UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. -- The 2008 edition of Penn State's Ag Progress Days exposition will take place Aug. 19-21 at the Russell E. Larson Agricultural Research Center at Rock Springs, and organizers are planning a variety of activities of interest to agricultural producers, consumers and families, according to manager Bob Oberheim.

"We continue to look for new ways to make this a worthwhile business trip for producers and an enjoyable educational event for everyone," Oberheim says.

Regular Ag Progress Days visitors may notice new additions to the grounds at this year's expo. A new building, funded in part by AgChoice Farm Credit, will provide additional indoor display space for exhibitors. The Pasto Agricultural Museum also is undergoing an expansion.

"We've always had a presence at Ag Progress Days, but funding the construction of this new building was another way to show our continuing commitment to commercial agriculture in Pennsylvania and to Penn State," says Allyn Lamb, chief executive officer of AgChoice, the largest ag lender in the state with $1.5 billion in loan volume.

"We see a lot of progressive farmers at Ag Progress Days, and we want to help position them to succeed," Lamb adds. "Supporting an educational trade event such as Ag Progress Days was a natural for us."

Oberheim notes that the AgChoice Farm Credit Building also will be available for AgChoice and other commercial exhibitors during the bi-annual Forest Products Equipment and Technology Exposition, which next will be held at the Rock Springs site in 2009, as well as for other College of Agricultural Sciences events during the year.

Also new at Ag Progress Days this year will be special displays focusing on renewable energy and biofuels research. "The need for energy independence and clean, renewable and affordable fuels is only becoming more critical," Oberheim says. "Visitors will be able to see how Penn State research and extension are helping to shape our energy future."

More than 400 commercial exhibitors will display the latest goods and services. Interactive educational exhibits, guided tours and workshops will show how agricultural researchers and educators are safeguarding and improving our food supply and the environment, while helping to enhance the efficiency and profitability of agriculture and related industries.

Faculty and extension staff will be on hand to answer questions and provide information on crops and soils; dairy, livestock and equine production; conservation practices; integrated pest management; woodlot management; farm safety; and home gardening and lawn care.

Field machinery demonstrations will feature hay mowing, hay rakes and tedders, hay baling and bale handling. A new demonstration this year will showcase the latest planters.

Also planned are family living exhibits; food demonstrations; a corn maze; horse exhibitions and clinics; wildlife displays; children's activities; exhibits of antique farm and home implements in the Pasto Agricultural Museum; and a wide variety of food booths.

Additional information about the event will be released as details become available.

Ag Progress Days 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. The Centre Area Transportation Authority will provide free shuttle bus service between the Ag Progress Days site and downtown State College.

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

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EDITORS: Contact Bob Oberheim at 814-865-2081 or 814-692-5262.

Chuck Gill 814-863-2713 cdg5@psu.edu