STATE COLLEGE — National Ag Day is March 21.
The special day was developed by the Agriculture Council of America. It is a nonprofit organization that comprises all the leaders in the agriculture and food community. This day is observed to honor the efforts of people related to agriculture and promote awareness.
It is that day of the year when all the producers, agriculture organizations, universities, corporations and government departments take out some time to recognize the greatness of agriculture.
In Centre County, the Happy Valley Adventure Bureau and the Chamber of Business and Industry launched the Happy Valley Agventures initiative in 2019. Since then, the agritourism offerings in the area have truly grown and diversified.
Women have been a big reason why the Agventures initiative has been a success. These women have several things in common — a passion for what they do, creativity, talent and an entrepreneurial spirit.
With that in mind, here’s a closer look at some of the women who represent Centre County farms:
TARA IMMEL, NITTANY MEADOW FARM
Nittany Meadow Farm has truly filled a void in the ag community — goats!
“I never imagined myself as a goat farmer, but here I am … killing it,” Immel joked.
Joking aside, Immel and her husband have owned the farm for two years. They are focused on raising a herd of dairy goats — Nigerian dwarfs and mini-Nubians — for the goat dairy that they’re building and hope to open later this year.
They also raise Angus cattle, hogs and lambs on their 27-acre farm, which is located in Boalsburg.
They also offer opportunities to interact with the animals.
“We bring tons of joy and smiles through our agritainment ventures, which includes goat yoga, goat visits at the farm and our newest addition, the Goats2Go bus, which allows us to take the goats directly to people where they are. We’re in the business of creating amazing experiences through spreading the joy that goats bring to our lives,” Immel said.
But it’s not all fun and games at Nittany Meadow Farm. In fact, it plays a vital role in the community.
“We grow food for our neighbors in the Centre Region … we grow produce and donate to the State College Food Bank, sell produce to the community and raise animals for market,” Immel said.
Nittany Meadow Farm was established in 1816, so there is a rich history.
Immel said that they don’t plan on slowing down anytime soon.
“It is such an honor to be a part of this amazingly supportive community,” Immel said.
For more information about the goats — or anything else, visit nittanymeadowfarm.com.
ABBIE SPACKMAN, THE HEIRLOOM FARMER
Spackman owns and operates The Heirloom Farmer, a diversified farm selling directly to consumers through an on-farm market and greenhouse.
The Heirloom Farmer offers pumpkins, squash, hay, straw, potatoes, honey, garden plants, cut flowers, on-farm experiences and more.
While Spackman is the face of The Heirloom Farmer, she certainly doesn’t do it alone, as she pointed out.
“I have an incredibly supportive family who works right alongside me and contribute products to our market. This is my dream, but it is an entire family that is making it a reality,” Spackman said.
Spackman started The Heirloom Farmer in 2021. However, she is no stranger to the farm game.
“I always knew I wanted to continue farming, and this new farm business was a way for me to find ‘my place’ on our family farm,” Spackman said.
Right now, Spackman is laser focused on getting The Heirloom Farmer up and running for opening day, which is slated for April 22 — Earth Day. After that, it will remain open until December.
Spackman said she likes the fact that women are having an impact on the local farming community.
“There are many strong women in agriculture and involved with HVA (Happy Valley Agventures) and I am honored to be a part of this group,” Spackman said. “We are all unique in who we are and what we bring to the community and we often collaborate and celebrate each other. Women have always played extremely important roles in agriculture. There are many women in my family and in the community, current and past generations, who inspire me.”
For more information about The Heirloom Farmer, check them out on Facebook and Instagram.
KIM TAIT, TAIT FARM FOODS
If you live in the Centre Region, you’ve likely heard of Tait Farm Foods Inc.
Tait Farm Foods is comprised of eight acres of certified organic vegetables, fruits and greenhouse production that currently serve its own on-farm retail store, The Harvest Shop and Greenhouse. Kim Tait has been involved in agriculture for more than three decades.
“It has been an honor to have been at this work for over 35 years. I have had the privilege of meeting and working with so many talented and creative people both on the farm and in the community,” Tait said, “including fellow farmers, greenhouse growers, chefs, artists, specialty food producers, business professionals and the like.”
Tait Farm was started by Tait’s in-laws, Marian and Elton Tait, in 1950. Over the years, the farm has produced everything under the sun, including Christmas trees, apples, asparagus and raspberries. Today, Tait Farm is known for its organic vegetables, organic vegetable seedlings, herbs, flowers and native plants.
Tait said the farm takes pride in producing quality food for the community.
“We are part of a network of small, local Pennsylvania farms that grow and sell organic produce, raise seedlings and native plants for home gardeners, make value-added food products and support more than 100 other farmers, food producers and artisans in our area,” Tait said.
She is thrilled to be part of the community of strong female farmers who are leading by example.
“I am incredibly proud to be part of this community of women in agriculture who are making a difference on the land and in their communities,” Tait said.
For more information about Tait Farm Food, visit taitfarmfoods.com.
MICHELLE VERGE, LONG LANE FARM STAND
Long Lane Farm Stand is a relative newcomer, opening in June 2022. Owner Michelle Verge says she “wears many hats.”
“My number one job for the past year has been to open and run Long Lane Farm Stand,” Verge said. “Our vision with the Farm Stand has been to not only sell our own farm’s products, but also bring products from other Pennsylvania farms and small businesses together in one place for everyone to enjoy.”
According to Verge, the idea to open the Farm Stand came while she was enjoying a meal made exclusively of products from the farm.
“I do a lot of canning, food preservation, gardening and raising animals for our own consumption. Of course, not everyone has time or resources to do this for themselves. But I think it’s important that fresh and locally made products are available to everyone. So that’s what I’m doing,” Verge said.
Long Lane Farm was founded in 1954 and has seen many incarnations since then. Verge said the success of the Farm Stand would not be possible without a supportive community.
“I am grateful for the support of our neighbors and fellow community members,” she said.
Verge said she’s pleased to see women getting recognized as National Ag Day approaches.
“I think women have always played a huge part in agriculture. Many lady farmers have always worked in the fields with animals and still took care of the household at the same time,” Verge said. “I think it’s just that for the first time women want to be recognized. Women are no longer willing to stand a step behind men. We deserve to stand beside them.”
For more information about Long Lane Farm Stand, visit longlanefarmstand.com.
