Fairfield farm to host 2nd Ag Appreciation Day

Extended evening hours will offer more time on Saturday for visitors to take in the animals, machinery and products at the second annual Agricultural Appreciation Day hosted by Matson Farm in Fairfield.

“We expanded the hours to see if that suits more people,” said Connie Matson, who owns the beef farm with her husband, Justin. “Some people came late last year.”

The event is set for noon to 7 p.m. at 1608 Route 259. It will feature displays of tractors, a harvester and other equipment the Matsons use to provide agricultural services in the area.

A petting zoo will feature animals displayed by their owners — including calves, lambs, goats and miniature donkeys. Other activities will include a bounce house and glitter tattoos and seed planting with the Chestnut Ridge 4-H Club.

A disc jockey will provide music.

“The idea is to introduce kids to agriculture and to our way of life,” said Connie Matson. “They can see what a farm looks like, and they can see the equipment involved. We also want to support other farmers and their agricultural endeavors.”

Admission is free. Visitors will have the opportunity to purchase food with cash from Waterford firefighters and Jessie’s Chickens and check out items from local ag producers such as Harmony Acres, K&H goat milk products and the Matsons’ Ligonier Valley Hemp Company.

“There are people who are embracing agriculture in a little different avenue than the traditional grain farming and baling hay,” Connie Matson said.

Pleasant Lane Farms, a dairy operation in Unity, will bring some of the cheese curds it produces.

“I think that more and more people view Westmoreland County as becoming more urban,” said Pleasant Lane’s Jason Frye. “This will remind the public that agriculture is still very strong and very diverse in the county.

“I think it’s really nice to remind people they can acquire a lot of produce from people in their backyard.”