By Blake Jackson
Penn State’s Ag Progress Days will once again provide families with a wide range of educational and hands-on activities during Pennsylvania’s largest outdoor agricultural event, taking place August 11-13, 2026, at the Russell E. Larson Agricultural Research Center in Rock Springs.
The 4-H and Youth Building, located along Main Street behind the Family Room Building, will feature interactive exhibits designed to introduce children and families to agriculture, healthy living, and environmental stewardship.
Visitors can enjoy the Healthy Living Exploration Station, where hourly readings from the “Healthy Me” book series encourage positive decision-making, friendship, and mindfulness.
Young attendees can also test their observation skills at the Herb Discovery Station by identifying fresh and dried herbs through an engaging challenge. Additional exhibits will focus on practical farm biosecurity, while the Pennsylvania Dairy Princess and Promotion Services display will feature dairy ambassadors, educational games, and activities highlighting the nutritional benefits of milk.
The Pennsylvania State Rabbit Breeders Association will introduce visitors to rabbit production, explaining the animal’s role in agriculture, proper handling techniques, and breed selection.
Penn State’s Department of Plant Pathology and Environmental Microbiology will also present an exhibit exploring beneficial and harmful fungi, plant diseases, and agricultural pests.
Beyond the 4-H and Youth Building, families can visit the Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center Wildlife Tent to see live animals, bird nest displays, crafts, and wildlife education programs.
The Yard and Garden Area will offer gardening demonstrations, pollinator garden tours, and youth activities led by Penn State Extension Master Gardeners.
Additional attractions include a wheelchair- and stroller-accessible corn maze and the Pasto Agricultural Museum, where visitors can experience rural life before modern machinery and electricity.
Hosted by Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences, Ag Progress Days offers free admission and parking, giving visitors an opportunity to explore agriculture through educational exhibits, demonstrations, and family-friendly experiences.
For more information, visit at https://agsci.psu.edu/apd.
Photo Credit: gettyimages-lightfieldstudios
Categories: Pennsylvania, Business, Education