Warwick student opens PA Farm Show

Kent is perfectly comfortable working alongside state officials. She’s pictured in the center with Ag Secretary George Greig during a recent Department of Agriculture event.

The state farm show opens in Harrisburg this week, and Warwick High School senior Karoline Kent will join Gov. Tom Corbett and Secretary of Agriculture George Greig for the introductions.

Kent, president of the Pennsylvania 4-H State Council, is part of the delegation that will emcee opening ceremonies Jan. 10. The ag expo will close a week later with Karoline’s first public attempt at milking a cow.

“I am looking forward to my responsibilities at this year’s farm show, but the milking contest will be a highlight of my week,” she said.

Karoline Kent, pictured here at the 2014 PA Farm Show as a competitor in the High School Rodeo, will emcee the opening ceremony of this year’s farm show.

Her udder debut may not end up at the PA Dairymen’s legendary milkshake stand, but this is a unique opportunity for a young Lititz student who will head to Penn State later this year to study animal science and agri-business.

Interacting with the Governor and Secretary of Ag, as well as speaking in front of an arena full of people may seem like a daunting task for most people, but for Kent it’s just another opportunity to promote 4-H. During the first half of her term in office, she has had the opportunity to meet these dignitaries on multiple occasions, as well as give speeches at many events such as the recent PA Farm Bureau annual meeting.

The farm show, however, is a public platform for Pennsylvania’s largest industry, allowing exhibitors from all over the state to showcase their hard work and projects from throughout the year.

“I enjoy seeing the diversity of products from across the Commonwealth,” said Kent. “One family I know embodies the very premise of the farm show. They make, dye and spin fiber from the sheep they raise to compete in the show’s signature ‘Sheep-to-Shawl’ contest each year. In addition, they harvest maple syrup, raise honey bees and make a variety of jams, jellies, salsas, sauces, soaps, lotions and cheeses from the ‘PA Preferred’ ingredients they produce. The kids, all brought up through the 4-H program, raise and show a variety of animals including rabbits, pigs, goats, sheep, horses and cattle, in addition to woodworking and fiber arts projects.”

And, she added, “It’s inspiring to see how the agricultural community supports each other, in spite of a little friendly competition.”

Kent, 17, serves as Warwick High School’s FFA president and is actively involved in Girl Scouts, the Envirothon Club, and school rifle team. She also competes in rodeo gaming events. Later this month, she will attend one of Pennsylvania’s largest 4-H events, the State Leadership Conference. This annual event, held in State College, is a weekend-long educational experience that builds and enhances leadership skills through workshops, keynote speakers and team building interaction.

The Pennsylvania Farm Show will take place Jan. 10-17 at the PA Farm Show Complex and Expo Center in Harrisburg. For more information about the scheduled events, visit farmshow.state.pa.us.

Stephen Seeber is the associate editor of the Record Express. He welcomes questions and comments at sseeber.eph@lnpnews.com or 721-4423.

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