Kutztown Rotary Club celebrated farmers during the 88th Annual Farmers’ Night held at Lyons Fire Company on Feb. 19.
“The purpose of Farmers’ Night is to honor their vocational service,” Kutztown Rotarian Kaleigh Grim, event chair, said in a statement. “It’s really just to show appreciation to folks who are involved in agriculture, directly and in support roles as well.”
Grim estimated 185 people attended the dinner, including Northern Berks farmers, Kutztown and Fleetwood Rotarians, Grange members, representatives from Berks Agricultural Resource Network, FFA members and sponsors.
“I hope that they are able to relax and just enjoy themselves, catch up with old friends, maybe meet some new friends, and feel appreciated for their hard work that many of them do day in and day out,” Grim said.
Dating to 1938, Farmers’ Night is traditionally held in February.
“Most farmers have a bit of a break,” Grim said. “This is the time of year when meetings are typically held for various reasons for the agricultural community.”
Past club president Kurt Rohrbach opened the night of appreciation with the invocation.
“May they feel our thanks, not just in these words, but in every bite of food nurtured by their hands,” Rohrbach prayed. “Surround them with your love, abundant blessings for they are steadfast guardians of your precious gifts.”
Farmers’ Night featured a buffet dinner, speakers, recognitions and a milk-drinking contest.
Kutztown Rotary President Marie DeFilipps said it is wonderful to see the community come out for Farmers’ Night. She hopes the farmers feel camaraderie “because without them we don’t survive.”
Dairy farmer Jim Younker of Kirbyville Holsteins has attended Farmers’ Night on several occasions.
“We come when we can,” said Younker. “It’s a nice social gathering. I enjoy seeing the youth be recognized in the FFA program.”
As he greeted his neighbors, Younker said it’s nice to see the other farmers.
“We usually see them out and about, but we don’t see them cleaned up usually,” he added.
Legislative Update
Sen. Judy Schwank spoke about the state’s efforts to address avian flu and provide financial assistance.
“I don’t know what is going to happen on the federal level,” Schwank said. “All I can tell you is Pennsylvania is already dispersing funds to farmers.”
With one third of the state budget coming from federal resources, she also shared concerns amid changes taking place in Washington.
“We might have to make some hard choices as we go forward,” said Schwank.
She was excited to discuss the addition of a Pennsylvania Animal Diagnostic Laboratory System at Penn State Beaver funded by a $6 million investment secured by Gov. Josh Shapiro in the 2024-25 budget. The lab will increase Pennsylvania’s capacity to respond to animal disease outbreaks, speeding diagnoses for farmers in the western part of the state, lowering their business costs, and helping protect their animals and investments, according to a Department of Agriculture news release.
Schwank also discussed the Pennsylvania Farm Bill.
According to https://www.pa.gov/agencies/pda/pa-farm-bill.html, grants available through the Department of Agriculture help Pennsylvania agriculture to grow opportunities and resources, remove barriers to entry and inspire future generations of leaders within agriculture.
“These are small grants, but they help a farmer or a producer who is looking at an innovative idea,” she said.
Farm Family
The Biehl family from Corner View Farm of Kutztown were recognized as Kutztown Rotary Club’s Farm Family of the Year.
“We’ve been milking cows for 115 years on our farm. It’s a passion. It’s a lot of hard work but many of you know that,” fourth-generation farmer Brad Biehl said.
Since 1915, Biehl family members have been stewards of the land, now more than 550 acres. They raise most of the crops needed to feed about 150 cows; including alfalfa, soybeans, corn, and wheat, according to the farm’s website, https://cornerviewfarm.com/.
Brad’s father, Dalton Biehl, said he had the pleasure to see his grandfather and father farm the ground and his great-grandfather spend his last few years there. In 1926, his grandfather took over the farm.
“I saw my son and my grandsons working the fields, so it’s a privilege to see five generations on the farm. Next year we’ll have the honor to celebrate 100 years of century farming.”
Youth
Brandywine Heights High School senior Brinley Hess addressed the crowd as Berks County Alternate Dairy Princess. During her junior year, Hess became involved in Kutztown FFA. This year she is a member of the newly formed Brandywine Heights FFA.
“Today, we gather as farmers, consumers and agriculture advocates,” said Hess. “We appreciate and thank you for your dedication to our agriculture industry.”
Hess said FFA has provided many leadership opportunities and friendships.
“But I would not have been able to push myself to do public speaking competitions and several other events if it wasn’t for my ag teacher.”
Hess said agriculture teacher and FFA adviser Ayla Blatt encourages students to be who they were born to be.
“Her positive attitude and pushing us every day has helped me realize that no dream is out of reach and no challenge is too big,” she said.
Hess, Kutztown FFA senior Lyndsey Smith and Oley Valley FFA senior Bailey Hornig were recognized as February Students of the Month by Kutztown and Fleetwood Rotary Clubs.
“FFA has done more than just teach me about the value of agriculture; it has shown me the importance of leadership as well as hard work,” Smith said. “FFA has opened my eyes to the endless opportunities in life and taught me that no dream is too big.”
Hornig said Oley FFA members were very eager to host National FFA Week events including Tractor Day for students to drive their tractors to school, a faculty breakfast cooked by FFA members and line dancing at the Oley Fairgrounds.
Blatt said in a statement that many in the community have belonged to FFA because of their agricultural background. The Kutztown FFA adviser said it is a great experience for students to have the opportunity to speak with those who have been standing where they are currently standing 10, 20, or even 50 years prior.
“Just like with agriculture, it’s beneficial and highly rewarding to be able to see the fruits of your labor. Recognizing FFA students for their accomplishments not only amplifies the support present within the community but reassures them that they have a future within agriculture,” she said.
For many, farms are multigenerational, and Farmers’ Night is an annual tradition for them, Blatt said.
“I think it’s important to recognize the historic roots that agriculture has deep in our community and dedicate time to celebrate those whose hard work often goes unnoticed,” Blatt said.
Farmers’ Night was sponsored by Fleetwood Bank, Albright’s Mill, Edward J. Hildenbrand Funeral Home Inc., First Commonwealth Federal Credit Union, Tompkins Community Bank, Blue Marsh Insurance, F.M. Brown’s Sons Inc., Fulton Bank, Antler Ridge Winery, Danenhower Apiaries LLC, Oley Valley Feed Inc., Lil’ Shopper’s Shoppe, Pennsylvania Farm Bureau, Pennsylvania State Council of Farm Organizations, Setter Ridge Vineyards, Weaver’s Ace Hardware, Way-Har, People of Action and Kutztown Rotary.
Kutztown Rotary Club will celebrate 100 years in 2026 with service projects, the gift of a pickleball court to Kutztown Park and a dinner. Serving the community since 1926, Kutztown Rotary supports local charities, scholarships, disaster relief and projects such as clean water, health and education in less developed parts of the world, according to the club website.
For more information, follow Kutztown Rotary Club on Facebook or visit https://kutztownrotary.com/.
Source: Berkshire mont
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