harvested. The fall is spent on combines, and then it’s time for tobacco. “There are very little breaks in between,” said Matt.

That’s not a complaint. He appreciates the opportunity he has and knows his fellow farmers face simi lar challenges.

A typical summer day starts with Matt taking Jackson to a babysitter by 8 a.m. Then it’s time to top the tobacco plants. Dale and seasonal helpers often do that while Matt is spraying soybeans.

Matt is also constantly interacting with other farms and making deliveries of hay and seed. Occasionally, a piece of farm equipment needs to be fixed. “Sometimes on a day, there are 15 things you can do,” he said. “Once we get to cutting tobacco, that takes up most of our August.”

Matt Hess checks to see if alfalfa grass hay is dry.

Strasburg farmer Matt Hess checks on his crop of tobacco.

Caitlin and Matt Hess in front of their Strasburg home.

Matt said his favorite parts of farming are mowing and tedding hay on a tractor. “It’s not like being on a combine when you hope the combine doesn’t break,” he said. “If the tractor breaks, it’s not as big a thing to fix.” He enjoys being outside on summer mornings

before it gets too hot and tending to tobacco inside during winter.

“The biggest thing we don’t like is when the weather doesn’t cooperate,” Matt said. “It throws a wrench into how the crops do. If it’s too dry, that’s bad. If it’s too wet, that’s bad. It’s hard to get the

Farming requires a variety of tools and equipment.

weather to be ideal. But regardless of our griping, at the end of the year, it seems like it balances out.” Insurance can help issues caused by potential weatherrelated damage to crops.

Matt grew up working on the farm. He first thought about

Raymond Hess (left), Dale Hess (second from left), Matt Hess (second from right), and Tom Jackson with a tobacco harvest

Barns at Country Star Farm in Strasburg.

making it a career when he was an underclassman in high school and his grandfather started to slow down a bit. “There was an opportunity for me to help out more,” he said.

His grandfather rented the land. “When you rent something, there

Dale Hess bales hay this summer.

are no guarantees you can farm it the next year,” Matt noted. Owning the land brings a new set of pressure. “You go into debt, but also an investment,” he said. “You can farm a place for 40 or 50 years, but every year is different.”

Matt, Caitlin, and Jackson

Matt Hess with one of the tractors his family uses to tend to 250 acres.

are committed to tackling the challenges. “I guess it’s good stress,” Matt said. “It’s nice being able to buy a farm in today’s vulnerable environment. It’s stress, but it’s good stress knowing you’re where you want to be.”

Fresh-Picked APPLES

• Many varieties of delicious tree-ripened apples

• Delicious & healthy fall crop vegetables available

• Fresh-baked apple cider donuts, fresh-pressed apple cider, apple pies, dumplings and lots more!

1970, we are the largest pick-your-own fruit farm and farmer’s market in Lancaster. Stop by and pick your own fruit, assemble your own basket, or choose from many of our gift and fruit baskets. (and More) are Here!

• GARDEN CENTER bursting

In fall with mums, pumpkins, straw bales & more - and seasonal favorites thru the year.

• SHELVES FILLED with mouth-watering jarred goods, salsas, jams & jellies, butters, preserves and honey

• BAKED GOOD TREATS include scrumptious cookies, whoopie pies, fruit pies & more!

76th Solanco Fair

76th Solanco Fair Will Be Held Sept. 17 to 19

BY GEORGE DEIBEL

No frills.

Just friends, farm animals, food, and fun.

The 76th Solanco Fair will be held Wednesday, Sept. 17; Thursday, Sept. 18; and Friday, Sept. 19, featuring all the traditions that have been its hallmarks.

“I think that's the value of it,” Solanco Fair general manager Scott Peiffer said. “That’s what people really want. I think that's what they like and cherish the most is that (the fair) is not really commercialized. If you really think about it, you can come here for free. It doesn't cost you to park. It doesn't cost you for anything. There are not too many things anymore you can go to that are free.”

Peiffer noted that the Solanco Fair’s top draws will continue to be the chance to socialize, view the agricultural exhibits, and enjoy the wide array of food. “They are usually the big things, the food, the social aspect, and then, of course, the agricultural aspect is big,” he said.

Entries will be accepted and reviewed from noon to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, Sept. 16. Go to https://solanco fair.org/fair-activity-schedule/ for information about each category.

Judging of exhibits will begin at 9 a.m. on Sept. 17, followed by dairy cattle judging in Building 3 and the market lamb show in Building 4 at 10 a.m. The market goats show in Building 4 will begin at 1 p.m. The parade will start at 6 p.m. and take the traditional route – Park Avenue to Hess Street and then 4th Street, turn onto State Street, east to Lime Street, then south back to the entrance of the fairgrounds on Park Avenue.

On Sept. 18, swine judging will take place in Building 5 at 10 a.m. The antique tractor pulls will start at 11 a.m. The Holstein feeder calf show will be held in Building 5 at 3 p.m. At 5 p.m. on the lower ballfield, The Jess Zimmerman Band will perform, sponsored by R.T. Price Paving, The Barn of Nottingham, and Southern End Self Storage. The antique and classic tractor pulls will start at 6 p.m. The baby parade will be held on the upper ballfield at 7 p.m.

On Sept. 19, the tractor driving contest will be held on the upper ballfield at 10 a.m. The Solanco Fair Queen will be crowned at 4:30 p.m. in Building 5. The celebrity milking contest will start at 5 p.m. in Building 5. The Youth Participation Awards will begin at 5:45 p.m. in Building 5, with the market livestock show to follow. The pedal tractor pull competition will be held on the upper ballfield at 6 p.m., followed by the candy scramble for kids age 6 and under. The iron man contest will be held on the

lower ballfield at 7:30 p.m. Exhibits will be removed starting at 9:30 p.m.

Food will be for sale in the Hoffman Building each day of the fair beginning at 11 a.m., featuring hamburgers, hot dogs, barbecue, chicken salad sandwiches, ham salad sandwiches, fresh fruit cups, assorted pies, and beverages. The specials on Sept. 17 will be chicken pot pie and homemade vegetable soup. Chicken corn soup and beef stew will be the lunch specials on Sept. 18, and there will also be ham and chili after 4 p.m. The specials for Sept. 19 will be hot roast beef sandwiches, chicken corn soup, ham and bean soup, and chili.

Many other organizations will also sell food during the entirety of the fair including Farm Women #15 selling funnel cakes, elephant ears, cider, coffee, and soda; Hess’s Barbecue selling barbecue chicken, ham, beef, pork, and Texas ribs; the Quarryville Lions Club selling french fries, water, soda, and tea; the Solanco Fair Dairy Bar selling barbecue, hot dogs, milkshakes, hand-dipped ice cream, and ice cream novelties; the Chestnut Level Presbyterian Youth selling hot dogs, barbecue, chips, brownies, and soda; Rawlinsville Camp Meeting selling cotton candy, snow cones, and soft pretzels; Eastern Star of Quarryville selling subs, drinks, and coffee; the Wakefield Lions Club selling hamburgers, chicken nuggets, and drinks; and Kettle Express selling kettle corn and cheese curds.

There are many other things to see. “I think exhibits are really fun to look at, whether it be handcrafts or vegetables, fruit, canned goods, baked goods,” Peiffer said. “I think that it's really neat that people take the time to still do all that stuff. Canned goods rebounded during COVID. I think people started doing stuff at home again.”

Needlecrafts and cross-stitch are also popular. “Photography is still big,” said Peiffer. “With the advent of the cell phone, everybody takes pictures now and quality pictures. That always seems to be popular, and there are a lot of entries.”

Visitors to this year’s fair will notice some improvements made by the fair board. The parking lot and area around the Hoffman Building have been paved. “That was kind of a priority for us,” said Peiffer. A hallway with new bathrooms was constructed, joining the Kreider Building and Building 7.

