We are pleased with the leadership team that has been and continues to be developed for Agrarian Country. This team is responsible for developing and implementing all aspects of Agrarian Country projects.

President

The President of Agrarian Country is Dr. Robert S. Barr, a graduate of The Pennsylvania State University with a doctorate in Agricultural Education and School Administration. He is an educator, author, speaker, publisher, real estate appraiser, and business entrepreneur. Dr. Barr has traveled internationally, and has been responsible for establishing numerous successful organizations and businesses. In 1960, Robert Barr was honored by Presidents Eisenhower and Kennedy as “Top 4-H Youth” in America. A year later, he was honored by the National Holstein Association as “National Holstein Boy.” Dr. Barr has been a high school educator, taught at The Pennsylvania State University, served as Assistant Executive Director of Intermediate Unit 17, served two terms on the Board of Directors for The Pennsylvania State University’s College of Agriculture Alumni Association, founded a two-year vocational and Bible school, and published a travel guide.

He is a strong proponent of farmland preservation and has provided expert testimony on appraisal, tax reform, Clean and Green (agricultural land preservation), and conservation easement programs. His other professional interests include the agricultural industry, real estate appraisal, and Christian ministries.

Executive Director of Administration and The Star Barn Project Director and Curator

Roberta A. Freeman is the Executive Director of Administration and The Star Barn Project Director and Curator for Agrarian Country. She graduated from Walk-Way Vocational and Bible Institute where she majored in Biblical studies and commercial art. Over the years, she also received training from other colleges in music, fine art, computer graphic arts, and writing. She has nearly 25 years of experience in office and business administration and is an experienced editor. Additionally, she is a graphic design artist who has designed logos and marketing materials for numerous businesses, including those for Agrarian Country. In addition to project oversight, Roberta will serve as a writer, editor, graphic designer and historian for Agrarian Country projects.

Executive Director of Operations

Ben H. Nolt, Jr. joined the Agrarian Country staff in the fall of 2008 to serve as Executive Director of Operations. Ben is an entrepreneurial and strategic-thinking executive with an exemplary record of developing, marketing, and leading organizations in the public, private and not-for-profit sectors including State Government, The Pennsylvania State University, and local, state, and national service organizations. Ben previously served as the Executive Secretary of the State Horse Racing Commission (1996 - 2008) and as a staff member for Penn State College of Agriculture - Departments of Agriculture and Extension Education, and Dairy and Animal Science (1986 - 1996). As a lifelong agriculturalist and educator, he strongly believes in the need for the public to have easy access to learning more about our agricultural heritage and a greater understanding of the necessity for a strong agriculture in the future.

Ben has held various leadership positions in the local, state and national nonprofit sector. As co-founder and President of the Capital Area Therapeutic Riding Association, Inc. (CATRA), he oversees the activities of one of the largest programs offering horseback riding to people with disabilities in Pennsylvania. Ben is a founding member of the Pennsylvania Equine Council which serves the broader needs of the horse industry in the state.

Ben and his wife, Shirley, live in rural Grantville, Pennsylvania and are able to enjoy their love of horses and interest in educating young people about horses at their New Day Equestrian Center.

Opportunities

Those interested in future opportunities with Agrarian Country may click here to print a copy of the Agrarian Country Involvement Questionnaire. Completed questionnaires may be submitted via email, fax, or mail.