UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. - Since It's The State's Largest Outdoor Agricultural Exposition, Many People Point To Penn State's Ag Progress Days, Aug. 16-18 At Rock Springs, As A Multi-faceted Testimony To The Vibrancy Of Pennsylvania Agriculture. And The Numbers May Support That Claim.

This year's exhibitor enrollment will surpass last year's record total of commercial exhibitors, with as many as 65 exhibitors appearing at the exposition for the first time, and manager Bob Oberheim says there is a very good chance of "maxing out" the 55-acre show site.

"Our indoor exhibit space is almost completely full, and we'll be adding almost a whole new exhibit street to handle the new outdoor exhibitors," he says. "About 375 exhibitors is the maximum for our site, and we'll be very close to that number this year."

This year's theme in the College of Agricultural Sciences Exhibits Building, "Engineering for YOUR Life," emphasizes the huge role that agricultural and biological engineering play in our everyday lives. Special exhibits will demonstrate engineering innovations from the field to the final product, including new technologies to ensure the safety and security of workers and the food supply, as well as the development of sustainable solutions for agricultural production, renewable energy and the environment.

Other events and displays at the exposition include:

--The General Research Tours. Half-hour bus tours will introduce Penn State's research activities in plant pathology, horticulture, entomology and crop and soil science, pointing out promising research into new crop varieties, cultural practices, disease and pest-control measures and other topics. Other tours will focus on high-tunnels vegetable production, potato research and beekeeping basics.

--The Yard and Garden Area. Browse the flower garden and see the latest varieties for cut-flower use, and enjoy demonstrations on such topics as row covers and drip irrigation in the garden, propagating tree fruit, organic gardening, edible flowers, propagating landscape plants, and new varieties of tomato, pepper, eggplant and cucumber.

--The Equine Experience. GaWaNi Pony Boy, known worldwide for his Horses Teaching People courses and "relationship training," will demonstrate his unique and unorthodox methods of horse training in the Main Horse Arena. Horse enthusiasts also will be entertained by a variety of performances and will learn about horse ownership, breeding and training. New this year is a Kid's Corner that will feature horse-related activities and educational material. Other demonstrations will showcase the Keystone Dressage and Combined Training Drill Team, the Pennsylvania State Police Mounted Patrol and former Pittsburgh Steelers All-Pro Mel Blount and the Foster Quarter Horses.

--The Crops and Soils Area. New developments in soil management and crop production will be the focus of such displays as the crops and weeds exhibit, where visitors can broaden their knowledge of common species found across the state. Also featured will be the always-popular corn maze -- two acres of fun for the entire family. The tent also will contain a hay show where farmers are encouraged to bring in samples to be judged and analyzed and a golf putting green where visitors can learn about Penn State's turf program.

--The Pasto Agricultural Museum. The exhibit, "Winter on the Farm," returns by popular demand with several new items added, including a rare and unusual hand-powered rotary ice saw from a fifth-generation farm in Centre County. The museum highlights many other aspects of the days before electricity, refrigeration and gasoline-powered engines came to rural communities.

--Machinery Demonstrations. Field demonstrations of the latest farm machinery will be held each day. Safety demonstrations will focus on ATV safety and agricultural rescue procedures following tractor accidents.

--Animal Sciences Area. Health care, first aid and transportation for both companion animals and livestock will be presented. Veterinarian Nancy Dreschel, who's known for her research in companion animal care, will be one of the speakers. Truck and trailer manufacturers also will demonstrate the latest features and regulations to keep producers and their livestock safe while traveling. Presentations will cover first aid for livestock and companion animals (dogs and cats); what to look for in a horse or stock trailer; bandaging horses for transportation; truck requirements and weight restrictions for safely transporting livestock and horses; and disaster preparedness for pets.

--Conservation Partnership Area. Visitors concerned about Pennsylvania's air, water and soils will find exhibits and demonstrations showing how federal, state and local agencies work together to protect natural resources. Exhibits will focus on farm programs, conservation, soils, sustainable agriculture, composting, forestry and the Chesapeake Bay. Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection Secretary Kathleen McGinty will talk about the state's sustainable and alternative energy programs on Aug. 16 at 1 p.m. Free tours on forest stewardship, grazing and forage management, ground water protection and other topics also will be available.

--The Family Living Hub. The multi-building complex features several exhibits for children and families under the theme of "Healthy Families, Healthy Relationships and Healthy Finances." Displays will address home food preservation, cultural diversity, family savings plans, wild game meat safety and healthy eating habits. Visitors also can see live farm and domestic animals while learning about proper care. Shaver's Creek Environmental Center will present live wildlife demonstrations through the day.

--Food! Pennsylvania commodity groups and local nonprofit organizations will be running food booths serving everything from steak sandwiches, chicken corn soup and fried mushrooms to Penn State Creamery Ice Cream.

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. 16; 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Aug. 17; and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Aug. 18. Admission and parking are free. For more information, call (800) PSU-1010 toll-free until August 18 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.

Writer-Editor: Gary AbdullahOffice 814-863-2708 FAX 814-863-9877