President

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Congressman Glenn ‘GT’ Thompson on the 2023 Farm Bill that will help fund some of the needs we see.”

Hoffman’s experience on the farm and in his many official capacities keeps him involved with the many changes in technology and recent advancements such as the use of solar power.

“All farmers are always looking for ways to use less resources and increase yield,” he said. “We all want to pass our farms to the next generation. Using Technology is so important in helping us achieve this goal. Renewal energy is important as we look to supply the energy needs of the future. We just need to be strategic on placement of panels as we plan for producing food for a growing population.”

Throughout history, farmers have been forced to adapt to changing times. Hoffman knows his primary duty is to lead the search for information.

“Farmers are always looking at research and new technologies to help with the process of producing a crop,” he said.

“We are always doing what we can as an organization to help our farmers know what new information is available.

As in any industry, staying stagnant is not an option.”

Hoffman’s vision of the future remains clear despite reports of the dwindling number of farms in the nation. Figures from the USDA indicate there were 6.8 million farms in the U.S. in 1935. In the most recent survey, there were 2.01 million U.S. farms in 2021, down from 2.20 million in 2007.

“I am not sure that family farms are shrinking but are adapting to new markets,” he said. “We are seeing more people engaging in growing food for themselves and their neighbors. Pennsylvania has a great opportunity to grow in the agriculture sector because of the population center around us. We need to continue to educate consumers about how food is grown and encourage them to get engaged.”

Regardless of future challenges facing the agriculture industry, Commonwealth farmers and the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau have the right man at the helm.

Submitted photo Mya Snyder, Hoffman’s granddaughter, visits the farm. “This is why we farm,” Hoffman said.