Penn State’s Ag Progress Days 2026, scheduled for August 11-13, promises to be an enriching experience for visitors of all ages. This annual event, held at the Russell E. Larson Agricultural Research Center at Rock Springs, is a treasure trove of interactive exhibits, educational demonstrations, and family-friendly activities. The event is designed to promote healthier habits, provide valuable resources, and foster a sense of community.
The Family Room building, located on Main Street, will be a central hub for activities focused on health and wellness. Coordinated by educators from Penn State Extension’s food, families and communities, and pesticide education teams, the Family Room offers a diverse range of exhibits and demonstrations tailored to all ages.
Promoting Health and Wellness
One of the key highlights of the Family Room is the focus on promoting health and wellness through various activities. Visitors can participate in cooking demonstrations led by Penn State Extension educators, who will prepare healthy recipes and provide information on food safety and preservation techniques.
The event will also feature talks and exhibits on mental health and wellness in agriculture. Farming can be stressful due to factors such as weather, equipment breakdowns, and economic uncertainties. The exhibits will offer tips and resources to help farmers and their families manage stress and maintain mental and emotional well-being.
Health and Wellness Display
Educators will share information on food, nutrition, and physical fitness, along with tips for chronic disease prevention and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. The health and wellness display will be a valuable resource for visitors looking to improve their
Mental Health and Wellness in Agriculture
Recognizing the unique challenges faced by farmers, the event will include exhibits on mental health and wellness in agriculture. Visitors can learn about identifying and responding to stressors in positive ways, as well as discover resources to keep themselves and their neighbors mentally and emotionally healthy.
Family Well-being Programs
The Family Room will also feature programs focused on family well-being. Visitors can find ideas and resources on parenting and childcare, grandparents raising grandchildren, and financial management. These programs aim to provide practical advice and support to families, helping them navigate the challenges of modern life.
Home Food Preservation and Consumer Food Safety
In celebration of National Food Safety Month in September, Penn State food safety and quality educators and volunteers will provide research-based information on how to safely store and preserve foods at home. This exhibit will be particularly useful for those looking to enhance their food preservation skills.
Vector-borne Disease Prevention
Penn State Extension’s vector-borne disease team will focus on diseases caused by pathogens transmitted by ticks and mosquitoes, such as Lyme disease, anaplasmosis, and West Nile virus. The team will provide resources on recognizing ticks and mosquitoes and offer tips to help people protect themselves and their families, pets, and livestock from vector-borne diseases.
New Exhibits for 2026
This year’s Ag Progress Days will introduce several new exhibits, including Mistaken Identity and Radon: What You Need to Know to Protect Your Family. The Mistaken Identity exhibit will teach visitors how to properly store pesticides and the importance of keeping them in their original containers. The Radon exhibit will educate visitors about the risks of radon exposure and provide practical steps to reduce risk and access testing and solutions.
For families with children, the 4-H and Youth Building will offer a variety of activities, including the Healthy Living Exploration Station, Herb Discovery Station, and Everyday Biosecurity. These activities are designed to engage young minds and promote a love for learning and healthy living.
The Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center Wildlife Tent will feature live animals, an avian nest display, craft activities, and hands-on opportunities to learn about mammals of central Pennsylvania. The Yard and Garden Area will offer informational sessions with Penn State Extension Master Gardeners at the butterfly house and youth activities tent.
Other attractions for kids and families include the Corn Maze, which is stroller- and wheelchair-accessible, and the Pasto Agricultural Museum, which offers a hands-on look at farm and rural life before the widespread use of electricity and gas-powered equipment.
Ag Progress Days is sponsored by Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences and 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. on August 11; 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. on August 12; and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on August 13. 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 (@AgProgressDays).
