The Pennsylvania Farm Show has long paid homage to dairy farmers and the positive impact of urban gardens. American Dairy Association North East and the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture revealed 2024’s highly anticipated butter sculpture, a tableau that showcases the importance of the dairy industry’s traditions and its focus on sustainability.
“Table for All: Pennsylvania Dairy Connects Communities” is the theme of the 33rd butter sculpture. The sculpture depicts members of the community gathering around the dinner table, connecting through a delicious bounty of food while celebrating the hard work of Pennsylvania’s farmers.
Dairy farmer Walt Moore of Walmoore Holsteins in Cochranville, Pennsylvania, said, “Agriculture plays an important role in all of our lives, and I’m proud that the wholesome food we produce brings people together. This year’s butter sculpture illustrates the important connection between farmers and their local communities. That is very meaningful to me because I love what I do as a dairy farmer.”
The sculpture was constructed over several weeks by artists Jim Victor and Marie Pelton of Conshohocken, Pennsylvania, using more than 1,000 pounds of butter donated by Land O’ Lakes in Carlisle, Cumberland County.
“Creating art that showcases the hard work of dairy farmers is an immense source of pride for us,” said Jim Victor. “We also enjoy knowing that the sculpture tells an impactful story about the importance of agriculture,” added Marie Pelton.
The butter sculpture is on display in the Farm Show’s Main Hall. Following the Farm Show, the butter will be recycled on the Reinford Farm in Juniata County and converted into renewable energy in the farm’s methane digester.