If your exposure to agriculture has only been confined to the impressions you get at the Farm Show, you've missed the rather extensive back-story that I don't think the AG community is anxious for you too know.

The weather has been mild this year; quite a change from the tumultuous weather of the past year. Though the temps and lack of snow have allowed us to be out of doors more, outside chores are still at a minimum. Gathering eggs, cleaning up after the poultry and cleaning up downed branches are done by rote.

It had been a couple of years since I went to the Pennsylvania Farm Show. After school activities, weather, and a full-time job had gotten in the way. At least that's what I told myself. I was ready to forego another year until my 13-year old daughter mentioned it. I had taken her many times when she was younger and life was simpler (or so it seemed). Evidently she had very good memories of the Farm Show. And she wanted to go again. After running out of legitimate excuses, and looking for something interesting to do on a quiet January weekend, we got up early this Saturday morning and headed to the Farm Show Complex.