Hoffman settles in as Farm Bureau president

By TOM LAUB Lifesyles Editor tlaub@lewistownsentinel.com

McALISTERVILLE —

The list of responsibilities continues to grow for Chris Hoffman. He was elected president of the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau in November and immediately began serving in his new post. The PFB’s ninth president had served as vice president for eight years prior to the November election. He hit the ground running, working to promote agriculture and the Pennsylvania farmer while maintaining his own farm in Juniata County.

“The past three months have been exciting for me,” Hoffman said. “With the change of governor and many elected officials, getting to know them and making sure they understand the needs of agriculture is so important. I was elected to the board of directors for the American Farm Bureau in January, so I am working on national issues as well. And, I’m working with county farm bureaus as they work with the communities they serve.”

It would take a team of appointment secretaries to maintain the daily and weekly schedule. The energy Hoffman brings to the job not only presents a positive image, but is a necessity. Along with his official duties, he owns and operates Lazy Hog Farm and Lazy Chick Farm in McAlisterville. He devotes time to family, including his wife, Selina, four children and four grandchildren. In the past, Hoffman has served in agriculture leadership positions at the state and county level. He is the epitome of “not enough hours in the day.”

Yet, Hoffman’s optimism for agriculture in Pennsylvania and the entire nation is a driving force. It shows in his description of the PFB.

“The Pennsylvania Farm Bureau is made up of county farm bureaus,” he said. “Not only is our organization for farmers, but it is good information for consumers as well. We need to educate everyone about where their food comes from and how it is grown. I would encourage the readers to become members and get involved. Food security is national security and we all must work together. This year’s slogan is, ‘Together We Can.’ I believe we all can make a better tomorrow for all if we work together.”

Education is a key for Hoffman, and that includes the Pennsylvania Friends of Agriculture Foundation. Founded in 1986 and located in Camp Hill, the charitable organization’s mission statement is to preserve and promote agriculture, the largest industry in the Commonwealth.

“Our foundation is working hard in the education arena,” Hoffman said. “Our six ag science labs are traveling across the state delivering ag science-based lessons to school children. We are getting ready for Ag Literacy Week in March. We will read ag-accurate books for kindergarten through second-grade classrooms in our communities. In June, we will have teachers go through Educators Ag In - stitute, learning new lessons on agriculture for their classrooms.”

Hoffman’s priorities are the current and future issues and challenges facing farmers. At the top of the list, like in many industries, is economic impact. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, the agriculture industry contributes $132.5 billion to the state economy annually.

“The economic issues farmers are facing are front and center,” he said. “Input costs are hitting our farmers, and not knowing what we will get paid for our products is an issue. We are concerned about regulation and how it will affect our business.”

Financial hardships are affecting consumers as well, making it more difficult for some to put food on the table.

“The food demand in PA seems to be steady,” Hoffman said. “The need for assistance to purchase food is growing. We are working with