UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — In recognition of the 50th anniversary of Rock Springs serving as the permanent site of Penn State's Ag Progress Days, Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro has issued a public citation highlighting the impact and important role Ag Progress Days plays in supporting the state's agricultural industry through education, research and innovation.
“Ag Progress Days showcase the latest technology, management practices, and research in agricultural sciences,” reads Shapiro’s citation. “For the past five decades, Penn State’s Ag Progress Days have highlighted innovation, partnership, and the positive impact of well-rounded agricultural practices throughout our Commonwealth.”
The first Ag Progress Days at Rock Springs was held in 1971, and the site became its permanent home in 1976. The 2026 edition of Ag Progress Days is scheduled for Aug. 11-13.
Hosted by Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences, Ag Progress Days is one of three agricultural exhibitions in the country that is sponsored by a major university. As many as 50,000 people from all parts of Pennsylvania and beyond — including agricultural producers, consumers and families, federal and state officials, Penn State faculty experts, Penn State Extension educators and others — attend the event each year.
The expo is held at the Russell E. Larson Agricultural Research Center at Rock Springs, located 9 miles southwest of State College on state Route 45. Hours this year are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 11; 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Aug. 12; and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Aug. 13. Admission and parking are free.