If you’re looking for information about Penn State’s Ag Progress Days, you’re in the right place!
Ag Progress Days, billed as “the largest outdoor agricultural exhibit in Pennsylvania”, is a FREE, 3-day event hosted by Penn State.
Like an outdoor version of the Pennsylvania Farm Show, Ag Progress Days features nearly 500 commercial and educational exhibits, crop displays, machinery demonstrations, livestock exhibitions, workshops, and tons of delicious “fair food”.
2024 Ag Progress Days – Directions & Hours
In 2024, the event is happening from Tuesday August 13th through Thursday August 15th.
Ag Progress Days take place at the Penn State’s Russell E. Larson Agricultural Research Center at Rock Springs, located at 2710 Pine Grove Road in Pennsylvania Furnace (or to put it another way, about 10 minutes west of State College along Route 45.)
The hours are as follows: Tuesday, 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. | Wednesday 9:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m. | Thursday 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
What You’ll See at Ag Progress Days
Like a trade show in a county fair atmosphere, you’ll see a little bit of everything related to Pennsylvania’s diverse agricultural industries.
While some of the exhibits are geared towards serious farmers and industry pros, others are more broadly geared towards “hobby farmers” and curious laypeople in general.
There are numerous kid-friendly equestrian and livestock displays.
The antique tractor display is another annual favorite.
Penn State Master Gardner’s typically have a pollinator garden display where you can watch butterflies hatch inside a protected enclosure.
A variety of equestrian exhibitions take place throughout the day at an outdoor riding ring on the grounds.
Most years there is either a corn maze or sunflower trail to walk through.
And seeing as how Penn State is the host of the event, expect to see plenty of PSU-themed displays on the grounds.
The Pasto Agricultural Museum
Another great opportunity to take advantage of when attending Ag Progress Days is the free tour of the Pasto Agricultural Museum, located right there on the grounds.
According to the museum’s website, it’s mission is “to provide the general public with an understanding and appreciation for early agriculture and rural life especially in Pennsylvania and the northeastern United States.”
The museum has approximately 1,300 household and farm artifacts, some dating back as far as 4,000 BC!
If you love old barns, the museum features an interesting exhibit about construction techniques used to build them.
And from a practical standpoint, the museum is air-conditioned, making it a great spot to cool off on a hot August afternoon at Ag Progress Days.
Final Thoughts about Ag Progress Days
As the original “Farmers High School of Pennsylvania”, Penn State continues to carry on its tradition of agricultural research and innovation.
So if you have even a passing interest in one of the state’s leading industries, Ag Progress Days is a great free event to check out this August in Centre County!
Nearby Attractions
Centre Furnace Mansion is significant for both its industrial heritage and as the birthplace of Farmers High School, later to become Penn State.
The Arboretum at Penn State is a peaceful oasis amidst the hustle and bustle of Penn State’s main campus in State College.
The Penn State All-Sports Museum at Beaver Stadium honors the history, heritage, and accomplishments of Penn State athletes and Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics.
Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center is a Penn State owned-and-operated nature and wildlife center, located 12 miles from State College in rural Huntingdon County.
The Pennsylvania Military Museum in Centre County honors the service of Pennsylvanians in all branches of the military, from colonial times to the present day.
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