History: Our Story

Our Organization’s Purpose

“To encourage and protect the trade and business of flour, feed and grain milling in the State of Pennsylvania by cultivating a more intimate and friendly relation among the millers of Pennsylvania, and promoting in every expedient and lawful manner the interests of their business.”

Charter Day

In the fall of 1877, several Pennsylvania millers (flour grist mills) faced discriminatory freight rates by the railroad and shipping companies of U.S. Midwest and Western flour.

Hence, these Pennsylvania Mills banded together, and by January 1878, the group had begun to call themselves the “Pennsylvania Millers State Association,” with a constitution and by-laws being adopted.

However, our original charter date is January 7, 1895.

The Pennsylvania Millers’ and Feed Dealers’ Association

As the farming and agricultural industry progressed and the growth of “patent” flour and cake flour in larger mills expanded in the Midwest and West, the need for a local flour grist began to cease.

The millers of Pennsylvania switched their gears in the late 1920s and 1930s to become feed mills for animal nutrition and buy commodities from farmers, including wheat, corn, soybeans, milo, and more.

By 1931, our organization modify its name to “The Pennsylvania Millers’& Feed Dealers’ Association” to incorporate this new trend for mills in Pennsylvania.

PennAg Industries Association

By 1969, our organization would broaden its appeal to other agribusinesses, including fertilizer, seed, and ag chemicals, and their cooperative organizations in the state.

In 1972, “The Pennsylvania Millers’& Feed Dealers’ Association” officially revised its name to PennAg Industries Association, as we are known by many today.

In 1996, our organization changed its by-laws to allow for the formation of councils to represent various sectors of Pennsylvania’s growing agricultural industry, including animal agriculture.

Travel through History with PennAg Industries

For nearly 150 years, PennAg has been advocating for current agriculture and future farmers by supporting the growth and promotion of various sectors of Pennsylvania’s agribusiness, including feed mills, manufacturers, fish farmers, and more. Join us as we delve into history to explore our strong roots in Pennsylvania’s agribusiness!

Dig into Pennsylvania’s Rich Agricultural History with PennAg!

Over the last several centuries, PennAg has supported its members in various legislative, public, and media settings. Discover nearly more than 100 years of Pennsylvania’s agricultural history with our organization by accessing our in-depth organizational historical infographic.