UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Those interested in a firsthand look at the latest in agricultural innovations and state-of-the-art farm machinery won't want to miss this year's Ag Progress Days, Aug. 15-17.
"The Ag Progress Days exposition is a must-see for all farmers, growers and anyone with an interest in agricultural advancements," said Jesse Darlington, Ag Progress Days interim manager. "The demonstrations provide a comprehensive look at new goods, services, and the latest equipment and methods to improve efficiency and profitability."
Darlington said attendees should plan to come early and stay late as there will be 500 commercial and educational exhibits, as well as numerous field demonstrations and workshops. Commercial exhibitors will display 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, insurance and more.
Field demonstrations are always a draw, Darlington said, and enable potential buyers to see and compare equipment in action. A new demonstration in 2017 will spotlight pull-type, no-till corn planters. Other demonstrations will feature hay mowers, rakes and tedders, hay balers, and bale handlers. All demonstrations are weather-permitting.
At the Farm Safety Demonstration Area, safety specialists will promote equipment designed to reduce the risk of accidents, such as hay-hole covers. Seminars focusing on guidance systems, sprayers and drones and how they can be used safely also are planned. The safety specialists also will address some of the potential dangers for children on the farm.
Darlington encourages producers attending Ag Progress Days to ask questions of Penn State faculty specialists and extension educators and talk with experts about the latest research findings, best practices, business issues and governmental regulations that could affect their operations. Information will be available on issues related to dairy, livestock and crop production; animal health; soil conservation; water quality; and ag renewable energy.
In addition, horse enthusiasts can get the latest information on tack and equipment, training, handling, health and business practices, as well as view a six-horse hitch and various breeds at the Ag Progress Days Equine Experience.
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. 15; 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Aug. 16; and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 17. Admission and parking are free.
For more information, visit the Ag Progress Days website. Twitter users can find and share information about the event by using the hashtag #agprogress, and Facebook users can find the event here.