Penn State’s Ag Progress Days set next month
UNIVERSITY PARK — The latest in farming products, services, equipment and technology will be on full display during this year’s Ag Progress Days.
The agricultural expo, hosted by Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences, will take place Aug. 12-14 at the Russell E. Larson Agricultural Research Center at Rock Springs, Centre County.
Show Manager Jesse Darlington said this year’s expo is shaping up to be one of the best, featuring hundreds of commercial and educational exhibits, as well as various field demonstrations and workshops — all designed to help producers maintain and enhance productivity, sustainability and profitability.
“Ag Progress Days is all about celebrating how far agriculture has come and where it’s headed,” said Darlington. “It’s a chance for folks to see how Penn State’s research and extension work is helping to create real, positive change. We’re thankful for the support we get from farmers, ag professionals and our local communities.”
Exhibitors will cover a wide range of product categories, including field machinery, milking systems, animal genetics, storage structures, feed, tools, trailers, sprayers, mixers, livestock housing, utility vehicles, fertilizers, fencing, financial products and insurance. Crop producers also can meet leaders in seed production and discover the latest hybrids available.
Field demonstrations enable potential buyers to see and compare equipment in action, including hay mowers, rakes, tedders, hay balers and bale handlers.
Also planned are demonstrations of drone sprayers. Health and safety presentations will focus on lawn mower safety, agricultural rescue and the “Stop the Bleed” program. The student Penn State Pullers and the Agribot Club will showcase a few of their projects.
Darlington said free, daily research tours again will allow visitors to see production and management practices being studied by Penn State researchers at the surrounding, 2,400-acre Russell E. Larson Agricultural Research Center. Tour attendees are transported by bus, but most tours require some walking or standing. Topics will include equine pastures and dry lots, forest management, and a newly developed stream buffers tour.
Sponsored by Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences, Ag Progress Days is held at the Russell E. Larson Agricultural Research Center at Rock Springs, 9 miles southwest of State College on Route 45. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 12; 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Aug. 13; and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 14. Admission and parking are free.