UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- From hay baling and manure handling demonstrations to safety workshops and a skid steer rodeo, Penn State's 2003Ag Progress Days will showcase a diversity of agricultural equipment and technology. The event takes place Aug. 19-21 at the Russell E. Larson Agricultural Research Center at Rock Springs.

"Each year we try to have something for everyone. Our exhibitor base is more diverse as the industry changes throughout the state," says Bob Oberheim, Ag Progress Days manager. "In all four corners of the show, our programs have changed and improved to stay current with topics of interest for the audience and the industry."

Oberheim expects more than 350 commercial exhibitors, 30-35 being new to the show. Visitors can examine the latest technology, goods and services, and speak with company representatives. "One company will have its own area where potential buyers can operate a self-propelled forage harvester," he says.

This year's event will feature many field demonstrations, with an emphasis on hay. "One unique thing about our outdoor show is that commercial companies can take their equipment to the field and demonstrate it," Oberheim says. "The audience can see a wide range of mowers, balers, and new for this year, different types of wrappers." Other field demonstrations will include a horse-drawn power baler, tillage tools for conservation of surface residue and manure application to reduce odor and preserve residue cover. A skid steer rodeo on Wednesday will give contestants a chance to win prizes on a timed track.

A grain entrapment safety demonstration will highlight farm safety programs at the event. The York County Police Department also will hold a workshop on farm equipment highway safety.

Workshops, tours and exhibits will focus on such topics as grazing and forage management, beef production, stream corridor management and the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program. Visitors will be able to ask Penn State experts about anything from dairy, livestock and equine production to soils, crops and integrated pest management.

Penn State's Ag Progress Days is held at the Russell E. Larson Agricultural Research Center at Rock Springs, nine miles southwest of State College on Route 45. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Aug. 19; 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Aug. 20; and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Aug. 21. Admission and parking are free.

For more information, call (800) PSU-1010 toll-free through Aug. 21 or visit the Ag Progress Days Web site at http://apd.cas.psu.edu.

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Contact:

Cheryl Anthony cka106@psu.edu 814-863-0938 814-863-9877 fax

Chuck Gill cdg5@psu.edu 814-863-2713 814-863-9877 fax #212