2026 state farm show butter sculpture highlights U.S. history for nation’s 250th anniversary
Dairy industry leaders and state Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding unveiled the butter sculpture for the 2026 Pennsylvania Farm Show on Thursday, Jan. 8.
This year’s sculpture, titled “A Toast to Our Nation’s 250th Anniversary: Inspired by Founders. Grown by Farmers,” depicts how defining moments in U.S. history and the evolution of agriculture have grown side by side to shape the nation.
“The butter sculpture is a people-pleasing favorite every year at the Pennsylvania Farm Show,” Redding said. “In this America250 year, it takes on a deeper meaning reflecting how agriculture has been the roots of our nation’s growth and prosperity for 250 years, and how Pennsylvania farmers will continue to lead us forward.”
The 1,000-pound sculpture depicts a scene in 1776 in Philadelphia of Benjamin Franklin and the Founding Fathers at the signing of the Declaration of Independence alongside patriotic elements such as the Liberty Bell, a tribute to Betsy Ross and red, white and blue accents. The base highlights Pennsylvania’s agricultural heritage.
The sculpture was sponsored by the state Department of Agriculture, American Dairy Association North East and the Pennsylvania Dairy Promotion Program.
