Area mushrooms, cheese win at Farm Show

Posted by Press Release on January 27, 2015

From cheese to mushrooms to sheep and swine, Chester County farmers and producers received high marks from Pennsylvania Farm Show judges last week, resulting in an impressive array of ribbons in almost every agricultural discipline.

Chester County cheese-makers swept all three “best of show” top spots in the show’s first-ever cheese competition. The Farm at Doe Run in West Marlborough Township took first place with its “Seven Sisters” cheese.

Two Chester Springs farms - Yellow Springs and Birchrun Hills Farm – won for their “Cloud Nine” (first place) and “Tomme Mole” (second place) respectively, in addition to several other ribbons in their various subcategories. Shellbark Hollow Farm in West Chester won second place for its goat’s milk cheese.

Chester County mushroom producers To-Jo Mushrooms in Avondale and Phillips Mushroom Farm in Kennett Square took first and third places in the overall mushroom exhibitor competition, continuing the county’s tradition of impressive competition results as the top mushroom-producing county in the nation.

“We are very proud of the farmers and producers who did such a great job of demonstrating the agricultural excellence Chester County is famous for,” said Chris Alonzo, board chair of the Chester County Ag Council and President of Pietro Mushrooms. “From our outstanding results in the cheese competition to our solid showing in mushrooms and livestock, the Farm Show allows us to showcase all the many ways agriculture is the top industry here in Chester County.”

Poultry, dairy and beef cattle, and sheep were additional county standouts in the final competition results. Chester County residents also earned ribbons for their baking skills, farm photography and singing talents.

The Pennsylvania Farm Show, the largest indoor agricultural exposition in the nation, just completed its 99^th year of operation. Each year, it hosts nearly 6,000 animals, 10,000 competitive exhibits and 300 commercial exhibits. For a list of all Chester Countyy winners, go to http://www.farmshow.state.pa.us/Results_Counties.aspx?Y=2015&County=15&CountyName=CHESTER.