In 1955, a 16-page weekly newspaper launched in Quarryville with a straightforward goal: to cover agriculture in Lancaster County. Seven decades later, Lancaster Farming has grown into one of the Mid-Atlantic’s most respected agricultural publications, producing more than 100 pages each week for readers across the region.

Founded by Alfred Alspach, who already owned two southern Lancaster County newspapers, Lancaster Farming filled a gap in agricultural coverage. Its first issue appeared Nov. 4, 1955, as farmers finished their fieldwork for the season, and just in time to capture local election advertising. 

From its earliest edition, the paper set out a clear editorial standard: “There is no pledge to paint only a rosy picture, for the policy will be to report the facts as they fall, to keep the (reader) informed on what is a factor in his business.”

Over 70 years and more than 3,500 editions, that commitment has remained steady. The publication now reaches farmers, agribusiness leaders and rural communities throughout the Mid-Atlantic, even as both agriculture and news media have faced dramatic change.

“Agriculture in America is a fascinating fusion of tradition and innovation, and Lancaster Farming is an integral part of that industry and culture,” said Stephen Seeber, executive editor of Lancaster Farming.

“Building trust with a dedicated readership over seven decades demonstrates the vital role a newspaper of record plays in its community. This milestone is a proud moment for our team,” Seeber continued.

To mark its 70th anniversary, Lancaster Farming will publish a 32-page special section in its Nov. 1 print edition. The section highlights the editors who have guided the newsroom, profiles winners of The Farmer’s Choice Award, and includes a look back at the paper’s evolution.

Readers can find related digital content at lancasterfarming.com, where a 70th anniversary banner will link to the full collection.