Agriculture to Be Honored at Capitol During ‘Blessing of the Balers’ and ‘May is Beef Month’ Celebration, Says Cook

April 14, 2026

HARRISBURG – Rep. Bud Cook (R Greene/Washington) is inviting residents from across the Commonwealth to join the fourth annual Blessing of the Balers and “May is Beef Month” celebration, which will be held Tuesday, May 5, at the State Capitol in Harrisburg.

Blessing of the Balers honors the hardworking men and women in agriculture and offers prayers for a safe and successful growing season.

“Our farmers are among the hardest working people in Pennsylvania, and we want to support them as they begin another growing season,” Cook said. “The agriculture industry is the number one industry in Pennsylvania. Without farmers, there is no food on our tables, no clothing in our closets, and no foundation for so many of the industries that depend on their labor and expertise.”

The Blessing of the Balers started in Greene County when Joseph Krampy was having trouble with his farming equipment. Just when he was about to give up for the day, he encountered a Catholic priest who suggested praying over the machinery. After the prayer, the equipment started working again.

“Farmers spend a lot of time praying,” Cook said. “Half of the time they’re praying for rain and half of the time they’re praying for it not to rain. They also have to consider other variables such as timing and equipment that can make or break a season. So, it’s fitting that we take a moment to pray for them and the work they do.”

The blessing and beef month celebration kicks off at 11:30 a.m. on Commonwealth Avenue in Harrisburg, just behind the state Capitol building. The event features remarks from Secretary of Agriculture Russell Redding; as well as Pennsylvania Cattlemen's Association Member, Tom Logan; and the Rev. Donald Wilson of Greene County, who will offer the blessing.

Tractors and balers will be on display.

Those attending the Blessing of the Balers and Beef Month celebration are invited to register using this link for a free burger from the Pennsylvania Cattlemen’s Association and a milkshake courtesy of PennAg.

Representative Bud Cook
50th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Andrew Forgotch
717.772.9905
aforgotch@pahousegop.com
RepBudCook.com / Facebook.com/RepBudCook