At the Pennsylvania Farm Show, various Chester County entries won honors. Seen here is the Cheese Competition “Best of Show” Award Ceremony, left to right: Kerry Kaylegian, Penn State dairy foods research and extension associate; Sue Miller, Birchrun Hills Farm; Catherine and Al Renzi, Yellow Springs Farm; Matthew Hettlinger and Sam Kennedy, The Farm at Doe Run; Carly Foose, first alternate 2014-2015 PA State Dairy Princess; James Sharpe, PA Farm Show Manager. Photo is courtesy of The Farm at Doe Run.
HARRISBURG — Chester County farmers and producers received high marks from Pennsylvania Farm Show judges last week, resulting in an impressive array of ribbons in almost every agricultural discipline in the show’s 99th year of operation.
Chester County cheesemakers swept all three “Best of Show” top spots in the Show’s first-ever cheese competition. The Farm at Doe Run (Coatesville) took first place with their “Seven Sisters” cheese, while Yellow Springs Farm’s (Chester Springs) “Cloud Nine” cheese and Birchrun Hills Farm’s (Chester Springs) “Tomme Mole” cheese earned second and third places overall, in addition to several other ribbons in their various subcategories.
In addition, September Farms (Honeybrook) and Shellbark Hollow Farm (West Chester) won several ribbons in their specific subcategories rounding out the impressive roster of wins.
Chester County mushroom producers To-Jo Mushrooms (Avondale) and Phillips Mushroom Farm (Kennett Square) took first and third places in the overall mushroom exhibitor competition, continuing the county’s tradition of impressive competition results as the top mushroom producing county in the nation.
“We are very proud of the farmers and producers who did such a great job of demonstrating the agricultural excellence Chester County is famous for,” said Chris Alonzo, Board Chair of the Chester County Ag Council and President of Pietro Mushrooms.
“From our outstanding results in the cheese competition to our solid showing in mushrooms and livestock, the Farm Show allows us to showcase all the many ways agriculture the top industry here in Chester County.”
Grow logs and mushroom bags which were part of the Farm Show Mushroom exhibit, donated by Phillips Mushroom Farms. This photo is courtesy of Penn State Extension, Chester County.
Poultry, dairy and beef cattle, and sheep were additional county standouts in the final competition results. Chester County residents also earned ribbons for their baking skills, farm photography and singing talents.
The Pennsylvania Farm Show, the largest indoor agricultural exposition in the nation, hosts nearly 6,000 animals, 10,000 competitive exhibits and 300 commercial exhibits.
For a complete list of Farm Show competition winners in Chester County: http://www.farmshow.state.pa.us/Results_Counties.aspx?Y=2015&County=15&CountyName=CHESTER
For more information about the Pennsylvania Farm Show: http://www.farmshow.state.pa.us/
