L-R: Brett Moyer, Clemens Food Group General Manager, Stephen Kulp, Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding, and Mark Musselman, Clemens Food Group Harvest Superintendent.
A 31-year employee of Clemens Food Group, Stephen “Cowboy” Kulp, of Sellersville, was named as one of three recipients of the state Department of Agriculture and Department of Labor & Indusrtry’s Pennsylvania Farmworkers of the Year Award.
“Stephen embodies the qualities of an exemplary team member: technical proficiency, teamwork, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. His contributions have not only elevated our productivity but have also fostered a culture of integrity and ethical conduct within our workplace,” said Clemens Food Group Harvest Superintendent Mark Musselman in the nomination form.
The other two honorees were Jose Mateos, of Hollabaugh Brothers in Biglerville and Charles “Cam” Bishop, of Pennsylvania Packinghouse, in Washington County.
"Out of all of the frontline workers across the state, I’m shocked that I was selected," Kulp told North Penn Now. "It’s great to see that they appreciate agriculture and frontline workers and we’re being recognized for our hard work we give every day.”
According to the Department of Agriculture, the new awards highlight outstanding frontline farm and food-processing employees who work tirelessly to produce a safe, secure food supply, feeding families and local economies across Pennsylvania.
The three honorees are among the 593,000-plus workers whose jobs sustain Pennsylvania’s $132.5 billion agriculture industry.
“Skilled, diligent team-players like Jose, Stephen, and Charles feed our families, inspire their coworkers and are the foundation of their employers’ success,” Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding said. “The Shapiro Administration applauds the contributions agriculture workers make to our communities and our economy and to every one of our daily lives. Governor Josh Shapiro has made the agriculture industry a top priority since day one, recognizing agriculture as central to Pennsylvania’s future economic vitality.”
Kulp, a cancer survivor affectionately known as "Cowboy," joined the Clemens Family in June 1993 and has exemplified unwavering dedication and commitment to excellence in every aspect of his role and is seen as an important leader at the company, according Musselman.
Kulp started at the company as an ID trimmer, tasked with ensuring integrity and safety of products.
“From the beginning, he exhibited a remarkable attention to detail, meticulously identifying and addressing any abnormalities or pathologies with precision and care. His proficiency extended to operating equipment such as the brisket saw and managing the viscera table disposition, showcasing his versatility and adaptability in various tasks,” wrote Musselman in Kulp’s nomination form.
According to Musselman, Kulp is a team player, seamlessly collaborating with doctors and USDA inspectors to promote an efficient workflow.
“His ability to communicate and address challenges head-on ensures that our operations run smoothly, maintaining the highest standards of quality and safety,” said Musselman. “Cowboy's dedication to his work is truly inspiring. He understands the importance of his role in delivering safe and high-quality products to our customers, and he approaches each task with a sense of pride and responsibility. His willingness to share his knowledge and expertise with his colleagues speaks volumes about his commitment to the success of our team.”
Kulp is described at work as someone who embodies “be kind.”
“The Clemens Food Group family has been so good to me and my family over the years. I know everyone says I motivate my teammates, but they motivate me to be the best version of myself every day," Kulp said. "I always make it a priority to make everyone smile when they’re down or give reassurance if they’re having a tough day. I’ve built some really strong relationships and friends here and I’m thankful for that.”
According to Musselman, his kindness underscores the power of choosing one's attitude, emphasizing the ability to show kindness despite personal challenges.
“Despite battling daily pain during his diagnosis, he exemplified resilience by showing up to work each day with positivity, inspiring his department with his strength. In 2017, Clemens Food Group opened our Coldwater, Michigan facility. Without hesitation, Cowboy said he was willing to spend whatever time was needed to train his new teammates, ensuring that the quality, precision and standards of what is done in Hatfield were being met in our new plant,” Musselman wrote in the nomination form. “Making the company always look its best is top of mind and he instilled great work habits for our newest team members.”
Perseverance and grit is what the community – and CFG – gets with Kulp.
“His presence is more than just a physical one; it's a beacon of leadership and compassion. Whether it's stepping up as an unassigned team lead following a colleague's retirement or spearheading initiatives for company improvements and training, Cowboy leads by example, igniting enthusiasm and dedication in those around him,” said Musselman.
