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Industry takes center stage at Penn State’s Ag Progress Days

Expo set for Aug. 12-14

By Walt Frank 5 min read

ROCK SPRINGS -- 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.

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. 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," Darlington said.

"It is a showcase for the College of Agricultural Sciences to show people about the research and education we provide. It is an opportunity for the exhibitors to showcase the products they have. They can showcase the latest technology out there for farmers."

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.

"Ag Progress Days isn't just a trade show -- it's one of the most important events of the year for Pennsylvania's farm families. It brings boots-on-the-ground farming together with cutting-edge science in a way that's only possible because of Penn State's role as our land-grant university. Farmers come here not just to browse, but to engage -- with researchers, with policy leaders, and with practical tools that can help them solve problems, adapt to change, and keep their operations viable for the next generation," said Russell Redding, state agriculture secretary. "Under Governor Shapiro's leadership, Pennsylvania is investing in agriculture like never before -- launching the nation's first Agriculture Innovation Grant Program and placing farming squarely at the heart of our economic strategy. Ag Progress Days is where all of that comes together -- real people, real challenges and real solutions."

Darlington said this year's event will have more than

430 exhibitors.

"That's a little higher than last year. We draw exhibitors from all adjacent states, Canada and a few other countries but the majority of the exhibitors are from Pennsylvania," he said.

The three-day event typically attracts about 45,000 visitors and the weather can play a factor. Darlington said they are prepared with both indoor and outdoor exhibits for whatever the days bring.

Field demonstrations and tours are always a big attraction at Ag Progress Days.

Field demonstrations enable potential buyers to see and compare equipment in action, including hay mowers, rakes, tedders, hay balers and bale handlers.

A new tour will showcase the "Slash Wall" as an alternative to deer fencing. A slash wall is a cost-effective barrier -- typically made from logging debris, known as "slash" -- used to protect young trees from deer browsing and promote forest regeneration. Visitors will see a recently created slash wall, find out what material is necessary to build one, and learn what the maintenance requirements are to sustain the structure.

Penn State Extension master gardeners will provide research-based gardening advice in the Yard and Garden area at West 11th Street and Demonstration Alley.

The area will feature various educational presentations and tours of the demonstration gardens to help build horticulture knowledge and stimulate ideas that can be incorporated into the home garden.

Ag Progress Days has activities planned for younger people as organizers of the 4-H and Youth Building have a slate of activities planned for its youngest attendees on all three days.

The building is located behind the Family Room building on Main Street, between West Eighth and West Ninth streets, where visitors can learn about the state's 4-H program and participate in a 4-H animal science activity.

The Pasto Agricultural Museum will introduce its first interactive exhibit, focused on the history of the Russell E. Larson Agricultural Research Center.

The attraction presents an engaging, hands-on portrayal of farm and rural life before the widespread use of electricity and gas-powered equipment.

"We'll introduce our first interactive exhibit, 'Land & Legacy: A History of the Russell E. Larson Agricultural Research Center and its Landholders,' at the show this year," said Rita Graef, director of the Pasto Agricultural Museum and Armsby Respiration Calorimeter. "It's an interactive StoryMap project that explores the research center's historical development and the personal histories of the farms and families that once owned its land."

Pennsylvania Farm Bureau's building is on East Fifth Street. Visitors can learn the value of becoming a Farm Bureau member and discover the many benefits and services offered, visit with our vendors and watch the kiddie tractor pulls.

Ag Progress Days is held at the Russell E. Larson Agricultural Research Center at Rock Springs, nine 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.

Mirror Staff Writer Walt Frank is at 814-946-7467.

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