Article Summary –
Hugh McPherson’s Maple Lawn Farms in Pennsylvania, which has adapted over generations from a traditional crop farm to an agritourism-based operation, faces new challenges due to climate change, requiring significant investment for adapting crops to withstand rising temperatures. Climate change is causing severe issues for Pennsylvania farms, including intensified precipitation, heat stress on crops, and soil erosion, making sustainable farming practices crucial; however, adapting these practices comes with considerable costs and requires support from state and federal initiatives. With the new administration potentially rolling back federal climate programs, state lawmakers and environmental advocates are focusing on increasing state support for sustainable agriculture through grants, tax credits, and legislation, emphasizing the need for bipartisan cooperation to support farmers and mitigate climate impacts.
In the mid-1800s, Hugh McPherson’s great-great-grandfather, John McPherson, started a farm in York County, Pennsylvania, planting fruit trees to feed his family. Over time, the farm evolved into Maple Lawn Farms, where Hugh’s grandfather grew potatoes, string beans, and raised chickens before transitioning to corn, soybeans, and wheat.
Over more than 150 years, the McPherson farm has endured the Great Depression, world wars, and market shifts, such as large grocery corporations rejecting small farm produce from the 1990s onward. Unlike many family farms in Pennsylvania, Maple Lawn survives by returning to fruit production, drawing visitors for apple, blueberry, peach, and pumpkin picking.
Hugh McPherson, who initially studied plane design at Penn State, embraced agritourism to revitalize the farm. Rising temperatures due to climate change, however, forced the McPhersons to replace long-standing Macintosh apple trees with varieties better suited to warmer climates.
“It used to be hot, but summers didn’t last this long,” McPherson stated, noting reduced snow cover compared to his childhood. Despite changes, McPherson is optimistic, advocating for sustainable farming to withstand increasing droughts, fires, and floods. Adapting, however, incurs costs, like $10,000 per acre for new apple orchards, with a three-year wait for yield.
“We hoped the Macintoshes would recover, but they didn’t,” McPherson explained, comparing drought impacts on beef prices: reduced cattle lead to higher beef costs due to longer growth cycles.
‘Not doing anything is absolutely not an option’
Climate change in Pennsylvania is causing rising temperatures, severe flooding, record wildfires, and more frequent droughts, per the state DEP. Temperatures have risen 1.8 degrees in the last century and could increase by 5.9 degrees by 2050, leading to higher heat-related deaths, poorer air quality, and more pests.
Farmers face challenges like soil erosion from rainfall, crop damage from air pollution and wildfires, and heat risks for workers, as noted by the U.S. EPA. “Extreme precipitation events are rising,” noted Suat Irmak, a Penn State professor, highlighting the runoff issues from increased rainfall.
Adrienne Nelson, a bean farmer and National Young Farmers Coalition representative, emphasized, “Unpredictability in seasons complicates planning, with early frosts and warm spells.”
Irmak urged action: “We must act now to support farmers against climate change impacts.” He suggested collaboration among government, farmers, and researchers to deploy sustainable agriculture methods, supported by grants for adaptation. Irmak warned, “Ignoring climate change will be disastrous.”
Tackling climate change in a divided Legislature
The incoming Trump administration plans to roll back climate programs, leaving Pennsylvania lawmakers to address these issues. Nelson suggested focusing on state policies for sustainable farming, like low-till practices, as supported by the USDA for reducing emissions.
Gov. Josh Shapiro’s administration invested in tax credits for sustainable farming, and former Sen. Bob Casey secured $40 million in federal funds for emission reduction and water quality improvements on Pennsylvania farms.
Democratic Rep. Emily Kinkead expressed optimism for passing climate legislation in a split Legislature, suggesting framing bills as pro-farming to gain bipartisan support. She advocated for grant programs supporting no-till farming and protecting farmland from erosion.
Nelson also urged financial support in the upcoming farm bill for land access initiatives, helping young farmers overcome economic barriers and adopt sustainable practices. “Farmers improve soil quality but aren’t compensated, especially when leasing land,” Nelson said.
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