For eight generations, Sterman Masser Potato Farms has operated in Pennsylvania's Hegins Valley, Schuylkill County. To maintain operations amid growing demand, the farm has adopted efficiency measures. Recently, Sterman Masser secured a $400,000 grant from a new state program to purchase an eight-row planter. This machine is the largest of its kind on the farm or in the county.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro visited the Hubley Township farm to discuss the new agricultural innovation grant program. "I want agriculture to be the center of our economy in Pennsylvania," stated Shapiro, emphasizing the state's commitment to family farms. The program, initiated by Shapiro's administration, has supported 88 projects across 45 counties. Shapiro advocates for an additional $15 million in the 2025–26 budget to meet ongoing demand for innovation capital among Pennsylvania farmers.
The grant covered half the cost of the planter, which will arrive next year. "In Pennsylvania, we have a narrow window to plant over 1,000 acres of potatoes, and this planter will greatly assist us in planting in optimal conditions," said Dave Masser, President and CEO of Sterman Masser. The new equipment will double their planting and harvesting capacity from 1,000 to 2,000 acres, enhancing efficiency and reducing fuel usage.
Sterman Masser operates one of the largest potato processing facilities in the northeast, with 400 employees. The farm grows, processes, packs, and ships various potato products, from bulk to ready-to-eat items. This innovation grant marks the first increase in potato planting acreage in Pennsylvania in 50 years, according to Shapiro.
Pennsylvania's agriculture sector includes 50,000 farms, contributing $132 billion to the economy and supporting nearly 600,000 jobs. Shapiro highlighted the importance of investing in the agricultural economy for the state's competitiveness.
Jersey Acres Farm near Friedensburg also received a grant for a robotic milking machine. Farm owner Kent Heffner noted, "The need to increase our efficiency will only grow." He emphasized the future focus on smaller farms processing and selling directly to consumers, requiring more funding.
The funded projects span 31 commodities and 40 types of innovation, including precision irrigation and robotics. Shapiro also addressed federal funding cuts impacting Pennsylvania farms and urged federal legislators to avoid such actions, stating, "Ag shouldn't be a partisan exercise. It should be something that lifts everyone up."
Source: Republican Herald