UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Jesse Darlington Jr., who has served as interim manager of Penn State's Ag Progress Days exposition since November 2016, has been named to the position on a standing basis.
A facilities coordinator in the College of Agricultural Sciences, Darlington has been involved with the event for more than 20 years, working in various roles, including site manager.
"Jesse is the perfect person to take the helm of the valuable vessel we call Ag Progress Days," said Steven C. Loerch, the college's senior associate dean. "His extensive history and relationships with faculty, staff, exhibitors and show visitors — coupled with his energy and enthusiasm for agriculture, the College of Agricultural Sciences and Penn State Extension — will ensure the continued success of this outstanding agricultural showcase."
A graduate of the college with a bachelor's degree in agribusiness management and owner of a family farm where he raises crops and livestock, Darlington said he is pleased to use his experience and knowledge to advance the show.
"Ag Progress Days is the premier event for all farmers, growers and anyone with an interest in agricultural innovation, food production and natural resource conservation," Darlington said. "I have been honored to be involved with the show for many years — it's a fantastic event with fantastic people."
Held annually in August since 1969, Ag Progress Days attracts as many as 50,000 attendees to the 55-acre show site amid Penn State's sprawling Russell E. Larson Agricultural Research Center at Rock Springs, located 9 miles southwest of the University Park campus.
The three-day event showcases the latest in agricultural research, technology and equipment, while dispensing educational information on production agriculture, foods and nutrition, alternative energy, home gardening and other topics in an entertaining extravaganza.
The expo also serves as a platform to illustrate how the college's students, alumni, discovery research and extension programs improve the quality of life in Pennsylvania and beyond by contributing to a safe, nutritious food supply; mitigating social and humanitarian challenges; creating jobs and economic opportunity; preserving natural resources; and enhancing environmental quality of water, land and air.
Looking forward, Darlington wants to enhance the show by providing more opportunities for farmers to try out the latest equipment such as tractors and mowers. He also wants to educate visitors about the numerous career opportunities in agriculture.
For more information, visit the Ag Progress Days website at http://agsci.psu.edu/apd.