The Event Was Held at Chester Springs’ Milky Way Farm
CHESTER SPRINGS, PA – March 12, 2025 – Members and advocates of Chester County’s farming community, agricultural businesses, agritourism and elected officials joined with Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding this week at Milky Way Farm in Chester Springs. The purpose of the gathering was to celebrate the expansion of AgConnect, a program that provides finance opportunities and workforce support for agricultural businesses, and that promotes the benefits of farming to the region’s residents and visitors.
Welcoming everyone to the celebration, Chester County Commissioners Josh Maxwell, Marian Moskowitz and Eric Roe said, “Agriculture is big business in Chester County – worth $736 million – so it is important that we focus on promoting the significance and value of farming, while lending support to farmers and related agricultural businesses.
“This support includes everything from helping farmers permanently preserve their land for farming, through to finding ways to finance new farming technologies, finding and training staff, and promoting the benefits of local farm goods to residents and visitors.”
Chester County Government partnered with the Chester County Economic Development Council (CCEDC) last summer to restructure and expand AgConnect. Initially a CCEDC program that focused on workforce needs and finance opportunities for agriculture businesses, AgConnect now brings more resources to farmers and agricultural businesses; promotes the benefits of farming to the region’s residents and visitors; and is carrying out the Agriculture Economic Development Strategic Plan adopted by the Chester County Commissioners.
Speaking at the celebration event, Gary Smith, CEO of the Chester County Economic Development Council said, “I am overjoyed today as we officially announce AgConnect as a full-service economic development partnership to grow our commonwealth’s first industry, agriculture. This public-private collaborative will leverage resources and become the nucleus for supporting the development of our Ag producers and encourage consumers to support our Agriculture legacy.”
Commenting on the importance of programs like AgConnect, PA Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding said, “AgConnect is playing a pivotal role in shaping the future of Pennsylvania’s farming industry. By connecting farmers, agribusinesses, and students to essential resources and support, this program is ensuring that our agriculture sector continues to thrive. From providing mentorship and business development to creating career opportunities for the next generation of farmers, AgConnect is helping to foster a more resilient, innovative, and sustainable agricultural community in Pennsylvania—one that will continue to feed and fuel our state for generations to come.”
In addition to the celebration of AgConnect, Secretary Redding brought a special Century Farm recognition to the Matthews Family of Milky Way Farm.
“It is truly an honor to recognize the Matthews family and their stewardship of Milky Way Farm, where over four generations and 100 years of dedication to agriculture have shaped not only this farm but the very foundation of the community,” said Secretary Redding. “The Matthews family’s commitment to stewardship, education, and connection exemplifies the heart of Pennsylvania’s agricultural legacy, and we celebrate their Century Farm designation as a testament to their perseverance, strength, and the bright future of farming in our state.”
Milky Way Farm has been owned and operated by the Matthews Family as a dairy farm since 1902. Current caretakers, Sam and Melba Matthews, work with their children Carolyn Matthews Eaglehouse, Thomas and Jenna Matthews, and Tim and Jane Matthews Ferris, running the permanently preserved dairy farm, which has expanded over the years to include the Chester Springs Creamery; pumpkin picking, hayride and corn maze weekends in the fall; and a fresh produce and local honey cooperative. Milky Way was one of the first farms in the region to host school groups to educate children as they experience a working farm, and the family also holds summer day camps.
“The Matthews family is honored to have farmed Milky Way Farm for four generations,” said Carolyn Matthews Eaglehouse. “We appreciate the support of the community and government at all levels that has helped us sustain agriculture, so that we will continue farming for future generations.”
Information on AgConnect, its farming resources and connections to local produce can be found at www.go-agconnect.org. Keep up to date about AgConnect social media as well as a monthly newsletter – both available through the AgConnect website.
