By Blake Jackson
Visitors attending Penn State’s Ag Progress Days, scheduled for August 11-13, 2026, will have the opportunity to explore the Crops, Soils and Conservation Area, featuring educational exhibits, live demonstrations, and hands-on activities focused on crop production, renewable energy, conservation, forestry, and sustainable farming.
Located around the J.D. Harrington Crops, Soils and Conservation Building, the area will bring together Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences specialists, Extension educators, and industry partners to answer questions about crop management, weed control, soil health, biofuels, and natural resource conservation.
The Ag Energy exhibit will showcase practical ways to reduce energy costs, including information on heating fuel selection, residential solar panels, and farm-based renewable energy systems such as biogas digesters.
Crop management experts will provide guidance on crop selection, fertilizer and manure application, pest and weed management, and scouting practices.
Daily presentations at the cover crop demonstration plots will highlight new cover crop mixtures and sustainable planting techniques. Horticulture specialists will also discuss warm-season grass plantings and answer gardening and landscaping questions.
Livestock producers can visit the forage exhibit to learn about producing high-quality feed for cattle, sheep, goats, horses, and other animals.
The Harrington Building will also host the Pennsylvania Forage and Grassland Council Hay Show and the 2026 Wheat Grain Quality Contest, showcasing premium forage and grain samples from across the state.
Additional exhibits will focus on nutrient management regulations, conservation practices, water quality, erosion control, forest management, and agricultural mapping technology.
Visitors can participate in interactive attractions such as the wheelchair-accessible A-Maze-N-Corn, a hands-on stream table demonstrating water movement and erosion, rain barrel presentations, farm pond tours, and water wellhead safety walks.
The Conservation Exhibit Area will feature no-till equipment, cover crop plots, livestock watering systems, soil health demonstrations, regenerative agriculture displays, and educational activities for children and adults.
Farmers can also explore aerial imagery of their land using an interactive GIS display to discuss conservation opportunities with experts.
Ag Progress Days will be held at the Russell E. Larson Agricultural Research Center near State College, Pennsylvania. Admission and parking are free.
Photo Credit: istock-dusanpetkovic
Categories: Pennsylvania, Business, General