Top Ag Tools and Tech at Ag Progress Days August 12-14

By Blake Jackson

The newest innovations in agricultural products, services, equipment, and technology will be showcased at this year’s Ag Progress Days, taking place August 12-14.

The annual event is hosted by Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences and will be held at the Russell E. Larson Agricultural Research Center in Rock Springs, Centre County.

Show Manager Jesse Darlington anticipates one of the most engaging expos yet, with hundreds of educational and commercial exhibits, hands-on field demonstrations, and interactive workshops. These offerings are designed to support farmers in boosting productivity, enhancing sustainability, and increasing profitability.

“Ag Progress Days is all about celebrating how far agriculture has come and where it’s headed,” said Jesse Darlington, show manager. “It’s a chance for folks to see how Penn State’s research and extension work is helping to create real, positive change. We’re thankful for the support we get from farmers, ag professionals and our local communities.”

Exhibitors will feature a wide variety of categories, including milking systems, field machinery, seed varieties, animal genetics, storage solutions, feed, sprayers, fencing, tools, trailers, livestock housing, financial services, and insurance products. Crop producers will have the opportunity to engage with seed companies and explore the newest hybrid options.

Live field demonstrations will give attendees the chance to watch and evaluate equipment such as hay mowers, tedders, rakes, balers, and bale handlers. The demo schedule includes:

• 10:30 a.m. - hay mowing and tedding
• 11:45 a.m. - cover cropping/planting green
• 12:30 p.m. - corn chopping and litter spreading
• 2:15 p.m. - hay baling, raking, and bale handling

Drone sprayer demonstrations and safety presentations, including lawn mower safety, agricultural rescue, and “Stop the Bleed,” are also planned. Student groups like the Penn State Pullers and Agribot Club will display projects.

Daily bus tours of the 2,400-acre research center will explore current studies on equine dry lots, forest management, and stream buffers.

Darlington urges visitors to connect with faculty and extension educators to discuss current research, production practices, regulations, and sustainability efforts.

The event is free to attend, with free parking. Hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Aug. 12; 9 a.m.-7 p.m. Aug. 13; and 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Aug. 14. More details can be found on the Ag Progress Days website.

Photo Credit: istock-chas53