Chester County officials recognized Pennsylvania 4-H Week and National Agriculture Week during a recent Board of Commissioners meeting, highlighting the importance of youth leadership programs and the agricultural industry to the county and the commonwealth.

Local 4-H representatives, Penn State Extension staff members, and Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding joined the commissioners to mark the observances and discuss the impact of agriculture and 4-H programs across Chester County.

Heidi Bramm, president of Tri-Community Dairy 4-H, spoke about the value of hands-on learning and leadership opportunities provided through the organization.

"4-H really gives me the opportunity to grow as a person," said Bramm. "There are so many great people through 4-H that can guide you because they respect the program, and they know that kids who go there want to learn and do these things, so doing that gives you the ability to learn so much. It's just an amazing group of people, and it attracts more amazing people."

The commissioners emphasized the importance of supporting programs that prepare the next generation of agricultural and community leaders. In their proclamation, they noted that 4-H continues to play a vital role in youth development and the future of the county's agricultural community.

"In Chester County, 335 young people participate in 32 clubs, completing projects that allow them to make friends, experience teamwork, and learn life skills," said Commissioner Marian Moskowitz. "4-H in Chester County is served by a network of 101 volunteers, educators, and staff, and provides a curriculum for teachers, after-school programs, and community partners who provide hands-on and interactive learning to more than 4,300 young people."

Following the recognition of Pennsylvania 4-H Week, the commissioners proclaimed National Agriculture Week, highlighting the economic, cultural, and environmental importance of agriculture in Chester County. Agriculture remains one of Pennsylvania's leading industries, and Chester County is among the state's top agricultural producers.

As part of the proclamation, the commissioners also recognized Bob and Adrienne Cochran of Hidden View Farm as owners of the only known Chester County tricentennial farm, honoring families whose farms have remained in continuous operation and family ownership for more than 300 years. The recognition highlights the deep agricultural roots of Chester County and the generations of farm families who have helped sustain the county's farming heritage.

Pennsylvania Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding attended the meeting and emphasized the significance of Chester County's agricultural community, noting that the county's farms and agricultural businesses contribute substantially to the state's diverse food and farming economy.

"Chester County is an amazing place, both for its people and its history," Redding said. "You can't talk about agriculture and really the history of this nation without talking about Chester County."

Pennsylvania 4-H Week and National Agriculture Week were both recognized from March 15 to 21 to acknowledge the contributions of young Pennsylvania 4-H members, farmers, agricultural businesses, and agricultural organizations that help provide food, fiber, and fuel for communities across the United States.