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Parkland News

100-year-old Lehigh County dairy farm honored at PA Farm Show

PA Farm Show
Dan Zampogna
/
PA Cast
State Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding joined elected officials to recognize farm families who have hit the century mark, including Paul Semmel, of Excelsior Farms, Lehigh County.

HARRISBURG, Pa. — A 100-year-old Lehigh County dairy farm was honored by state officials as part of the Pennsylvania Farm Show.

“First of all, I certainly want to say thank you for the folks that are back home … who are the supporting force of creating and keeping a farm going,” said Paul Semmel, of Excelsior Farms in Schnecksville, North Whitehall Township. “In addition, I might just mention the grandparents were master farmers.

“I, myself, am probably the last generation that understands Pennsylvania Dutch other than outside the Mennonite and Amish community.”

Excelsior Farms, owned by Paul and Nancy Semmel, was one of nine farms across the state recognized at the 109th PA Farm Show that have been in the same family for 100 years or more.

“Their hard work and dedication continue to power the future of agriculture in our state."
State Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding

"These families represent the best in Pennsylvania agriculture," said state Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding, in a news release. "Reflecting the 2025 Farm Show theme, Powering Pennsylvania, these families have been feeding our communities and our economy for generations.

“Their hard work and dedication continue to power the future of agriculture in our state."

The farm, 3620 Excelsior Road, has been a dairy operation since 1917, maintaining 102 acres.

It was the first Pennsylvania Power and Light (PPL) all-electric dairy farm, officials said, often hosting international dignitaries for research demonstrations. It was preserved in 2017 through the state’s Farmland Preservation Program.

In total, Lehigh County is home to 21 century farms and six bicentennial farms.

During last year’s farm show, The Klusaritz Family Farm, a North Whitehall Township hay and straw farm, was honored.