Pennsylvania House Republican Caucus
05/06/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 05/06/2026 12:58
Cook’s Resolution Celebrates Blessing of the Balers and Pennsylvania’s Leading Agriculture Industry
May. 06, 2026
HARRISBURG - Rep. Bud Cook (R-Greene/Washington) announced May 5, 2026, is now Blessing of the Balers Day in Pennsylvania. The designation follows the successful passage of a resolution he sponsored, which was approved on Wednesday by an overwhelming majority in the House of Representatives.
House Resolution 495 helps to highlight the original Blessing of the Balers, which took place in Greene County, where farmer Joseph Krampy was having trouble with his baler one day. It was one issue after another. Just when he was about to give up, a Catholic priest who was passing by stopped to inquire about the baling process. The two prayed over the baler, and it wound up working perfectly.
"Blessing of the Balers has grown into a significant tradition in the agriculture community," Cook said. "It started with a simple moment and has blossomed into events across Pennsylvania that bring people together and honor the work of our farmers."
The successful passage of House Resolution 495 comes just one day after Rep. Cook hosted his fourth annual Blessing of the Balers at the state Capitol. The event serves as a day to celebrate the agriculture industry, which is the leading industry in Pennsylvania, pray for a good growing season and recognize farmers across the Commonwealth.
"We're proud the House has chosen to recognize this event and the vital role our agriculture industry plays in our Commonwealth," Cook said. "Farmers are responsible for everything from the food we eat to the clothes on our backs. It's important we continue to acknowledge their efforts, and this resolution serves as one way to honor the value they bring to communities across the Commonwealth."
Editor's note: Here is a link to Rep. Bud Cook (R-Greene/Washington) speaking about House Resolution 495. Also attached is a photo from Rep. Bud Cook's fourth annual Blessing of the Balers event held on May 5, 2026.
Representative Bud Cook
50th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Andrew Forgotch
717.772.9905
[email protected]
RepBudCook.com / Facebook.com/RepBudCook
House Resolution 495 helps to highlight the original Blessing of the Balers, which took place in Greene County, where farmer Joseph Krampy was having trouble with his baler one day. It was one issue after another. Just when he was about to give up, a Catholic priest who was passing by stopped to inquire about the baling process. The two prayed over the baler, and it wound up working perfectly.
"Blessing of the Balers has grown into a significant tradition in the agriculture community," Cook said. "It started with a simple moment and has blossomed into events across Pennsylvania that bring people together and honor the work of our farmers."
The successful passage of House Resolution 495 comes just one day after Rep. Cook hosted his fourth annual Blessing of the Balers at the state Capitol. The event serves as a day to celebrate the agriculture industry, which is the leading industry in Pennsylvania, pray for a good growing season and recognize farmers across the Commonwealth.
"We're proud the House has chosen to recognize this event and the vital role our agriculture industry plays in our Commonwealth," Cook said. "Farmers are responsible for everything from the food we eat to the clothes on our backs. It's important we continue to acknowledge their efforts, and this resolution serves as one way to honor the value they bring to communities across the Commonwealth."
Editor's note: Here is a link to Rep. Bud Cook (R-Greene/Washington) speaking about House Resolution 495. Also attached is a photo from Rep. Bud Cook's fourth annual Blessing of the Balers event held on May 5, 2026.
Representative Bud Cook
50th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Andrew Forgotch
717.772.9905
[email protected]
RepBudCook.com / Facebook.com/RepBudCook
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Pennsylvania House Republican Caucus published this content on May 06, 2026, and is solely responsible for the information contained herein. Distributed via Public Technologies (PUBT), unedited and unaltered, on May 06, 2026 at 18:58 UTC. If you believe the information included in the content is inaccurate or outdated and requires editing or removal, please contact us at [email protected]