UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- Exhibits, tours, demonstrations and activities geared toward agriculturists, consumers, natural resource enthusiasts and professionals, children, and families ensures that Penn State's Ag Progress Days has something for virtually everyone.

Sponsored by the College of Agricultural Sciences, the event takes place Aug. 19-21 at the Russell E. Larson Agricultural Research Center at Rock Springs.

Special exhibits this year, titled "Seeing the Forest for the Trees," will highlight Penn State research to develop and maintain healthy tree species, educational programs to foster better woodlot management, and information on the state's outstanding forest products industry.

As Pennsylvania's largest outdoor agricultural exposition, Ag Progress Days assembles more than 350 commercial exhibitors showcasing state-of-the-art agricultural technology, goods and services. Whether via interactive displays, field demonstrations, workshops or guided tours, the intent is to address contemporary issues in the efficient production of food and fiber, while answering questions related to modern family living and healthy lifestyles, according to event manager Bob Oberheim.

"We try to combine new, themed exhibits with many of the traditional activities that typify the diversity of the college's programs," he says. "Just about anyone can find something of interest at Ag Progress Days."

Exhibits, workshops and guided tours will present current research initiatives targeted at such important issues as food supply safety, environmental protection and more efficient agricultural production. College faculty and extension staff will be available to answer questions and provide information on crops and soils; dairy, livestock and equine production; conservation practices; and farm safety. A workshop also will review how participating in the USDA's Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program can help producers improve water quality, wildlife habitat and their operations.

Home and family living topics such as gardening, lawn care, healthy food preparation and flower arranging also will be addressed. Information will be available on the educational and career opportunities available to students in the agricultural sciences.

Other activities planned for this year's event include a skid steer rodeo and several new tours, including a tour of the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture's new Livestock Evaluation Center, which recently was completed near the Ag Progress Days site.

"Seeing the Forest for the Trees": Faculty and staff will offer activities and interactive displays focusing on research and educational programs to benefit the future of Pennsylvania's forests. Visitors can test their knowledge of the state's "Top Ten Trees"; learn about the genetics of forestry; see computer-based woodlot management; and find out how Penn State research is helping to develop disease-resistant chestnut trees for future reintroduction into "Penn's Woods."

Equine Experience: Visitors can take an American quarter horse for a test ride and receive free instruction from professional equestrians at this expanded educational effort of Penn State, the Pennsylvania Quarter Horse Association and the American Quarter Horse Association. Clinics include mounted drill teams, a working sheep dog demonstration, a roping demonstration by former Pittsburgh Steeler Mel Blount, and the Preifert Texas Thunder Six Horse Hitch, which features the world's largest horse.

Conservation Partnership Area: More than 15 federal, state and local agencies and private entities will present more than five acres of demonstrations, tours and exhibits. From forested buffers, conservation practices and grazing management to sustainable agriculture, fly-fishing casting and Pennsylvania snakes, it's an overview of natural resource enrichment practices.

Animal Sciences Exhibit Area: Workshops and demonstrations of the latest in animal science technologies and management techniques include presentations on correcting lameness, making calving easier, monitoring feed particle size, controlling mastitis "germs," artificial insemination techniques and more.

Horticulture Exhibits and Advice: Homeowners, gardeners and professional landscapers can bring samples of puzzling plant, insect, mite and disease problems to the Landscape, Lawn and Garden Tent. Penn State faculty and extension agents will be on hand, and displays of "green roof" technology and other innovations will be presented. The adjacent Cut Flower Beds and Tent feature more than 100 flower varieties, and flower arranging demonstrations will be held daily.

Pasto Agricultural Museum: The museum celebrates its 25th anniversary with a special exhibit that explores the growth of the museum's collection to more than 900 items since its founding. Many large items usually kept in storage are displayed, and the fourth annual silent auction will be held Tuesday and Wednesday, Aug. 19-20.

Family Learning Hub: Master storyteller Jan Kinney returns with award-winning tales and traditional yarns. Live baby chicks hatch from eggs in the ImAGination Station, and live animals are featured at the Farm Animal Learning Center and Shaver's Creek Environmental Center exhibits. In the Family Room Building, test your hygiene skills at "Handwashing University," see a variety of food demonstrations at "Eat Well for the Health of It," and get tips on increasing savings and reducing debt at "PA Saves."

Crops and Soils Tent: The "A-Maze-N Corn" corn maze returns for another year of delighting children and baffling adults. New for this year is the Field Crops Garden -- 20 field and forage crops, including sorghum, various corns and small grains. The area again will present the latest developments in forage, corn and soybean production. In addition to demonstrations of new tillage practices and displays of crop research, Penn State specialists will be on hand to talk to producers about crop-related production issues.

Food booths serving everything from Penn State Creamery ice cream to traditional rural dishes will be available during the exposition.

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 through Aug. 21, or visit the Ag Progress Days Web site at http://apd.cas.psu.edu.

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EDITORS: For more information, contact Bob Oberheim at 814-865-2081 or 814-692-5262.

Contact:

Gary Abdullah gxa2@psu.edu 814-863-2708 814-863-9877 fax #208