By Blake Jackson
Agricultural innovation, livestock, and federal policy will be key topics during the upcoming Ag Progress Days, scheduled for August 12-14 at Penn State’s Russell E. Larson Agricultural Research Center in Rock Springs.
This agricultural expo is expected to draw up to 50,000 visitors, including farmers, families, and industry professionals from across Pennsylvania.
The event will feature numerous opportunities for public engagement with state and federal officials, Penn State researchers, and agricultural leaders.
Discussions will center around current and proposed agricultural policies, emerging industry challenges, and innovative solutions to support Pennsylvania and national agriculture.
One of the highlights is a Town Hall on Pennsylvania Agriculture, set for 10-11 a.m. on Tuesday, August 12, at the Red Barn Annex and online. Troy Ott, dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences, and Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding will share insights on the future of agriculture in the state, with a focus on innovation and opportunities. A Q&A session will follow.
Later that day, from 3-4 p.m., a Town Hall on Wildlife and Agriculture will bring together representatives from the Pennsylvania Game Commission, Department of Agriculture, Farm Bureau, and Hunters Sharing the Harvest to discuss cooperative strategies for managing wildlife-agriculture interactions.
On Wednesday, August 13, a Joint Meeting of the Pennsylvania House and Senate Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committees will be held from 10 a.m. to noon at the Red Barn Annex. The session will spotlight the state of Pennsylvania’s livestock industry from the perspective of producers.
Also on Wednesday, from 2-3:30 p.m., U.S. Rep. Glenn “GT” Thompson, Chair of the House Agriculture Committee, will speak at the College of Agricultural Sciences Exhibits Building Theater. He will provide updates on federal agricultural policy and the status of the next farm bill.
Visitors can also explore exhibits from the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture and various state and federal agencies offering information on food safety, conservation, animal health, and farm support programs.
Ag Progress Days is free to attend and open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on August 12, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on August 13, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on August 14. For more details, visit the Ag Progress Days website.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-shotbydave
Categories: Pennsylvania, Business