Ag Progress Days To Open August 12.

8-4-97
University Park, Pa. -- Visitors can take a cutting-edge lawn tractor out for a whirl, participate in a high-tech agricultural quiz show or get a close-up look at insects at Ag Progress Days, sponsored by Penn State's College of Agricultural Sciences, Aug. 12-14.

This year's theme, "Pennsylvania Agriculture . . . A Moving Force in a Changing World," focuses on the economics of Pennsylvania's farms. The event is held at the University's Russell E. Larson Agricultural Research Center at Rock Springs, near State College. .

Several new exhibits will explore the role agriculture plays in Pennsylvania's economy, as well as the opportunities to market Pennsylvania products on a national and international scale. "While many Pennsylvania companies make money by focusing on local markets, many firms are seeking customers in emerging markets in Europe, Asia and Latin America," says H. Louis Moore, professor of agricultural economics. .

At the College Exhibits Building, visitors can learn how farmers and agricultural companies--and their business practices--have evolved over the last 50 years in response to consumer and market trends. In addition, curious consumers can see how each dollar spent on food is shared by farmers, processors and other food-related businesses, and how companies have altered their product development and package design to serve and expand their customer base. A hands-on farm finance demonstration, staffed by Penn State faculty, will crunch the numbers in financial questions using a cutting-edge computer program. Knowledge is the bread of life and visitors to Ag Progress Days can get a slice of entertainment and information by participating in SciQ, played daily at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. in the College Exhibits Building Theatre. A special version of the show for children, called SciQ Jr., is played daily at 11 a.m. and Wednesday at 6 p.m. Patterned after television game shows, SciQ is hosted by local radio personalities and contestants are chosen from the audience. Admission is free. .

Farm safety is the focus of a live-action demonstration as Penn State agricultural engineers give tips on how to respond quickly to an accident or emergency. .

The suburban homeowner or lawn-mowing fans will get a rare chance to test drive a variety of riding lawn mowers at the tractor ride-and-drive area. The popular attraction also gives agricultural professionals a chance to test and compare tractors and other motorized farm equipment from different manufacturers in one location. Non-farmers are welcome to take a tractor or two on a test drive as well. .

In the days before motorized tractors, agricultural work was accomplished using strong backs -- human and animal. At the Pasto Agricultural Museum, visitors can examine items ranging from a vintage cream separator to an antique potato harvester. Other items on display include cooking pots, scythes, rug-beaters, ice-cutting equipment and egg carriers. .

Ag Progress Days' popular Insect Zoo in the new ImAGination Station will feature displays on good bugs and bad bugs, insect pests and such creeping attractions as large lubber grasshoppers, cockroaches and tobacco hornworms. .

Storyteller Jan Kinney will perform in the College Exhibits Building Theatre every day at noon, creating tales from memory for up to 45 minutes. The Family Room offers visitors demonstrations on using the food pyramid to maintain a healthy diet. In addition, Penn State faculty will offer information on credit, financial management and financial life skills. A special exhibit on nutrition, "Five-A-Day," will be featured this year. .

Another exhibit that will appeal to children and their parents is a display sponsored by Penn State's Students for the Responsible Use of Animals. Young calves, lambs, pigs and other livestock will be on display, and Penn State agriculture students will answer questions. Shaver's Creek Environmental Center will show wildlife such as owls, hawks, turtles and snakes at its nearby tent. Other family-oriented exhibits include horse events, educational displays and food booths offering culinary treats ranging from breaded mushrooms to University Creamery ice cream. .

Information on soil bioengineering, woodlot management, grazing and streambank conservation can be found at the Conservation Education Tent on West 11th Street on the Ag Progress Days site. Buses will depart from the tent each day to take visitors on various tours demonstrating conservation techniques. .

Bus tours leaving from the corn crib throughout each day will illuminate Penn State's scientific work in potato research, integrated crop management, fruit and vegetable production and many other programs. .

There will be free CATA bus service all three days of the exhibition. The shuttle departs from College and Allen Streets (near the Corner Room restaurant) in downtown State College at 9:30 and 11:30 a.m. Aug. 12-14. On August 13, when Ag Progress Days remains open until 8 p.m., there will be an additional departure at 2:30 p.m. Departure times for the return trip are at noon, 3 and 4 p.m. Aug. 12-14, with a 7 p.m. shuttle Aug. 13. Shuttle riders will receive a voucher good for free parking in the Fraser Street and Pugh Street parking garages. .

Penn State's Ag Progress Days features more than 500 acres of educational and commercial exhibits. The Russell E. Larson Agricultural Research Center is located nine miles southwest of State College on Route 45. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday and Thursday, with extended hours on Wednesday from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Admission and parking are free.

For more information, call (800) PSU-1010 through August 14. Or, if you have access to the Internet, visit Ag Progress Days on the World Wide Web: http://www.cas.psu.edu/docs/AGIS/APD/APD.HTML. .

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EDITORS: For more information on Penn State's Ag Progress Days, contact Chuck Gill at (814) 863-2713 or Jennifer MacIsaac at (814) 865-3636. .