HARRISBURG PA – Seven farms located in Montgomery, Berks, Chester, and Lehigh counties are among 22 agricultural properties across Pennsylvania that were preserved in perpetuity this month.
The state’s Agricultural Land Preservation Board approved easements June 11 (2026; Thursday) that purchased development rights for 1,775 acres on farms in 16 counties. It protects them from future residential or commercial development. Pennsylvania’s Agriculture Department says the state, and participating counties and townships, invested $8,757,446 overall in the acquisitions.
The investment in the seven area farms was $4,571,458, or 52% of the statewide total.
Locally preserved farms in Montgomery County include those owned by Perry A. Hoagey, trustee of the Perry A. Hoagey Revocable Trust, a 16-acre crop and livestock farm in New Hanover Township; and by Marianne P. Landis, a 22-acre crop farm in Franconia Township. The total investment was $2,726,448, of which the state provided $2,485,000; the county, $25,718; and Franconia Township, $215,730.
147th state House District Rep. Donna Scheuren reports that, “with these farms in New Hanover and Franconia townships now secured,” the district will soon reach 900 acres that are forever preserved.”
Preserved in Berks County was property owned by Cynthia J. Moore, a 152-acre crop farm in Lower Heidelberg Township. The total investment was $431,531, of which $410,223 was provided by the state, and $21,308 by the county.
Two farms were preserved in Chester County. They are owned by Gerald Ray and Vicki Ann King, a 101-acre crop and livestock farm in Highland Township, and by Marvin W. and Carolyn M. King, a 75-acre crop farm in Londonderry Township. The total investment was solely by the state, $1,125,377.
Photo by Travels With The Post
Resilient, Committed Farm Families
Another two farms were preserved in Lehigh County. Owners are Richard K. and Nina Fair, a 32-acre crop farm in Lower Milford Township; and by Robert A. and Diane Schmidt, a 13-acre crop farm in North Whitehall Township. The total investment was $296,832, of which the state paid $288,102; the county, $2,007; North Whitehall Township, $3,473; and Lower Milford Township, $3,250.
“The farm families we are investing in today have remained resilient, and committed to the noble work of growing the food that helps feed their neighbors. We are proud to help ensure that their family legacies are embedded into our agriculture heritage for generations to come,” Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding said.
Earlier this year, during April, the state reported an investment of more than $10.2 million to preserve 31 new farms and 2,645 acres. So far in 2026, it says 78 farms on 6,325 acres have been preserved. Pennsylvania claims to lead the nation in preserved farms.
Our local news reporting includes articles about state, county, borough, township, and village government decisions and activities within, or that affect residents of, Montgomery, Berks, and Chester PA counties. It also includes Traffic articles about private and public transportation issues. Find more government articles here.
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