UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- From nutrient management, sustainable agriculture, forested buffers, conservation practices and grazing management to worms, backyard composting, fly casting and snakes, the Natural Resource Conservation Partnership Area at Ag Progress Days, August 17-19 has something for everyone.

Encompassing almost five acres of the 200-acre Ag Progress Days site, the Conservation Partnership area is full of demonstrations, presentations, tours and exhibits. Federal, state and local agencies as well as private entities will be represented.

Tours will include a Forestry Stewardship Tour that leads you on an easy walking trail through parts of "Penn's Woods." A Grazing Tour will present facts on establishing switchgrass, pasture condition scoring, and converting to grass-fed meat and dairy. A manure application demonstration will offer producers an opportunity to see shallow manure placement/injection equipment, as well as a drag hose application used to alleviate soil compaction. Tours are offered for free on a first-come/first served basis with no tickets required.

The presentation tent will feature federal, state and local partners providing information on conservation programs and opportunities for farmers to protect the soil, improve water quality and provide wildlife habitat. There will be a grazing forum where farmers can question NRCS Project Grass coordinators on what is working for most Pennsylvanians. The Dirt and Gravel Road Program and a one-day presentation featuring the "Snakes of Pennsylvania" will round out the programs.

The main exhibition tent will feature displays for kids and adults. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission will offer fly-casting exhibitions. Interactive exhibits will include worm containers, touch boxes, tattoos and special displays on grazing and the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program.

Other exhibits will focus on nutrient management, farm energy, forestry, watershed health, watershed conservation and the benefits that riparian buffers provide all Pennsylvanians. Looking like an outdoor shower, a rainfall simulator will demonstrate the benefits of analyzing field and pasture runoff, particularly as it pertains to nutrient management. Check at the exhibit for times.

Several grass plantings will show how native plantings can help your soil health and water conservation efforts. Livestock watering equipment and fencing types also will be demonstrated, as well as no-till planting, injection systems and several native grass plots.

Stop by the information booth on the main grounds or at the Natural Resource Conservation Partnership for times and details of the tours and presentations. Exhibits and demonstrations are ongoing.

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 Tuesday; 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Wednesday; and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Thursday. Admission and parking are free. For more information, call 800-PSU-1010 toll-free until August 19 or visit the Ag Progress Days Web site at http://apd.cas.psu.edu

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EDITORS: For more information, call Stacy Mitchell at 717-237-2208. Jeff Mulhollem Office 814-863-2719