The event runs Saturday through Jan. 17 at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg.

The theme of this year’s show, “Growing A Nation,” shining a spotlight on Pennsylvania, where America was born 250 years ago.

“There is no better way to start each day of the Pennsylvania Farm Show than with a reminder that our democracy was born in Pennsylvania and our country grew from the very soil of our Commonwealth,” said state Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding.

America250PA is proud to partner with the largest indoor agricultural exposition in the nation, said America250PA Executive Director Cassandra Coleman.

A girl stands with her goat during the 2024 Junior Breeding Sheep Show. Pa. Farm Show

“For generations, Pennsylvania farmers — whether under the summer sun or by the light of a harvest moon — have done the work that helped the American experiment grow and thrive for 250 years,” Coleman said.

The show is the nation’s largest indoor agricultural exposition spanning one million square feet, with nearly 6,000 animals, 12,000-plus competitive exhibits and more than 250 commercial exhibits.

The 2026 Farm Show will feature fan-favorites like the 1,000-pound butter sculpture, delicious Farm Show Food Court, thousands of competitive agricultural events, homegrown celebrity cooking demonstrations at the PA Preferred Culinary Connection and more than 1 million square feet of hands-on agriculture education opportunities.

Penn England Farm of Williamsburg will serve as a Calving Corner Host Farm during the show.

As a host farm, Penn England will be bringing four pregnant cows to the Calving Corner to share with farm show visitors on Jan. 16 and 17.

“We expect all four cows to give birth at the farm show — hopefully during farm show hours — although Mother Nature and the cows determine the time. Penn England’s cows and calves will return to their home farm after their time at Calving Corner. Penn England is one of four host farms for 2026 Calving Corner,” said Miriam Miller, Calving Corner project manager.

Area students will test their skills and showcase their talents during the farm show.

Ninety-eight percent of the Tyrone Area High School FFA Chapter’s Ag Education students/FFA members registered to compete at the farm show, said advisor Tiffany Hoy.

Students will be competing in Family Living with wood lathe hobby projects and Grain or Seed Art/Mosaics. Ten students registered to compete in the Agriscience event. Additional students will be showing livestock — sheep, goats and dairy cattle, Hoy said.

Tyrone senior Frances Weaver has been attending the show for four years and is a farm show junior committee member.

“By going to the Pa. Farm Show, I get to be a part of the largest indoor agriculture event in the country, make connections with Pennsylvania farmers all across the state, be a part of a statewide tradition, and learn more about Pennsylvania agriculture,” said Weaver, who will be competing in agriscience and several family living projects.

Nora Hoy, a college freshman, is an FFA member working towards the American FFA Degree. She has been going to the farm show for 22 years.

“This year I will be going to the farm show to spend time working at the PA FFA Foundation Food Booth and volunteering for the PA Honey Beekeepers’ Association,” Hoy said. “This year, I competed in the PA Ag Poster Contest. Recently, I discovered that I won first place in the 15-18 year old division of this contest. This contest involves creating posters based on the PA Farm theme. I will also be competing in the grain mosaic.”

Junior Cassidy Fleck has been going to the farm show since she was in elementary school, but this year is her third year going as a part of FFA.

“I attend the farm show to see all of the state’s accomplishments from over the years, as well as to attend the FFA

MidWinter Convention,” Fleck said.”This year will be my third year competing in the AgriScience competition. I will also be entering a gain mosaic as well as a lathe ornament.”

Senior Carlie Nowlin has been going to the farm show for four years.

“The PA Farm Show is one of my favorite events of the year because it brings together everything I love about agriculture. I love walking through the different booths and learning something new,” Nowlin said.

Chestnut Ridge High School senior Jolynn Mickle has been showing at the farm show for eight years.

“I am able to compete with older showmen and show against great cattle. I am competing in the Market Steer Show,” Mickle said.

Bellefonte Area High School senior Anna Tyson has been going to the farm show for 16 years and will receive the Keystone Degree.

“I go to the farm show because it is a good way to learn about various aspects of agriculture and all that it has to offer. The farm show makes learning fun and provides many options for good entertainment,” Tyson said. “Earning the Keystone gives me a sense of accomplishment and dedication towards my SAE and my community.”

The 2026 show runs Jan. 10-17 from 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, except Sunday, Jan. 11, when it runs 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Saturday, Jan. 17, when it opens at 8 a.m. and closes at 5 p.m. Admission is free. Parking in Farm Show Complex lots is $15 per vehicle.

The PA Preferred Food Court in the Giant Expo Hall opens for a public preview from noon to 9 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 9.

Mirror Staff Writer Walt Frank is at 814-946-7467.