UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Cutting-edge technologies for agriculture and living systems will take center stage in the College of Agricultural Sciences Exhibits Building at Penn State’s Ag Progress Days, Aug. 13-15 at the Russell E. Larson Agricultural Research Center at Rock Springs in Centre County.
Displays and presentations will highlight advancements in research and extension changing the agricultural landscape. Troy Ott, dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences, emphasized the transformative impact of advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence, machine learning, robotics, sensors and biotechnology innovations.
“These technologies are revolutionizing agriculture and enhancing efficiency, sustainability, profitability and resilience to environmental challenges while meeting global demands,” he said. “For example, such innovations as robotic harvesting, real-time monitoring and decision-making, and precision use of water and other agricultural inputs are fundamentally changing food production.”
Ott noted that exhibits will showcase how the college’s researchers and extension personnel are pioneering the development and deployment of these technologies to drive economic growth in the commonwealth, while protecting landscapes for future generations.
Visitors also can explore a timeline of agricultural technology developments, spanning historical innovations at the Pasto Agricultural Museum to modern breakthroughs at the College Exhibits Building. This timeline illustrates how research and innovation continue to drive productivity and sustainability in agriculture.
A related featured event, “Cultivating PA’s Ag Tech & Robotics Ecosystem,” will occur from 3:30 p.m. to 5:15 p.m. on Wednesday, Aug. 14, in the Red Barn Annex. This session, organized by Team PA and the college’s Technologies for Agriculture and Living Systems initiative, will bring together various technology professionals and agriculture industry leaders. They will discuss technology and current and future roles for automation in agriculture, focusing on southwest Pennsylvania’s tech ecosystem.
“This gathering of technology professionals with agriculture industry leaders represents a pivotal step toward a more efficient and sustainable future for Pennsylvania’s agricultural sector,” said Blair Siegfried, associate dean for research and graduate education and director of the Pennsylvania Agricultural Experiment Station. “We are excited to host this important event and look forward to the groundbreaking ideas and collaborations that will emerge.”
Faculty members and Penn State Extension educators will address several other topics in a series of displays in the College of Agricultural Sciences Exhibits Building:
Protecting Animal Health: Learn about the latest research on animal diseases, including highly pathogenic avian influenza, and discover best practices for maintaining animal health. Experts also will discuss career opportunities in veterinary medicine and animal agriculture.
Spotted Lanternfly Updates: Meet Penn State spotted lanternfly experts to learn about the pest’s current status, identification methods and strategies for managing infestations. Additional information is available on the Penn State Extension website.
The following presentations will take place in the College Exhibits Building Theater:
Tuesday, Aug. 13
• 10:30 a.m. — Native Bee Pollinator Research with Extension Master Gardeners
• 11 a.m. — Smart Farming: Dairy Technologies for Managing Cattle
• 11:30 a.m. — Boosting Calf Performance: Tips for Late Gestation Cow Management
• Noon — Spotted Lanternfly Education
Wednesday, Aug. 14
• 10:30 a.m. — Native Bee Pollinator Research with Extension Master Gardeners
• 11 a.m. — Advancing Sustainability in Controlled Environment Agricultural Systems
• 11:30 a.m. — Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza in Dairy Cattle
• Noon — Spotted Lanternfly Education
Thursday, Aug. 15
• 10:30 a.m. — Native Bee Pollinator Research with Extension Master Gardeners
• 11 a.m. — Soil Health and Microbes: Panel Discussion with Ag Scientists
• 11:30 a.m. — The Importance of Early Socialization for Puppies
• Noon — Spotted Lanternfly Education
Prospective students and their families also can visit the College Exhibits Building to learn about the college's animal, biomedical, environmental, plant and social sciences programs. Office of Undergraduate Education staff will be available to discuss career opportunities and academic offerings.
Sponsored by Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences, Ag Progress Days is held at the Russell E. Larson Agricultural Research Center at Rock Springs, 9 miles southwest of State College on Route 45. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 13; 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Aug. 14; and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 15. Admission and parking are free.
For more information, visit the Ag Progress Days website. X users can find and share information about the event by using the hashtag #agprogressdays, and the event also can be found on Facebook.