Industry leaders honored at Mid-Atlantic Fruit & Vegetable Convention

The Mid-Atlantic Fruit & Vegetable Convention in Hershey, Pennsylvania, celebrated excellence in fruit and vegetable production by recognizing growers, markets, and industry leaders from across the region.

More than 1,600 growers, exhibitors, Extension personnel, and industry representatives attended the January 29 event, which included educational session and a large trade show.

PVGA recognizes Bill Reynolds for decades of service

The Pennsylvania Vegetable Growers Association (PVGA) presented longtime member William “Bill” Reynolds with both its Annual Award and Life Membership during the annual membership meeting.

A five-term board member and PVGA’s secretary/treasurer, Reynolds was honored for his dedication to the association and his work at the Farm Show Food Booth.

“PVGA’s board periodically recognizes individuals who have an outstanding record of service and dedication,” said Tammy Linn, executive director. “This year, the board recognizes William Reynolds with a life membership.”

Reynolds and his wife, Lois, operate Reynolds Farm, a 106-acre produce and grain farm in Franklin County, near the Maryland border. They specialize in pumpkins, gourds, and watermelons. The Reynolds’ sell through their farm market and popular fall festival featuring u-pick pumpkins, hayrides, mazes, and school tours. Reynolds also served as past president of the Gettysburg Farmer’s Market, and as a member of PVGA’s convention planning committee.

Farm market awards highlight Pennsylvania’s best

The State Horticulture Association of Pennsylvania (SHAP) recognized outstanding farm markets and apple displays from the Pennsylvania Farm show, held earlier in January.

• Knouse Fruitlands won the show’s Best Roadside Market Award. Located in Cashtown, the farm market operates inside the Historic Round Barn, built in 1914. The family grows 400 acres of apples along with peaches, nectarines, berries, pumpkins, squash, and other vegetables.
• Hollabaugh Bros. Fruit Farm & Market in Biglerville earned the show’s Best Bushel of Apples Award. The honor, one of the show’s most competitive categories, recognizes growers who achieve the difficult task of packing a flawless bushel.

“We do it for the industry at the farm show to represent Pennsylvania in the apple industry,” said Kevin Knouse. “It’s all about showing visitors what the industry is about.”

Brad Hollabaugh, president of Hollabaugh Bros., added, “We’ve always felt it’s important not just to be part of the industry, but to contribute to it. We enjoy the fruit we grow, the farm show, and what it brings to the entire state.”

Cider content showcases quality craft

The Annual Mid-Atlantic Cider Content featured 15 entries in close competition: 

• Kauffman Orchards of Bird in Hand captured first place.
• Hands on the Earth Orchard in Lititz placed second.
• Bechdolt Orchards in Hellertown came in third.

“It was a tight race,” said Don Seifrit, Penn State Extension tree fruit specialist. “Less than one point separated first and third, so I really appreciate the participants and judges who make this event possible.”

A regional gathering of growers

The convention drew participants from across the Mid-Atlantic, Northeast, and Midwest. There were also state horticultural associations from Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, and Virginia. Attendees networked with peers, explored the trade show, and gained updated on the latest agronomic research and practices.