A surprisingly fitting definition of agriculture is found in Berks County, Pa.
WOMELSDORF, Pa. — Like any successful crop, the Berks County Farm Bureau’s inaugural Field to Table Dinner began with a seed: What if people could enjoy a field-to-table dinner in the middle of a growing crop?
On May 31, that seed came to life at Jeremy Meck’s farm near Womelsdorf, where guests dined among rows of growing soybeans while enjoying a meal sourced from Berks County farms and businesses. The sold-out event brought together farmers, consumers, agricultural leaders, elected officials, educators, students and community supporters for an evening centered on agriculture, conservation, education and community.
“It’s hard to imagine that just nine months ago, a friend and fellow Berks County Farm Bureau member, Sherry Fuhrman, sowed the seed of an idea. It continued to grow, and soon, the agricultural and conservation communities of Berks County embraced the vision and helped it flourish. This past weekend, we saw the harvest of that vision,” Meck reflected afterward.
Celebrating the county’s agricultural heritage and strengthening connections between producers and consumers, the meal was a chance to introduce new people to the Berks County Farm Bureau and support agricultural education initiatives that inspire the next generation.
Proceeds of the $125 per plate meal support agricultural education efforts, including the Mobile Ag Lab, SWAG (Soil, Water and Agriculture) educational bus, and agricultural literacy programs.
According to Fuhrman, every item served was grown, raised, produced, or value-added locally.
Guests began the evening with a wagon ride across Meck’s farm before arriving at the soybean field, where a beautifully prepared outdoor dining space awaited. Live praise music provided a backdrop throughout the evening. Chefs introduced each course and highlighted the local farms and ingredients that made the meal possible.
A traditional milk toast was led by Berks County Dairy Princess Maya Bicksler, featuring milk from Way-Har Farm Market and providing a fitting tribute to the dairy farmers whose work helps sustain Pennsylvania agriculture and local communities.
As the sun began to set over the soybean field and a full moon rose above the horizon, Meck shared his thoughts. As he prepared his remarks, he said afterward that he found himself asking a simple question: What is agriculture?
“The definition says agriculture is the science, art, and practice of cultivating soil, producing crops, and raising livestock,” Meck shared. “What surprised me was seeing agriculture described as an art.”
After looking up the definition of art, he found the connection: “Art is the conscious use of skill, imagination, and creative expression to produce something meaningful. That’s when it clicked. Agriculture and art have more in common than most people realize. One produces food for the body; the other nourishes the soul.”
He pointed to a quote that resonated: “The artist paints what he sees; the farmer grows what he believes.”
“To me, that captures the essence of farming… believing in growth before you can see the results. It requires faith, vision, and hope. I think the biggest is hope,” he related. “At planting time, there are no guarantees — no guarantee of rain, favorable weather, strong markets, or a successful harvest. Yet the farmer invests time, money, and effort based on what he believe is possible.”
Meck observed that yes, agriculture is fundamentally an act of creation. Like a painting on a canvas, “farmers look at an empty field and envision rows of corn, soybeans, wheat, or hay. They make decisions today based on what they hope to harvest tomorrow. A farmer believes that caring for the soil, crops, and livestock will produce something valuable not only for today, but for future generations. Together, we sow seeds today that will grow into a stronger tomorrow.”
Fuhrman said the dinner was an “opportunity to recognize the farmers, producers, agricultural leaders, educators, and young people who work every day to strengthen our local food system, and a reminder that every meal begins with someone willing to invest their time, energy, resources, and faith into the land.”
The menu itself showcased local ag diversity. Guests enjoyed a wild dandelion salad featuring products from several Berks County farms, fresh butter from B.A.D. Farm, herbed rolls by Destinee’s Creative Creations, roasted tomato bisque featuring tomatoes from Rogue Hydroponics, trout cakes from Limestone Springs Fishing Preserve, prime rib from LaFaver Family Farm, Bell & Evans chicken marsala, broccoli, herbed potatoes from Tallman Farms, and strawberry shortcake featuring berries from Prout’s Jollyview Farm.
In addition to Way-Har milk, other beverages included Meadow Tea from Pure Wild Tea, wines from Deerfoot Winery and 1787, craft beer from 1787, Cedar Mountain mineral water and Firehouse Coffee.
Chef Dale Reitenauer, PA Proud, and Moyer’s Catering collaborated to prepare the meal. In addition to Berks County Farm Bureau members, the team of volunteers included Kutztown and Tulpehocken FFA chapters, Virginville Grange, Berks County 4-H, the Berks County Department of Agriculture, and conservation partners that helped make the evening possible.26