UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- With tractor-rollover demonstrations, a tractor-accident rescue demonstration, free health screenings and on-site agricultural emergency specialists, this year's version of Penn State's Ag Progress Days, Aug. 15-17, focuses on the health and safety of farmers like never before. New this year will be youth safety educational experiences provided by Cargill Inc. "Farmers won't want to miss the farm-safety demonstration area, Agricultural Health and Safety tent and the AgrAbility and Agromedicine Tent," says Dennis Murphy, distinguished professor of agricultural engineering and coordinator of the farm safety area of the event.

Safety specialists will demonstrate tractor overturn hazards with a remote-controlled tractor, Tuesday and Thursday at 10 a.m., 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 3:30 p.m. After the demonstrations, officers from the Northern York County Regional Police Department will discuss operating farm equipment on public roadways.

Also, demonstrations of the PAgricultural Rescue Training Program module, "Managing Tractor Overturns," including emergency scene stabilization and patient extrication techniques, will be presented on Wednesday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

In the Agricultural Safety and Health Tent at the end of West 8th Street next to the Farm Safety Demonstration Area, Cargill employees will promote farm-safety activities outside the tent area under the theme "Best Safety Practices on Your Farm." Activities will include farm safety mini-golf, a hazard hunt and a safe play area. Visitors also can speak with farm-safety and agricultural emergency-management specialists about additional programs and resources.

In the AgrAbility/Agromedicine Tent at the end of West 6th Street, also next to the Farm Safety Demonstration Area, visitors can learn more about Pennsylvania's AgrAbility and Agromedicine programs. Hands-on displays will feature ergonomic tools for the farm and garden.

Health screenings will be offered in the AgrAbility/Agromedicine Tent according to the following schedule:

• Free tetanus shots by the Pennsylvania Department of Health, Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Vision Screenings by North Central Sight Services, all day on Tuesday and Wednesday.
• Blood pressure readings, stroke risk assessments and blood oxygenation level readings, by Centre Home Care on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

The Farm Safety and Health Quiz Bowl will be held Wednesday in the tent on West 9th Street. FFA youth compete at 9 a.m. and 4-H youth compete at 1:30 p.m. "Youth will answer farm-safety and health questions winning teams will advance to the state finals in January at the Pennsylvania Farm Show."

Also, the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Farm Safety and Occupational Health Advisory Board will meet at 6 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 16, in the quiz bowl tent. The public is welcome.

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. 15; 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Aug. 16; and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Aug. 17. Admission and parking are free.

For more information, visit the Ag Progress Days Web site at http://apd.cas.psu.edu/.

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EDITORS: Contact Dennis Murphy at 814-865-7157 or by e-mail at djm13@psu.edu.

Jeff Mulhollem Writer/Editor Phone: 814-863-2719 E-mail: jjm29@psu.edu