Agriculture & Nature

Welcome to Happy Valley, Pennsylvania, where our commitment to conservation and embracing nature is evident in our world-renowned agricultural and nature programs at Penn State and throughout our community. Happy Valley's connection to agriculture has roots that run deep, and we invite you to explore it with us!

Happy Valley is home to more than one thousand farms and an agricultural history that dates back to the earliest days of Pennsylvania. It’s a history of hard work, a passion for growing things, and a love of the land and all things that come from it. In 1855, this commitment lead a group of gentlemen farmers to found the Farmers’ High School of Pennsylvania on 200 acres of land belonging to James Irvin, which would later become Pennsylvania State University. 

Delve into our rich agricultural heritage and immerse yourself in innovative practices, sustainable solutions, and groundbreaking research. Explore our local agriculture businesses from farms and farmer’s markets, to restaurants, wineries, breweries, and distilleries, and much more. Join us in embracing our agricultural roots and shaping the future of the industry.