BEDFORD, Pa. — The 104th Pennsylvania Farm Show, took place January 4-11, in Harrisburg. The Pennsylvania Beef Council (PBC) enjoyed engaging with thousands of visitors who strolled through the state’s largest indoor agricultural event. The council’s 30’ x 40’ exhibit space worked to portray the journey of beef and veal from “Farm to Plate,” both visually and interactively connecting with consumers.
The beef exhibit served as a destination for visitors throughout Farm Show
PBC is thankful to the beef community for their willingness to join this educational opportunity on behalf of beef and veal farmers. Visitors, once again, had the chance to interact directly with the beef community including farmers, cattle nutritionists, veterinarians, and industry experts.
Opening weekend featured special guest, Dr. Marissa Hake, Calf Veterinarian from western Ohio. Hake spends her days caring for veal calves. While at the PBC exhibit, she took the opportunity to share the many improvements in calf care, housing and nutrition in veal.
“Wow, what an education! Learned the connection between dairy and veal. Learned about grass vs. grain-finished beef. This was such a great educational experience, and much appreciate the information,” noted local Chef Ken Brown.
Back by popular demand, beef and veal cutting demonstrations were featured on the Ag 101 Educational Stage. These demos shared tips on further processing primal cuts to make beef more economical for families to enjoy at home. Many thanks to Dr. Jonathan Campbell, Penn State Meat Extension Specialist for his knowledge and enthusiasm to share the art of meat cutting.
In addition to the display, the PA Beef Council and the Beef Checkoff through Veal Made Easy partnered to sponsor Beef and Veal Day at the PA Preferred Culinary Connection Center which took place on Wednesday, January 8th. The highlight of the day was the Taco Showdown which took center stage at 1p.m. featuring kids in the kitchen assisting talented Harrisburg area Chefs and a kid taste-testing panel of judges. To view more event photos from the Farm Show, visit the beef council’s Facebook page.
The beef exhibit was made possible through partnerships with the South Dakota Beef Industry Council, the PA Department of Agriculture and the PA Beef Council.
—Nichole Hockenberry, Pa Beef Council