Farm Sitters: The Unsung Heroes of Pennsylvania’s Agricultural Landscape
As Pennsylvania is home to tens of thousands of family-owned farms, the question of who cares for the animals when farmers are away has gained significant attention. With life’s demands creating time constraints, farm sitters have emerged as a necessary solution, ensuring livestock and pets are well cared for during owners’ absences.
Colin Deppen reports on the situation, spotlighting animal sanctuary Barking Tree Farm in Centre County, run by Linda Then and her wife, Sandy. Their farm, which houses various animals from goats to pigs, highlights the challenges faced by farmers who can’t simply leave their responsibilities behind. When emergencies or social events arise—like Sandy’s recent broken leg—professional farm sitters become essential.
However, most pet sitters do not cater to commercial farms due to liability exclusions in policies. Beth Stultz-Hairston of Pet Sitters International notes that 40% of their Pennsylvania members have cared for livestock, indicating a growing demand for specialized care providers.
Local entrepreneur Joanna Taylor, with a background in wildlife services, started Mountain Pets after retirement and aims to bridge the gap in available farm expertise. She emphasizes the unpredictability of farm work and the need for detailed instructions to manage unique circumstances.
For farm owners, while hiring sitters can be financially challenging, stories like Linda Then’s showcase their invaluable support during tough times. When emergencies struck, Linda and Sandy found a dependable ally in Taylor, who seamlessly stepped into the responsibility of caring for their farm.
As the industry grows, awareness of the vital role farm sitters play in Pennsylvania’s agriculture continues to rise, underlining the importance of these dedicated individuals in sustaining local farm life.
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Photo credit gantnews.com
