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”.
2025 Ag Progress Days – Directions & Hours
In 2025, the event is happening from Tuesday August 12th through Thursday August 14th.
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!
Related Attractions
The 2025 Pennsylvania Fairs Guide is a comprehensive directory to more than 100 of the best agricultural fairs all across the Keystone State!
Nearby Attractions
34 Must-See Attractions in Centre County is a guide to more great adventures near Ag Progress Days.
Did you enjoy this article?
If so, be sure to like and follow PA Bucket List on Facebook, Instagram, and/or Pinterest to learn more about the best things to see and do in Pennsylvania!
Click on any of the icons below to get connected to PA Bucket List on social media.