“We continually keep moving to make things better for not only for (the fair), but for the tenants that we have, like hospice and different large rentals, that really kind of support the fair,” said Peiffer.

Go to https://solancofair.org for additional information.

L-S Grad Serving Term as State FFa Pre S ident

BY GEORGE DEIBEL

It was another successful conference for members of the Garden Spot FFA club at Lampeter-Strasburg (L-S) High School.

Thirty-one students participated in the Pennsylvania FFA State Convention in State College June 10 to 12.

“It's always neat to be a small part of their journey,” said Garden Spot FFA co-adviser Katie Ranck. “These guys have taken a lot of ag courses, and they work hard in their other academic courses. It's neat to see where (that) kind of cross-curriculum comes together.”

Sarah Firestone, a 2025 L-S graduate, was elected PA FFA president and has started serving a one-year term.

Sarah said she was both surprised and proud to be elected state FFA president. “It's kind of just a moment of, ‘Oh, my gosh, this is crazy. What's going on?” she said. “It

really is an honor and a privilege because it is a role many members look up to. And I'm very thankful and grateful to have it.”

Sarah went through a five-step interview process that starting by filling out an application. She gave a fiveminute speech telling the committee more about herself. There were individual interviews with the eight members of the committee, followed by an extemporaneous speaking round where she got a prompt and had five minutes to prepare. “They asked about effective leadership and what we would do as state officers and what experiences we have had using effective leadership to better serve the association,” Sarah said.

After being elected, she deferred admission to Penn State University for a year. “I wanted to put my best foot forward (as state FFA president) this year,” said Sarah, who has hit the ground running. “The first part of the year is a lot of training, and then we start on our business and

Lampeter-Strasburg (L-S) High School graduate Sarah Firestone (far left) is serving a term as state FFA president.

industry tours. We will go meet a lot of our sponsors and stakeholders, as well as supporters of Pennsylvania FFA, and we'll be able to meet the people that are the backbone of our industry. And then once the school year starts, we will be attending schools and leading leadership workshops for FFA members.”

Sarah said there are 164 FFA chapters across the state. “Last year, I believe the (officer) team went (to) 110, so we're hoping to beat that this year,” she said.

Sarah will help oversee the January state conference where state degrees are awarded and lead other conventions throughout the last half of her term. “I'm just really excited for my year of service,” she said. “I know me and my teammates are ready to get started. I’m really excited and really thankful.”

Rex Giberson (left), Will Gajecki (second from left), Antonio Franco (second from right), and Jack Ross finished first in the farm business management competition and qualified for the National FFA Convention & Expo.

At the state convention, the team made up of Rex Giberson, Jack Ross, Antonio Franco, and Will Gajecki finished first in the farm business management competition and qualified for the National FFA Convention & Expo, which will be held in Indianapolis from Wednesday, Oct. 29, to Saturday, Nov. 1.

Jack, a rising senior, noted that the individual tests in the farm business management competition are based on a real-life scenario. “You get this whole packet of all the details and all the financials and budgeting of a real-life business,” he explained. “Most of the time it's a farm, but the state competition was based off of a logging business. So it had all the financials and all the things throughout the entire year, and you implement those in your questions and your math questions.”

“In our competition, we had two different sections,” said Antonio, who will be a senior this fall. “The first part was an individual section of multiple choices. It had different sections. They included taxes and budgeting. And then the next session was the team one, where all four of us were able to work together and then come up with our ideas. They had an adviser walk around to see if it was just not one person, but make sure we are all collaborating, all inputting our thoughts into the rest.”

Rex recalled seeing Jack’s shocked expression when the winners were announced. “It was just really

surprising,” said Rex, a rising junior who was second in the individual standings. “I remember looking at Jack, and the face he made was just priceless. I don't think any of us expected it.”

Will, who will be a senior, appreciated the experience. “I enjoyed working closely with my friends to come together to practice and compete in a fun competition,” he said. “I enjoyed learning about business management vocabulary and learning more about how farms work.”

