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ROCK SPRINGS -- Ag Progress Days officials are optimistic large crowds will attend Pennsylvania's largest outdoor agricultural exposition Aug. 8 to 10 at the Russell E. Larson Agricultural Research Center at Rock Springs.
"Last year was strong attendance-wise. Exhibitor numbers got better as we got closer to the show. We had some issues getting equipment still coming out of COVID. We were down equipment-wise, but attendance was getting closer back to the 2019 show," manager Jesse Darlington said. "Weather always is a factor. Last year we had a lot of 70 degree days with little rain. The year before, we had record heat and thunder showers every day, that kept numbers down a little. We are very positive we will have a great show. We can't control the weather, but exhibitor-wise, we are looking very strong."
The show is hosted by Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences and showcases educational programs, current research and the latest innovations in agricultural equipment and technology.
Darlington said about 450 commercial and educational exhibits and various field demonstrations and workshops are planned. He pointed out that exhibitors cover virtually every product category, including field machinery, milking systems, animal genetics, storage structures, seed, feed, tools, trailers, sprayers, mixers, livestock housing, utility vehicles, fertilizers, fencing, financial products and insurance, among others.
Field demonstrations allow potential buyers to see and compare equipment in action, such as hay mowers, rakes and tedders, hay balers and bale handlers. New demonstrations this year include forage chopping, working drones, ATV safety and other farm safety and rescue practices.
New this year, the "Energy Showcase" presentations, which will be held Aug. 8 in the American National Learning Center building just up the hill from the crops building, will focus on solar photovoltaics.
Darlington said that free, daily research tours will allow visitors to see production and management practices being studied at the surrounding, 2,400-acre 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, stream buffers and native grasses and organic vegetable production.
Crop management, wildlife and conservation education, as well as the signature hay show, will be offered in and around the J.D. Harrington Crops, Soils and Conservation Building.
Specialists from Penn State and other organizations will be on hand to answer questions about crop production, weed identification, water quality and biofuels. Visitors can ask about crop and nutrient management, no-till practices, organic farming and sustainable agriculture and even bring weeds for experts to identify.
Ag Progress Days is a place where people can learn something new.
Inside its building on East Fifth street, Pennsylvania Farm Bureau will have representatives available from Nationwide, First Citizens Bank and MyDeals.
Representatives from PFB committees, including the Ag Promotion Committee, Women's Leadership Committee and Young Ag Professionals Committee, will be available, spokesman Will Whisler said.
The PA Friends of Agriculture Foundation will have kids' activities in the building as well as information on their programming throughout the year.
The Russell E. Larson Agricultural Research Center at Rock Springs is 9 miles southwest of State College on Route 45. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Aug. 8; 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Aug. 9; and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Aug. 10. Admission and parking are free.
Mirror Staff Writer Walt Frank is at 814-946-7467.