Lizzie Bailey and Heidi Secord. Photo by 2025 Fair Queen Ava Immel
Heidi's Revelation
In a rare pause between awarding event ribbons at the PA Farm Show's Family Living Stage, 2025 Fair Queen Ava Immel and I wandered together, grateful for a quiet moment. She suggested that we stop by to see Lizzie Bailey's interactive quilt display, and I didn't realize then how much that moment would stay with me. With needle and thread, Lizzie invited me to add a stitch. As I did, I felt the weight and gift of belonging, of being a part of a story larger than myself. In that simple act, I was reminded that Pennsylvania's agricultural future is shaped not only by big decisions, but by small intentional moments when we choose to care, to contribute, and to carry something forward for those who come next.
~ Heidi Secord, Deputy Secretary for Food, Farm and Market, Access, PA Department of Agriculture
Lizzie's Story
"The idea of the quilt started in June of 2025. I emailed Secretary Redding to share the idea and get his thoughts. He responded quickly with encouragement and a few suggestions. I knew right then that I had something special in the works! I started collaborating and building a team by partnering our Cumberland Valley Grange and the Scrubgrass Grange in Venango County. It's a wonderful project, and we are discussing ways to enhance it."
~ Lizzie Bailey, Executive Director, Pennsylvania State Council of Farm Organizations
