One of a diminishing number of farmers in Allegheny County has won the 2019 Distinguished Service to Agriculture Award from the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau.
John Scott, a seventh-generation farmer in North Fayette Township west of Pittsburgh, received the award this week during the state bureau’s 69th annual meeting in Hershey.
The award is given to a person whose work and service has significantly contributed to the advancement of Pennsylvania agriculture.
“People say, ‘How can you farm 12 miles from where the Steelers play?’ We have a lot of community support here,” Scott told the bureau. “Our township has a picture of our farm hanging in their lobby. They know if we’re going, it’s gone; it’s urban.”
Scott grew up on the Scott Dairy Farm and returned there after college in 1974. Although he still owns the farm, his sons have taken over the daily tasks of what is now a beef and crop operation.
In addition to farming, Scott worked from 2003 to 2011 as Western Pennsylvania regional director for the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture.
Around 2000, he went on one of two agricultural missions to Ukraine through the U.S. Agency for International Development. During those visits, Scott assisted in the transition from Soviet central control to farmers having a free choice of crops and farming methods.
He also has hosted international delegations from Australia, France, Germany, Panama, Russia and South America.
“John really understands the important role farmers can play in educating the public, the media and elected officials about farming and the agriculture industry by engaging them in conversations and hosting them on farm tours,” said PFB President Rick Ebert. “John is extremely personable and always makes time to talk with younger farmers and peers about farming practices and trends.”
Although he farms in Allegheny County, Scott is a member of the Washington County Farm Bureau.
