Governor Josh Shapiro and Department of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding toured Reinford Farms in Juniata County to celebrate dairy month and highlight the need to support the farmers and small businesses who make Pennsylvania a national leader in agriculture. Reinford Farms is a multigenerational farm in Juniata County, covering 1,300 acres and currently housing 750 milking cows and 800 young cattle.
“Our Commonwealth’s dairy industry supports more than 53,000 jobs and contributes more than $14 billion to our economy – and Pennsylvania dairy farmers are putting food on our tables while continuing a long tradition of agricultural excellence and innovation,” said Governor Josh Shapiro. “Reinford Farms is a prime example of how Pennsylvania farmers are using innovative technology to take their work to the next level. My Administration is committed to partnering with our dairy farmers to position Pennsylvania as a leader in dairy production and sustainable farming and my budget is putting real dollars into this work – starting with $13.8 million to ensure the Pennsylvania Farm Bill is fully funded into its fifth year.”
“Each person in Pennsylvania’s dairy industry – from the farm to the table – works 365 days a year to nourish our families with wholesome, high-quality products that support our lives and pour dollars into our economy to support our jobs and communities,” said Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding. “Dairy Month is a time to celebrate our dairy industry and show our appreciation for those who are in the barns, on the roads, on the processing line, and in the stores during hours that most of us are sleeping.”
During the tour, Governor Shapiro and Secretary Redding watched a demonstration of the farm’s de-packaging and food recycling operations, which uses the farm’s anaerobic methane digester to dispose of food waste in an environmentally-friendly manner. The digester breaks down the food waste along with the manure produced on the farm to generate heat and electricity, creating enough energy to power the entire farm. The Commonwealth’s Financing Authority helped to invest in Reinford’s methane digesters.
“A thriving dairy industry in Pennsylvania is positive for all Pennsylvanians,” said Brett Reinford, partner at Reinford Farms and chair of the Pennsylvania Dairy Future Commission.
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