By Blake Jackson
Penn State’s Ag Progress Days, scheduled for August 11-13, 2026, at the Russell E. Larson Agricultural Research Center in Rock Springs, will feature a variety of live demonstrations and educational activities focused on improving farm safety, emergency preparedness, and rural health.
A major attraction this year is the Farm Safety Demonstration Area, where visitors can learn about the safe operation of skid steers. These compact machines are widely used in agriculture, landscaping, and construction, but they also present significant safety risks due to limited visibility and blind spots.
Live demonstrations will be at 10 a.m. and noon on Tuesday and Thursday, will showcase common operating hazards and provide practical techniques for reducing accidents.
On Wednesday, RescueTechs LLC and the Martinsburg Volunteer Fire Company will conduct live tractor rollover rescue demonstrations at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m., giving attendees a firsthand look at how emergency responders handle serious farm accidents.
A new addition to this year's event is the Farm Incident Preparedness Program. Offered daily at 1 p.m. in the Learning Center, the one-hour session teaches participants how to respond safely during farm emergencies, assist injured individuals, and contact emergency services without placing themselves at additional risk.
The Ag Safety and Health Tent will feature specialists from Penn State’s Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering, who will provide practical farm safety advice and distribute free safety materials while supplies last.
Available items include Slow Moving Vehicle emblems, backup cameras, mirrors, hearing protection, and high-visibility clothing for children.
Visitors can also participate in daily "Stop the Bleed" training sessions led by Penn State College of Medicine and Geisinger Health Trauma Services.
The 20-minute program teaches lifesaving bleeding-control techniques, and participants will receive a free emergency bleeding-control kit while supplies last.
Additional attractions include demonstrations by the Penn State Pullers student engineering team and free health screenings at the Rural Health and Safety Tent, where attendees can receive wellness information, disability resources, and screenings for blood pressure, glucose, vision, skin health, stroke risk, colorectal cancer, hepatitis C, and several other health conditions.
For more information, visit at https://agsci.psu.edu/apd.
Photo Credit: gettyImages-shaunl
Categories: Pennsylvania, Rural Lifestyle, Farm Safety