Ranck was impressed by the L-S team’s performance. “The farm management competition is a lot of math,” she said. “It's a lot of application and problem-solving. So specifically for that contest, it's neat to see four guys that enjoy doing something get together and have success. It's always really rewarding to see that their time spent and our time spent coaching them and working hard toward a goal pays off.”

Two other Garden Spot FFA teams finished in the top five. Jeffrey Keller placed second in the individual competition and teamed with Trenton Thomas to finish second in the small gas engines competition. Landon Giberson, Brooke Rubicam, Ashlynn Frey, and Kinsley Ferreira were fourth in the agriculture sales competition.

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West Lampeter Community Fair

Will

Be Held Sept. 24 to 26

BY GEORGE DEIBEL

There will not be as much hoopla as last year, but the 101st West Lampeter Community Fair will feature the animals, action-packed events, and traditions that have made it an annual autumn extravaganza.

A vast majority of fair-related events will take place Wednesday, Sept. 24; Thursday, Sept. 25; and Friday, Sept. 26. The fairgrounds are located at 851 Village Road, Lancaster.

On Sunday, Sept. 21, there will be a community hymn sing at 5:30 p.m. and line dancing at 7:30 p.m.

The fair’s tractor pulls were held on a Tuesday during last year’s 100th anniversary, and that will be the case this fall on Tuesday, Sept. 23, with organizers hoping for better weather.

Antique tractor pull registration will begin at 8 a.m., and

the pulls will start at 10 a.m.

Also on Sept. 23, exhibits will be received by the fair committee from 1 to 9 p.m. Go to https://westlampeterfair.com for more information.

On Sept. 24, judging of exhibits will take place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and buildings and tents will be closed to the public. The market swine show will start at 9 a.m., and the official fair opening will be at 1 p.m.

“The auctions of cakes and pies is at 7 (p.m.) on Wednesday, and that's always a big hit,” said Jared Miller, who has been co-chair of the programs committee with Galen Mull for 20 years. “All the cakes and pies that are brought for entry get sold. We've had cakes bring over $100. So that's pretty interesting, and it's always fun.”

Other highlights on Sept. 24 will include the market lamb show at 3 p.m., the kids’ candy drop at 5 p.m., the market goat show at 6 p.m., and the tractor parade at

6:30 p.m. The parade from Lampeter-Strasburg High School to the fairgrounds with the Fair Queen candidates will be held at 7 p.m., with the West Lampeter Fair Queen Contest to follow.

Aim High Canines will perform shows at 4 p.m., 6 p.m., and 8 p.m. on Sept. 24, Sept. 25, and Sept. 26. Aim High Canines bills itself as delivering “stunt dog entertainment shows featuring high-flying Frisbees, jaw-dropping tricks, and furry fun.”

The Stoltzfus Homesteads Petting Zoo will be on-site from 1 to 9 p.m. on Sept. 24 and from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. on Sept. 25 and 26. “They were here last year for the 100th fair, and we will have them back again this year,” said Miller. “They do a good show.”

On Sept. 25 and 26, exhibit areas and tents will open to the public at 9 a.m. The schedule for Sept. 25 will include the market beef cattle show at 4 p.m.; the children’s

sunflower contest at 5 p.m.; a concert by the L-S High School marching band, the market dairy beef show, and the baby parade at 6 p.m.; the barnyard chase at 7 p.m.; and tractor games at 8 p.m.

The highlights for Sept. 26 will include the Western Gymkhana Horse Show at 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. and the pedal tractor pull competitions and Youth Encouragement Awards at 6 p.m. The youth market hog, beef cattle, dairy beef, goat, and lamb sale will begin at 6:30 p.m. Winning exhibitors can collect cash awards and prizes at the fair office from 5 to 10 p.m.

Exhibits can be removed Friday at 9:30 p.m.

