A sculpture made from nearly 1,000 pounds of butter and showcasing a fundraising campaign for an innovative food bank milk program was unveiled at the Pennsylvania Farm Show.

The sculpture, sponsored by Mid-Atlantic Dairy Association and Pennsylvania Dairy Promotion Program, is the 25th displayed at the show. It features the first-of-its-kind milk distribution program implemented by the two organizations and the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture in June 2014.

“For 25 years, the butter sculpture has been a landmark within the Pennsylvania Farm Show,” said Agriculture Secretary George Greig. “I’m proud that this year showcases the department’s pioneering initiative that gets milk into the hands of Pennsylvanians who need it the most. This milk distribution program is only possible because of partners in our dairy industry and at the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank.”

Through the public-private partnership, Pennsylvania dairy farmers ship milk to Harrisburg Dairies to be processed for the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank. The department facilitated the process of discounting milk for purchase by the food bank for its clients.

Greig noted that the program has proven good for farmers, milk dealers, food banks, and for Pennsylvanians in need. He added that dairy is the largest segment of Pennsylvania’s agriculture industry, with milk production alone contributing about 32 percent of all agricultural income at more than $2.3 billion. Dairy farmers spend nearly 85 percent of their income close to home.

Crafted by Victor and Marie Pelton of Conshohocken, Montgomery County, the butter sculpture creation begins in mid-December and is finished in time for the Farm Show. Victor also creates sculptures using chocolate and cheese.

At the close of the show, the butter, donated by Land O’ Lakes in Carlisle, Cumberland County, will be given to a Juniata County dairy farm. The butter will be put through a digester and converted to about 65 kilowatt hours of electricity to help operate the farm and homes in the community. Through the Land O’Lakes Foundation, the company has donated more than 80,000 pounds of food to the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank.