Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
11/10/2026 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 11/10/2026 16:04
Shapiro Administration Honors Huntingdon County Military Veteran-Farmer, Inaugural Pennsylvania Veteran Ag Entrepreneurship Award Winner
November 10, 2026 - Tyrone, PA
Shapiro Administration Honors Huntingdon County Military Veteran-Farmer, Inaugural Pennsylvania Veteran Ag Entrepreneurship Award Winner
Today, Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding and Deputy Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Terrance Koudelka, Pennsylvania Air National Guard, visited George Lake, owner of Thistle Creek Farms in Huntingdon County, who was honored at the 2026 Pennsylvania Farm Show as the inaugural winner of the Pennsylvania Veteran Ag Entrepreneurship Award. The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture recognizes military veteran-farmers through the new award for their leadership, innovation, and entrepreneurial success.
"Veterans who continue to serve their country through agriculture play an important role in preserving Pennsylvania's agricultural legacy and strengthening its future," Secretary Redding said. "Veterans like George Lake bring the same dedication, discipline, resilience, and problem-solving skills that defined their military service to their farms and communities. Their contributions make Pennsylvania agriculture stronger, and the Shapiro Administration recognizes the important role veteran farm families play in our industry. We remain committed to investing in these farmers, supporting the success, and ensuring they have opportunities to continue building their legacies."
A 30-year U.S. Marine Corps veteran, Lake has transformed his family's 600-acre Huntingdon County farm, operated since 1919, into a nationally recognized regenerative livestock operation producing a premium grass-fed beef brand. Beyond managing a diversified farm, he mentors fellow producers. Lake exemplifies the award's mission by combining military leadership, agricultural innovation, and long-term business sustainability to strengthen Pennsylvania agriculture.
Speakers
Thistle Creek Farms Owner George Lake
Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding
Pennsylvania Air National Guard Deputy Adjutant General Maj. Gen. Terrance Koudelka
Senator Judy Ward
Rodney Davis, President Huntingdon County Farm Bureau
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