Three Mercer County farms are among 26 farms across 12 Pennsylvania counties preserved thanks to a $6.4 million investment.

A total of 1,969 acres on 26 farms in 12 PA counties were protected from future development on Thursday thanks to an investment of $6.4 million in state, county and township dollars.

One of the notable farms preserved as a result of this investment is located in the Shenango Valley in Mercer County.

The Ronald Carkin Farm in Sandy Township is a 77.39-acre crop and beef operation, and officially the 6,000th farm preserved by the Pennsylvania State Agriculture Land Preservation Board.

The farm is located in a portion of the greater Pittsburgh region that is experiencing significant residential development pressures. The farm is close to Lake Wilhelm, which is part of the Maurice K. Goddard State Park.

Additionally, two other Mercer County farms were preserved as part of this investment. 

The Dale Reimold Farm, an 81-acre crop and livestock farm, as well as the Kenneth L. and Connie J. Scott Farm, a 91-acre crop and livestock farm were also preserved.

Mercer County's total investment was $231,142 for the state and $32,229 for the county.