On Saturday, Sept. 27, there will be a public auction of vegetables, fruits, and leftover goods at 6 p.m. “I started going to that a year or two ago, and it's great,” said Miller. “I get stuff cheap. Some stuff's expensive, but you got to know what you're looking for. You can get pretty good deals.”

issues affecting farmers6 6

The agricultural sector continues to face unique challenges. Issues affecting the agricultural sector have a ripple effect that affects domestic food security and the economic strength of rural communities.

In order to adapt to the changing landscape, farmers need to identify strengths and weaknesses in their operations and then collaborate with policyholders to create a more resilient agricultural sector that benefits all involved. The following are six notable challenges farmers may face in modern agriculture, based on data from Verdesian, a nutrient use efficiency company; AgAmerica, an agriculture lending firm; and Pinion, a business advisory organization.

Labor shortages: Finding and retaining skilled agricultural labor is a notable challenge. The aging farmer population coupled with labor shortages is a concern. There is a need for new talent in farming as older generations are retiring.

Depletion of agricultural resources : The global population continues to grow, which means the demand for food and other agricultural products is increasing. This puts a strain on the resources farmers rely on that may be in short supply. Farming utilizes a considerable amount of the world's freshwater supply, and farmers must continually identify ways to manage water resources efficiently, including wastewater reuse initiatives. As fossil fuels also may be finite resources, the agriculture industry may benefit from pivoting to renewable energy alternatives, some of which may require considerable costs to retrofit current operations.

Inflation and food prices: Although the cost of food is no longer as high as it was just a few years ago, consumers are still feeling the pinch at supermarkets and other retail stores. Shoppers may continue to tighten their budgets and spend less on food, which may translate into reduced demand for produce and other food products. Farmers may have to adjust operations to produce more for less to be competitive in the marketplace.

Technological overhauls: It's becoming increasingly necessary for farms to utilize new technologies and embrace automation. Some farmers may not be trained in the utilization and application of these technologies. Conversion to new farming practices may require education or skills to manage new tools, or it may entail the hiring of skilled technicians from a shrinking agricultural workforce.

Climate change: Climate change and extreme weather can have a notable impact on farming. Weather events like droughts, floods, and storms have become more common and severe. Farmers are vulnerable to unpredictable conditions and crop yields.

Animal illnesses: One only has to look to the recent avian influenza outbreak to understand the disruption illnesses can have on livestock. The disease has led to mass culling of infested flocks, which has caused widespread losses in chickens, financial burdens to poultry farms, and disruptions to egg production, which has driven up costs. Bird flu is not isolated to poultry, either. Avian flu can affect dairy cattle, causing decreased milk production and cow death. The need for cleanup procedures and biosecurity measures from these illnesses puts an added financial burden on farmers.

Modern farmers face many different challenges that require adjustment to meet consumer demands.

How Consumers Can Support Local Farmers How Consumers Can Support Local Farmers

A strong agricultural sector is vital to a healthy economy. Turbulence has affected local and national economies in recent years, and the global economy has endured its own ups and downs during that span.

Though there's no one-size-fits-all solution to economic struggles, consumers can make a difference by supporting local agricultural producers. A 2022 report from researchers at Maryville University indicated roughly 10% of workers across the United States were employed in the agricultural sector, which the report also noted contributes heavily to the national economy each year. Job creation and economic output are two major reasons to support local farmers, and consumers can do that in various ways.

Shop local. The shop local movement can make a notable impact on local economies, and it affects more businesses than brick-and-mortar stores on Main Street. Locally owned restaurants and grocers often source their foods from local farmers, so patronizing such businesses supports those who set up shop on Main Street as well as the farmers who stock their shelves and pantries.

Purchase seasonal foods.

The organization Green America, which offers advice on how environmental sustainability can produce stronger economies, notes that purchasing seasonal foods is a great way to support local farmers. Farmers grow seasonal foods throughout the year to take advantage of natural conditions. Consumers who alter their purchasing habits with the seasons by buying foods that are in season are likely supporting local agricultural producers. Read product labels to determine where foods are coming from. Non-seasonal foods are likely imported from far away, which has a detrimental impact on the environment and local economies.

