From biomass energy to high-tunnel vegetable production, the 2013 Ag Progress Days exposition will highlight agricultural science research and extension programs performed by Penn State.
Sponsored by the university’s College of Agricultural Sciences, the expo will be held Aug. 13-15 at the Russel E. Larson Agricultural Research Center at Rock Springs, just nine miles southwest of State College.
More than 480 exhibitors are expected to feature the latest in agricultural goods and services on the 2,100-acre research center.
Because of the wide range of exhibits, Bob Oberheim, the Ag Progress Days manager believes the event will appeal to the masses.
“Pennsylvania has a very diverse agricultural industry, and we try to make the event reflect that,” he said. “Visitors are sure to find something relevant to them, whether they operate a dairy or livestock farm, grow fruits or vegetables, produce wood products or tend a garden,” he said in a news release.
Showcasing the state’s agricultural economy is one of the many goals of Ag Progress Days. With an economic impact of almost $57 billion, agriculture and its related businesses form one of Pennsylvania’s largest industries.
A large amount of the equipment, technology, goods and services that aid in the state’s economy will be on display at the exposition. According to Oberheim, Ag Progress Days offers those in the agricultural business a unique marketplace.
“About two-thirds of Ag Progress Days visitors are connected in some way with production agriculture,” Oberheim said. “We try to offer these visitors an opportunity to see firsthand the products and practices that can help them to do their job more efficiently and to remain profitable in a very tough, competitive business,” he said.
Exhibits will display everything from milking systems to feed to financial products.
In addition to the various products, Ag Progress Days will also feature numerous demonstrations. One of the most popular will be that of field machinery.
“These demos give visitors the chance to see how equipment from different manufacturers performs under real-life conditions,” Oberheim said.
New to this year’s exposition will be a demonstration of hay mergers and choppers. Hay mowers, hay balers and a cover-crop interseeder developed by Penn State agricultural scientists will also be featured.
All demonstrations will be weather-permitting.
Though many of the exhibits, guided tours and workshops will highlight the latest in agriculture, Oberheim stresses the event is not just for those directly involved with production.
“Through fun and educational activities, consumers and families can learn about how their food is produced, how they can improve their health and nutrition, and how Penn State agricultural research and extension programs help ensure a safe and abundant food supply while minimizing environmental impact,” he said.
For more information, visit agsci.psu.edu. Twitter users can find and share information about the event by using the hastag #agprogress. Those on Facebook can find and share information at facebook.com/AgProgressDays.
IF YOU GO
WHO: Agricultural producer or those interested in learning more about agriculture and related research
WHAT: Ag Progress Days
WHERE: Russel E. Larson Agricultural Research Center at Rock Springs
WHEN: 9 a.m. – 5 p.m., Aug. 13; Aug. 14 9 a.m. – 8 p.m., Aug. 14; 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Aug. 15.
COST: Free admission and parking
WHY: To learn more about agriculture through educational exhibits, guided tours and workshops
