Dept. Of Agriculture Invests $5.8 Million To Ensure 1,228 Acres Of Farmland On 22 Farms In 14 Counties Stays Farms Forever

On October 8, the Department of Agriculture announced the investment of more than $5.8 million to purchase development rights for 1,228 acres on 22 farms in 14 counties, protecting them from future residential or commercial development and continuing the Administration’s support of its number one industry.

“Every farm preserved is a promise to the next generation — a promise that productive farmland, family legacies and Pennsylvania’s agricultural heritage will endure,” Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding said. “From a Bucks County farm with roots stretching back more than 260 years to an Adams County family preserving its fourth farm, these stories show the lasting impact of farmland preservation. The Shapiro Administration is proud to partner with farm families and local communities to protect the land that sustains our agriculture and our Commonwealth for generations to come.”

Among the conservation easements secured this month, standouts include Bucks County’s Bedminster Township, where David N. Leopold and Laura S. Rathgeb are preserving their 32-acre crop farm, whose history dates to 1765 and whose landscape was frequently featured in the work of internationally recognized artist Ben Solowey, who purchased the property in 1936. 

The farm also borders other protected farmland, helping maintain the area’s agricultural character.

In Menallen Township in Adams County, Donald R., Diane M. and Curtis D. MacBeth are preserving their 94-acre crop farm — the fourth the family has preserved — bringing the MacBeth family’s total protected acreage to more than 178 acres.

Pennsylvania leads the nation in preserved farms. Since 1988, when voters statewide overwhelmingly supported the state’s Farmland Preservation Program, Pennsylvania has protected 6,781 farms and 671,082 acres in 58 counties from future development, investing more than $1.83 billion in state, county, and local funds.

Click Here for a list of farms preserved and the Agriculture announcement.

Visit Agriculture’s Farmland Preservation webpage to learn more about this program.

Related Articles This Week:

-- Land Conservancy of Adams County Partners With Jeff and Betsy Yingling To Preserve 101 Acre Farm  [PaEN] 

-- Heritage Conservancy Partners With Leah and Doug Beck To Preserve 30 Acre Property In Bucks County  [PaEN] 

[Posted: October 8, 2026]  PA Environment Digest