UNIVERSITY PARK — Penn State’s Ag Progress Days, held Aug. 12-14 at the Russell E. Larson Agricultural Research Center at Rock Springs, was a successful showcase of agricultural innovation, research and technology, according to leaders in the College of Agricultural Sciences, which sponsored the event.

Over its three-day run, the annual expo attracted an estimated 42,000 visitors from throughout Pennsylvania and beyond — including agricultural producers and industry representatives, government officials, consumers and families, home gardeners, environmental advocates, horse enthusiasts, and others.

Attendees perused more than 430 commercial and educational exhibits, took tours of the research center, watched farm safety and field machinery demonstrations, took in presentations and workshops, learned about foods and healthy living, participated in hands-on activities for youth, and enjoyed other activities.

By highlighting research involving emerging and advanced technologies — and the educational programs that translate the science for producers, students, communities and consumers — the college was able to demonstrate the return Pennsylvania receives on its investment in agricultural research and extension, noted Troy Ott, dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences.

“As Pennsylvania’s only land-grant university, we serve agriculture by developing science-based solutions, technological innovations, and a highly trained workforce to address the challenges and capture the opportunities that will drive economic prosperity in the commonwealth,” Ott said. “At Ag Progress Days, we were able to give producers, policymakers and the public a glimpse of how their land-grant university is using the resources entrusted to us to advance and deploy these technologies and find solutions to the challenges we face.”

He pointed out that displays in the College of Agricultural Sciences Exhibits Building focusing on research areas such as machine vision and robotics in tree-fruit and mushroom production were of particular interest to visitors, including Gov. Josh Shapiro and state legislators who have championed technology adoption through the state’s Agricultural Innovation Grant Program.

Jesse Darlington, Ag Progress Days manager, added that the expo annually highlights the latest commercial and academic innovations in agriculture, but it is more than a place for farmers to see the latest technology — it’s a chance for them to learn how this technology would benefit their operation. As one of the few agricultural trade shows hosted by a university, the event is a value-added opportunity for attendees, he explained.

“The presence of our faculty and Penn State Extension educators sets our show apart from others because we can offer a variety of resources and educational programs for our visitors,” Darlington said. “As I talked with attendees, including those who had never visited the show, many were surprised and impressed with the educational opportunities that we offer for all ages.”

Darlington also expressed appreciation for the Ag Progress Days commercial exhibitors — who come from all over the United States — calling them a big part of the show’s success.

“Our commercial exhibitors are a valuable resource for our farmers to obtain the necessary equipment, supplies and education that help their operations,” he said.

He noted that planning begins almost immediately for next year’s event, which is scheduled for Aug. 11-13, 2026. The 2026 expo will mark the 50th anniversary of the year that Penn State’s research center at Rock Springs became the permanent site of Ag Progress. Prior to 1976, the event was held in a different location in the state each year. The college plans special activities at the 2026 show to commemorate the milestone.