Buy directly from local farms. Most consumers purchase their food from grocery stores near their homes, but in southcentral Pennsylvania there are ample opportunities to purchase directly from local farmers. Farmers may utilize e-commerce tools to sell directly to local residents, and they might even offer delivery services that are more convenient than driving to the nearest chain grocery store.

Act

as an advocate

for local producers.

Consumers have considerable power, and that power can be exercised in numerous ways. Supporting restaurants that source foods from local farmers is one way consumers can exercise their power. But consumers also can advocate for local farmers by supporting candidates and legislation that prioritize building and supporting a strong local agricultural sector. Consumers can also advocate for local farmers by sharing their experiences via social media or word-of-mouth recommendations or by writing positive reviews through online platforms.

A thriving agricultural sector benefits local economies, and consumers can do much to support the farmers who operate in their towns.

Strategies for Navigating the Agriculture Labor

Labor shortages can make it hard for any business owner to compete, and those working in the agriculture sector are no exception to that reality. These labor shortages confronting the agricultural sector pose an immediate problem.

A January 2025 report from the agricultural tech firm Sabanto noted there are currently 2.4 million unfilled jobs within the agricultural sector. Labor shortages pose a unique challenge, but the following are some strategies agricultural operations can consider to overcome a lack of help.

Look for ways to automate.

Automation can be a lifeline that helps to meet the challenge of labor shortages within the agricultural sector. Modern technology can enable the completion of various tasks, such as water measurement and soil analysis, through the use of automated sensors or programs. Automation can allow farmers to direct their limited personnel resources toward tasks that require hands-on work.

Join forces with fellow farmers.

Another potential solution is to pool limited labor resources with other farmers in your area. Farmers can work together to identify workers who can be trained as specialists and then transported to various sites to perform vital tasks each farm needs to survive.

Cut down on field operations when possible.

Reducing reliance on tasks that cannot be automated is another strategy to confront the labor shortage. For example, no-tillage farming methods require fewer personnel. Seasonal farming that limits operations during times of year when the available workforce is particularly scant can also help navigate the labor shortage.

Encourage local politicians to promote legislative solutions.

Policy reform that prioritizes access to labor within the agricultural sector can serve both short- and longterm needs. Farmers can contact local politicians and let them know about the challenges facing the agricultural sector, offering invaluable feedback that can be used to write and promote farmer-friendly legislation.

The agriculture sector faces immediate and long-term labor shortages. Confronting that sizable challenge may require a willingness to embrace new strategies and promote important policy changes in the years ahead.

303 W. 4th Street

Quarryville, PA 17566 (717) 786-4044

Columbia Office

327 Locust Street

Columbia, PA 17512 (717) 684-4422

Lancaster Office

212 North Queen Street

Lancaster, PA 17603 (717) 299-3726

Elizabethtown

222 S. Market Street, Suite 201

Elizabethtown, PA 17022 (717) 367-1370

The Impact of Farming

Data from the Bureau of Economic Analysis indicates the significance of farms in relation to the gross domestic product (GDP) of the United States economy.

In 2023, farms contributed $222.3 billion, or roughly 0.8% of the nation's GDP. Though that's a significant contribution in its own right, it only tells a small part of the role farms and farmers play in establishing a healthy national economy. Additional sectors, such as the food and beverage industry and textiles, apparel and leather products, rely on the agricultural sector to contribute to their own success. Without a thriving agricultural sector, those industries might falter, thus creating a domino effect that could prove devastating to the nation's economy.

That link is one reason that the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis (BEA) estimates the agricultural sector is an even bigger contributor to the nation's GDP than it may seem. Indeed, the BEA indicates the agricultural sector, in conjunction with food and related industries, contributed about $1.54 trillion to the U.S. economy in 2023, a contribution that accounts for roughly 5.5% of the nation's GDP.