UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Showcasing the diversity of agriculture, from crops to animals to forestry and wildlife, is at the heart of the annual Ag Day celebration, hosted by Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences. This year’s event will take place from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 10 on the lawn adjacent to the Penn State Berkey Creamery.
According to Marra Baker, director of recruitment and student activities for the college, Ag Day is free and open to anyone who would like to learn more about the achievements of the college and the role that the agricultural industry plays in food, fiber, technology and beyond.
“This event gives people the opportunity to gain knowledge about an industry that they might not otherwise have the opportunity to do so,” she said. “In addition, Ag Day allows us to showcase what our college and students have been working on in the past year.”
The day will include educational booths and activities from many of the college’s 40 student clubs and organizations. They will share information about their groups as well as offer interactive activities related to agriculture. Attendees can plant flowers, play corn hole, answer trivia questions about agriculture, and even pet farm animals from Penn State’s animal programs, to name a few activities.
Keynote speaker will be Rick Roush, dean of the college. He will be joined by representatives from Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center; Nelson DiBiase, a student majoring in biorenewable systems; and Mitchell Hornberger, a plant science student who will talk about the spotted lanternfly, an invasive pest that has been impacting southeastern Pennsylvania.
Also participating will be the Pasto Agricultural Museum and the Pennsylvania State Police Mounted Patrol. Another sweet bonus — there will be free pansies and Berkey Creamery ice cream while supplies last.
Tess McNamara, a junior majoring in agricultural sciences and an Ag Advocate, said the day is a celebration of the college and the significant role it plays in the development of future agriculture leaders.
“Agriculture impacts our everyday lives, from the food we eat to the clothes we wear,” she said. “We want Ag Day to be an event that provides insight about how our college supports the future leaders of agriculture. Everyone who attends Ag Day will be immersed in a community that supports and builds agriculture.”
For the latest on the event, follow the Ag Advocates’ social media — @psuagadvocates on Instagram and Facebook — or visit https://agsci.psu.edu/students/news/2019/the-annual-ag-day-celebration-returns-to-ag-hill.