AGRICULTURE & SPECIALTY FARMS
The agricultural industry has had an enormous economic impact on Indiana County, and farming remains one of the most important sectors in our county today. Family traditions have been passed on for generations and you will find a wide range of locally sourced products readily available at our area farmers’ markets including meats, dairy, produce, fruits, grains, flowers, honey and even maple syrup. Many local restaurants feature local ingredients and offer farm-to-table dining experiences. One such tradition dates back to 1918, when Silas Streams and other area
farmers began planting various pines and spruces as an agricultural crop for the purpose of being sold as Christmas trees. This practice continued and in 1956, when an estimated 700,000 trees were cut, an Associated Press dispatch touted Indiana County, PA as the “Christmas Tree Capital of the World”. Consider starting a new family fun tradition of visiting a local Christmas tree farm and bringing home a live tree! Agricultural Fairs are another area tradition providing hours of family fun and entertainment. These time-honored events provide the opportunity to showcase the hard work and talents of our local agricultural community. Organizations such as the Indiana County Farm Bureau offer support for our local farmers and the Indiana County Conservation District provides
“Must Do” checklist
• Plan a Photo Session in a Field of Sunflowers, in a Pumpkin Patch or by a Backdrop of Wild Flowers: The Rustic Ranch Sunflower Field &
Pumpkin Patch and the Pumpkin Festival at Reeger’s Farm provide the idyllic backdrop for stunning photos of you and your family. Lone Oak Farm’s wild flower meadows are breathtaking and picturesque! • Pick Your Own Blueberries, Fresh from the Field: In July, start a new tradition of picking the freshest berries directly from the field, or choose from already-picked berries, all available at Stutzman Farms. • Taste Pure Maple Syrup: If you’ve never had pure maple syrup, you don’t know what you’re missing. Locally made since 1962, Andy’s Own Pure Maple Syrup is available for purchase at local grocery stores. • Attend an Agriculture Fair: Indiana County is home to three agricultural fairs: Indiana County Fair, Ox Hill Fair and Cookport Fair Presented by the Green Township Community Association. Bring the family to learn more about the industry! • Visit an Arboretum: A trip to Blue Spruce Park to visit the Christmas Tree Arboretum or a stroll across the campus of IUP to view the Allegheny Arboretum is the perfect way to spend an afternoon. • Purchase a LIVE Christmas Tree: Enjoy the holiday tradition of having a REAL Christmas tree, purchased from “The Christmas Tree Capital of the World” !
information about ongoing projects and often hosts events to promote conservation efforts within the county.
• Attend a Local Farmers’ Market: Towns such as Indiana, Blairsville, Clymer and Saltsburg have weekly farmers’ markets where fresh produce can be
purchased at affordable prices, while supporting local farms.
Indiana County Farm Bureau** 20 Hamill Road Northern Cambria, PA 15714 814-691-9649 The members of the Farm Bureau work together to make a “real change” in the advancement of agriculture in Pennsylvania. Other initiatives include educating the public on where their food comes from, the promotion of “buying local” and encouraging youth in Pennsylvania to pursue careers in agricultural industries.
Indiana County Farmers’ Market Locations for June - October Saturdays: 8th & Church Street Wednesdays: Mack Park www.IndianaFarmMarket.org Visit the Indiana County Farmers’ Market to find local farmers and vendors selling fresh fruits, vegetables, flowers, baked goods, meats, eggs, honey and more. The market also features local artists, musicians, community groups and kids’ activities.
Indiana County Christmas Tree Growers’ Association 5601 Highway 954 North Creekside, PA 15732 724-388-8572 www.ChristmasTreeCapital.org The Association is comprised of local tree growers dedicated to the promotion of Christmas tree farming in Indiana County. During the holidays, these farmers open up their fields and pre-cut tree lots to sell trees.
Andy’s Own Pure Maple Syrup** 2440 Musser Road Indiana, PA 15701 724-465-5324
Andy’s produces over 300 gallons of pure maple syrup and other related items from the 800 trees on their farm.
Photos courtesy of The Rustic Ranch, Nature Works Farm & Nursery, Mytrysak Family Tree Farm, Twolick Valley Nursery & Gift Shoppe, Indiana County Conservation District, Pumpkin Festival at Reeger’s Farm & Stutzman Farms.
10
Made with FlippingBook Digital Publishing Software