About Agrarian Country, The Ultimate Agricultural Educational Experience
Agrarian Country, temporarily located in Middletown, Pennsylvania, is a nonprofit organization, and was established in 2006 for the purpose of preserving Pennsylvania farmland and farm buildings and to provide a place where people of all ages can visit and/or participate in the operation of numerous agricultural enterprises in a real-life farm setting. Through farmland preservation and hands-on agricultural educational activities, Agrarian Country hopes to rekindle interest in America’s agricultural heritage and a self-sufficient way of life, to promote wholesome and healthy living, and provide a refreshing escape from everyday stresses. Agrarian Country is investing today for the future and appreciation of our agricultural heritage. Agrarian Country will have three centers:
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Center for Agricultural Enterprises.
This center will promote animal production, plant production (organic and non-organic), and agri-business. The following educational production areas are being developed:
Animal Farm Enterprises
- Dairy Farm
- Beef Farm
- Alpaca Farm
- Sheep and Goat Farm
- Swine Farm
- Equine Farm
- Poultry Farm
- Deer and Elk Farm
- Bison Farm
- Fish Farm
Plant Farm Enterprises
- Agronomic Crops
- Hydroponics
- Greenhouse
- Landscape
- Horticultural Nursery
- Christmas Tree
- Horticultural Fruit
- Mushroom
- Forest Management
- Grape Vineyard
Agri-Business Enterprises
- Conference Center
- Farm Market
- Retirement Village
- Animal Hospital
- Lodge
- Membership
- Food Services
- Products Manufacturing
- Antiques
- Biogreen Production Center
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Center for Agricultural Education.
The Star Barn will be the icon for Agrarian Country’s conference and educational center. In addition to promoting agricultural awareness, the center will also provide facilities for festivals, shows, auctions, dinners, community theater, etc. The following initiatives are being developed:
- The Star Barn at Agrarian Country Conference Center
- Educational Programs (agricultural history though to today’s technology)
- Agricultural Career Exploration Camp
- Soil and Water Conservation Center
- Wildlife Conservation Center
- Biogreen Educational Center
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Center for Agricultural Tourism.
Experience Agrarian Country by staying on the farm in a private farm cottage, exploring numerous agricultural enterprises in operation, being part of a host farm family experience, helping with farm chores, helping to plant, fertilize, and harvest crops, etc. The following tourism facilities are being developed:
- Heritage Farm Museum and Gift Shop
- Farm Toy Museum and Gift Shop
- Campground, Resort, and Park
- Rural Art Gallery and Museum and Gift Shop
- Faith, Farm, and Family Museum and Gift Shop
- Country Chapel and Botanical Gardens
- Travel Agency
Planned Festivals and Events
- The Star Barn 1872-Style Barn Raising
- Christmas Show and Pageant
- Old-Time Days and Toy Show
- Farm Life Art Show
- Natural Resources Preservation Show
- Fall Harvest Festival
- Music Festivals
- Auctions and Antique Shows
About Agrarian Country’s President
The President of Agrarian Country is Robert S. Barr, a graduate of The Pennsylvania State University with a doctorate in Agricultural Education and School Administration. He is an educator, author, speaker, publisher, real estate appraiser, and business entrepreneur. Dr. Barr has traveled internationally, and has been responsible for establishing numerous successful organizations and businesses such as 21st Century Appraisals, CourthouseOnline.com, and Paragon Technology. In 1960, Robert Barr was honored by Presidents Eisenhower and Kennedy as “Top 4-H Youth” in America. A year later, he was honored by the National Holstein Association as “National Holstein Boy.” Dr. Barr has been a high school educator, taught at The Pennsylvania State University, served as Assistant Executive Director of Intermediate Unit 17, served two terms on the Board of Directors for The Pennsylvania State University’s College of Agriculture Alumni Association, founded a two-year vocational and Bible school, and published a travel guide.
He is a strong proponent of farmland preservation and has provided expert testimony on appraisal, tax reform, Clean and Green (agricultural land preservation), and conservation easement programs. His other professional interests include the agricultural industry, real estate land development, and Christian ministries.
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