A new generation of specialty crop growers is building coalitions to develop innovative approaches for meeting future growing and marketing challenges. Participate as much or as little as you want, but get to know the people around you!
The Young Grower Alliance (YGA) was formed in 2005 as a coalition for specialty crop growers at the start of their horticulture careers. YGA members are looking to connect with others working in a similar profession and living a similar lifestyle. Activities include field trips, orchard tours, workshops, luncheons with guest speakers, and much more—limited by our own creativity! The coalition currently includes over 125 growers from the Mid-Atlantic region and beyond. New members are always welcome. If you are interested in joining the Young Grower Alliance, or would like to know more, please contact our coordinator.
A place to learn...
The YGA offers year-round educational opportunities to its members. Educational field trips to universities, grower orchards, and research facilities give direct accessibility to experts and professionals eager to share their knowledge and experiences. Exposure to new practices and technologies encourages innovation among this next generation of growers.
A place to lead…
Members are given opportunities to meet with community and agriculture leaders, serve on committees, and take on leadership roles within organizations. YGA has given a voice to the youth in horticulture, and many people are eagerly awaiting to hear what we have to say.
A place to connect...
The YGA is a social network bringing together the different young people who are pursuing the unique lifestyles involved with farming and horticulture. Whether you like to share business ideas or swap farmer stories, there is always someone to connect with at a YGA event.
Read more about us in our promotional flyer!
For photos from previous YGA tours & more information about us, check out this slideshow made by Maggie and Christopher Reid.
BenWenk
Ben is the YGA Chairperson. He is the seventh generation to farm at his family orchard operation, Three Springs Fruit Farm in Wenksville, PA. Ben is also an accomplished musician and enjoys promoting local fruits and vegetables at urban markets and through social networking sites likeFacebook. He was also instrumental in gaining a Food Alliance certification for Three Springs in 2010.
Sidney Kuhn
Sidney is the YGA liaison to the State Horticultural Association of PA. She served as YGA Committee Chairperson until 2011. Sidney works on her family farm, Kuhn Orchards in Orrtanna, PA.
Transition Planning — Jen Snavely, Kevin Knouse
Sharing Diversification & Marketing Ideas — Justin Weaver, Ellie Hollabaugh Vranich, Andre Tougas, Tyler Butler
Exploring Innovations — Rusty Lamb, Wes Boyer, Dave Hull, Ben Keim, Tyler Butler, Andrew Schwalm
Horticulture Student Recruitment — Sidney Kuhn, Wayne Hollabaugh, Jen Snavely, Bruce Hollabaugh, Eric Haller, Mike Flinchbaugh
Leadership Development — Ben Keim, Maggie Reid, Tyler Butler, Julie Bolyard
Service — Maggie Reid, Mike Flinchbaugh, Lindsey Kammerer
Communications — Sidney Kuhn, Janel Baugher
Web Site — Ben Wenk, Kevin Knouse
Grants — Matt Strite, Corey McCleaf
Mentor Program — Nathan Milburn, Matt Harsh
Tara Baugher
From its beginning in 2005, YGA has been a valued network for extending Penn State’s tree fruit educational programs to the specialty crop industry. Assisting young growers in transitioning to advanced horticulture systems through tours, in-depth workshops, and field trials is a truly meaningful part of an extension educator’s role. Young growers are invited to contact me if you have horticultural questions or ideas for answering those questions through research trials in your orchards!
Katie Ellis
As the YGA coordinator, I organize activities and help the group fine-tune their initiatives. I seek out networking and leadership opportunities, too. My background is in entomology, so I can answer questions that are "bugging" everybody!