Franklin County Producer Billy Timmons Expands Family Legacy Through PA Beef to PA Schools

FRANKLIN COUNTY, Pa. — April 13, 2026 — For Billy and Sarah Timmons, farming is more than a livelihood; it’s a legacy. A fourth-generation farmer at Timmons Farms, Billy and his family continue a tradition that began decades ago. His children, the fifth generation, are now actively involved in the operation and carrying the tradition forward. 

From raising cattle to managing the family’s direct-to-consumer beef business, the farm remains deeply rooted in family, hard work, and a commitment to feeding the local community.

Part of that commitment to serving the community they have called home for generations comes through a growing involvement with the PA Beef to PA Schools (PBPS) program. An initiative of the Pennsylvania Beef Council, the PBPS program connects beef producers with local school districts to ensure students have access to more beef, more often, on their school lunch trays.

PBPS ensures that high-quality beef is on the menu regularly and works to fight food insecurity while meeting students’ nutritional needs with locally sourced protein. School food service providers focus on creating healthy meals that showcase the power of protein and harness beef’s ten essential nutrients to support and fuel growing bodies.

“Beef has so much to offer, including ten essential nutrients that can support a healthy and active lifestyle. We continue to be extremely passionate about fueling young students with beef and connecting the dots between Pennsylvania farm families and beef meals on the lunch tray,” said Nichole Hockenberry, PA Beef Council, Executive Director. “Our desire is to provide more beef, more often in schools, which offer sound nutrition and a great eating experience, and ultimately grow the next generation of beef consumers.” 

A Natural Fit for PA Beef to PA Schools

Today, Timmons Farms manages a cow-calf herd and finishes approximately 200 head of cattle each year, supplying high-quality beef directly to customers through a farm-based label launched in 2010. “All I’ve ever known is working with cattle and working alongside my family,” Timmons said. “That’s what makes it so rewarding.” 

While the farm has long sold freezer beef and individual cuts, demand for steaks and roasts often leaves them with an excess of ground beef, creating a natural opportunity to expand into new markets.

That opportunity came through the PA Beef to PA Schools (PBPS) program. After learning more about the initiative, Timmons reached out to the Pennsylvania Beef Council and quickly saw how the program could align with his operation.

“A lot of our beef had already been going into the program through other channels,” Timmons said. “So, it made sense for us to get involved directly.”

This year marked the farm’s first step into PA Beef to PA Schools, supplying 400 pounds of beef to Everett High School. For Timmons, the decision wasn’t just about market opportunity; it was about mission. 

“I think it’s an excellent idea and program,” he said. “I’d definitely like to keep participating.” 

Connecting Students to Agriculture 

 Beyond supplying beef, Timmons Farms is deeply committed to agricultural education and conservation, regularly working with local organizations and schools to give students hands-on experiences.

The farm has hosted activities such as tree-planting events in partnership with the Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, bringing high school students to the farm to learn about conservation practices and the role agriculture plays in environmental stewardship. 

“Being able to connect students with farmers and give them an idea of where their food comes from, that’s important,” Timmons said. That commitment has not gone unnoticed. Timmons Farms has been recognized as Franklin County Conservation Farmer of the Year, reflecting the family’s dedication to responsible land stewardship and sustainable farming practices.

A Family Operation, Built for the Future

Family remains at the center of everything the Timmons operation does. Billy’s wife, Sarah, and their children all play active roles on the farm, with the next generation already gaining hands-on experience in agriculture. Their oldest daughter, Hunter, and her husband both work on the farm, while their younger children continue to contribute while pursuing education and careers of their own. 

As the farm continues to grow, Timmons sees PA Beef to PA Schools as an important part of its future, both as a market opportunity and as a way to give back to the community.

“Programs like this help connect people to agriculture,” he said. “And that’s something we want to be a part of.” 

Through PA Beef to PA Schools, Billy Timmons and his family uphold a proud farming tradition while helping the next generation understand, value, and benefit from Pennsylvania agriculture.

Photo 1: The Timmons family are 4th and 5th generation farmers in Franklin County, PA where they operate Timmons Farms. 

Photo 2: Cattle graze on the Timmons Farm.

To learn more about the PA Beef Council contact Nichole Hockenberry, PA Beef Council Executive Director at [email protected] or 1-888-4BEEFPA. 

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The Pennsylvania Beef Council is a producer-controlled and funded organization, which administers the Beef Checkoff Program in Pennsylvania. The Beef Checkoff Program assesses $1 per head on the sale of live domestic and imported cattle, in addition to a comparable assessment on imported beef and beef products. Checkoff revenues may be used for promotion, education and research programs to improve the marketing climate for beef.