Beyond the delicious luncheon options, three speakers were the highlight of the annual spring meeting of the Warren County Farm Bureau.

The meeting was held recently at the Jackson Valley Golf Club in Sugar Grove.

Speakers included John Papalia, senior vice president of the Warren County Chamber of Business and Industry; Dan Glotz, Warren County commissioner; and Julie Zajac, executive director of 3 Pillarz Farm in Columbus.

Also in attendance at the meeting was State Rep. Kathy Rapp, R-Warren.

Papalia was in to speak about the Warren Works initiative. Papalia’s speech highlighted the impending expected decline of population in Warren County and how hosting a group of knowledgeable and skilled stake-holders like Warren Works could help to combat and adjust to meet the needs of the predicted decline of population in the area.

“One voice, all rowing the same direction,” explained Papalia.

As the heritage owner of her family’s farm, 3 Pillarz, in Columbus, Zajac spoke about multiple different ideas, concepts to modernize the growth of the local agricultural industry within Warren County. Zajac began by explaining how there was a large disconnect from farming and the agricultural industry from the youth of the nation and why it required teamwork and attacking the problem together to correct things.

“We need to do something to get kids back to what is real — what is right in front of them and what it can produce — and get their heads out of their mobile devices,” said Zajac. “Our primary goal (along with many others) is to cultivate the next generation of farmers in Northwest Pennsylvania. We need to put Northwest Pennsylvania on the map.”

Normal Farm Bureau business was attended to after the attendees enjoyed a catered luncheon. The updated State Report and ROD Report were provided before the highlight speakers had their opportunity on the podium.

The Warren County Farm Bureau awarded door prizes at the conclusion of their meeting and highlighted upcoming dates to remember including the Warren County Fair, scheduled from Aug. 4 through 10 and the Warren County Summer Picnic on Aug. 22.

Warren County Farm Bureau monthly meetings are held every fourth Thursday of the month at noon at the Bucket Cafe in Sugar Grove.

For more information about the County Farm Bureaus of Pennsylvania, visit https://pfb.com/county-farm-bureaus/.