March 09, 2026 - Fleetwood, PA

ADVISORY - BERKS COUNTY - Shapiro Administration Highlights Strategic Investments in Women in Agriculture During Women's History Month and U.N. Year of the Woman Farmer

In recognition of 2026 being designated by the United Nations as the International Year of the Woman Farmer and March being Women's History Month, Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding will celebrate the critical role the over 31,000 female producers play in strengthening the agriculture workforce across Pennsylvania.

The event will highlight Willow Run Farmstead, where Deanne Boyer and her family used a $7,296 Farm Vitality Grant to support the transition of their farm to the next generation, helping ensure the operation can continue serving their community and contributing to Pennsylvania's agricultural economy for years to come while keeping women actively involved in the future of the farm. Willow Run Farmstead is a third generation preserved farm that raises beef, pork, and poultry for direct-to-consumer sales, with strong on-farm sustainability and conservation measures.

WHO:
Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding
Pennsylvania State Senator Judy Schwank
Deanne Weber, Owner of Willow Run Farmstead
Hannah Smith Brubaker, Pennsylvania Sustainable Agriculture

WHEN:
Monday, March 9, 2026, at 11 a.m.

WHERE:
Willow Run Farmstead
270 Hoch Road
Fleetwood, PA, 19522

RSVP:
Press attending should RSVP with the names of their news outlet, photographer, and reporter to aginfo@pa.gov. Please note, the farm may be muddy so boots are recommended

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