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APD Events, Exhibits, and Activities -- August 19-21, 2008

--General Information
--What’s New for 2008
--Ag Energy: Harnessing the Potential
--The Equine Experience
--Family Activities
--On the Grounds
--Tours
--Machinery Demonstrations
--Food
--Exhibit Area Map
--Daily Schedule
--Exhibitor Listing

GENERAL INFORMATION

 

• Public pay telephones are located on Main Street near the Information Booth.
• First Aid station, with an ambulance staffed by emergency medical technicians, is located in the farmhouse at the top of Main Street.
• Portable toilets and handwashing stations are located throughout the grounds.
• Free Penn State shuttle bus service is available between the Ag Progress Days site and downtown State College. The boarding area is just east of the red barn/Media Room. Stop by the Information Booth for schedule information.
• Lost-and-found items are kept at the Information Booth.
• Recycling: Use the blue recycling containers throughout the grounds and support Penn State’s recycling efforts.
• ATM Machine: Mellon Bank has provided an ATM at the intersection of Main Street and 9th at the Pay Phone Kiosk.
• Medical Service: Dial 911 for assistance. Emergency personnel are located in the Farmhouse Office at the intersection of Main Street and West 10th.
• Rest Area: Visit the Rest Area at the intersection of Main Street and West 9th and support the College of Ag Sciences United Way Campaign with the purchase of an Ag Progress Days T-shirt.
• Future Dates: Tentative dates for Ag Progress Days 2009 are August 18, 19, and 20.
  

 

Disclaimer: Machinery, equipment, products, and services provided are for educational purposes. Their presence does not imply endorsement or recommendation by Penn State.

Information Booth
Main St. at the top of the hill
Find information on all activities and exhibitors, as well as a lost-and-found service.

WHAT'S NEW FOR 2008

 

Ag Energy: Harnessing the Potential
Learn how Penn State College of Ag Sciences research is turning ag energy potential into reality.

Theater Presentations
View presentations on ag energy by leading extension specialists in the field.

Crops, Soils, and Conservation Tent
The Crops and Soils area combines with the Natural Resources Conservation Partnership under one tent.

Harvesting BTUs While Improving the Woodlot Tour
Learn how harvesting firewood can warm your home while increasing the growth of the remaining trees.

Switchgrass for Bioenergy Research Tour
This tour highlights research on using native switchgrass as a source of renewable energy.

AG ENERGY: HARNESSING THE POTENTIAL

 

College of Agricultural Sciences Exhibits Building and Theater
Main St. between West 9th and West 10th Sts., (near the farmhouse)

Discover how the College of Ag Sciences' teaching, research, and extension missions are helping turn Pennsylvania’s ag energy potential into reality. Faculty and staff will be on hand to answer questions and provide information about the college’s undergraduate programs. Stop by the college’s Publications Distribution Center display to pick up your free Energy Selector Guide, and browse free and for-sale publications on topics ranging from agriculture and natural resources to community affairs and lawn care.

Information Booth
Main St. at the top of the hill
Find informaton on all activites and exhibitors, as well as a lost-and-found service.

Visitors’ Center
Main St. at West 4th St.

College of Agricultural Sciences Exhibits Building and Theatre
Main St. between West 9th and West 10th Sts. (near the farmhouse)

Publications Distribution Center
Stop by to pick up free and for-sale publications on topics ranging from agriculture and natural resources to community affairs and lawn care.

THEATRE PRESENTATIONS

 

College of Agricultural Sciences Exhibits Building and Theater
Main St. between West 9th and West 10th Sts., (near the farmhouse)
View presentations by leading specialists and experts.
Times and topics are as follows:

	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday
9:00-10:45 a.m.	9:15-10:00a.m. Emerald Ash Borer 10:05-10:50a.m. Bed Bugs	10:00 a.m.–Noon House Agriculture and Rural Affairs Committee Public Hearing: Agriculture Conservation and Fair Share for Clean Water Plan	State Animal Response Team
11:00-Noon	Natural Gas Drilling and Water Quality		Combined Heat and Power Projects for Renewable Energy
12:15-1:30 p.m.	Natural Gas Leasing: Legal, Tax, and Business Aspects for Property Owners	Natural Gas Leasing: What You Need to Know
1:45-2:30 p.m.	Potential of Wind and Solar Power	Energy Efficiency on the Farm	Resource Enhancement and Protection (REAP) Tax Credits for Conservation
2:45-3:30 p.m.	Diesel Fuel from Fields to Wheels	Natural Gas Leasing and Personal Finance	The 2008 Farm Bill—New Opportunities for Conservation
3:45-4:30 p.m.	The Pennsylvania Agricultural History Project	Fairview Swiss Cheese Anaerobic Digester Project

THE EQUINE EXPERIENCE

 

Main St. above the Special Events Building
The Equine Experience, presented by Penn State’s Equine Science program and the Pennsylvania Equine Council, features demonstrations, exhibits, workshops, and seminars on equine-related topics. Come to the Small Arena on Wednesday and saddle up to ride a pony provided by K&B Stables. The Main Horse Arena showcases horse training demonstrations with 2008 Mustang Challenge winner Suzanne Myers along with demonstrations by professional horsemen, breed clinics, mule-packing demonstrations, and Diamond Lane Farms’ black Percheron hitch. See the Equine Brochure for more information.

Equine Exhibits Building
View exhibits with information about equipment and facilities, equine diseases, stable management, and equine health and nutrition, highlighting Penn State’s undergraduate education, extension, and research programs. Also visit the Pennsylvania Equine Council’s Learning Station right next to our Kids Corner.

Equine Learning Center
Cover-All Building, Equine Area
Penn State, equine industry professionals, and local youth team up to offer seminars and demonstrations on a wide range of equine-related topics, geared to all levels of horse knowledge and experience. Workshops cover the responsibilities of equine ownership, the National Animal Identification System, trail riding, training and handling, and more. See the Learning Center Lecture Series.

Equine Educational Lounge
Skillathon Tent
On Tuesday and Wednesday, get out of the weather and take a break in the Equine Educational Lounge. Posters created by Penn State faculty, staff, and students will be on display.

FAMILYACTIVITIES

 

The Family Room Building
Main St. between West 8th and West 9th Sts.
Interactive exhibits cover such topics as nutrition and food safety, eating smart and moving more, food allergies, family finances, youth development, and family togetherness. Food demonstrations are held throughout the day with a theme of “Healthy Family Recipes—Fast and Flavorful.” Stop by the building for times and topics.

The 4-H Youth Building
Main St. between West 8th and West 9th Sts.
Visit the 4-H Youth Building and have fun with lots of cool, hands-on activities for kids. Help plan and build a town on a miniature landscape, see eggs hatch into live chicks, and learn about plant science, careers, the world, 4-H, FFA, and the Pennsylvania Dairy Princess program. Youth visitors will receive a neat gift after participating in each exhibit.

Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center
Main St. between West 8th and West 9th Sts.
Talks and hands-on natural history exhibits give you a close look at native Pennsylvania wildlife species. Presentations featuring live turtles, snakes, and birds of prey occur on the half hour Tuesday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., Wednesday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., and Thursday from 10:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Agricultural Safety and Health Tent
End of West 8th St. next to the Farm Safety Demonstration Area
Bring the family to learn about farm safety. Family activities will include farm safety mini-golf, a hazard hunt, and a safe play area.

A-Maze-N Corn
Next to the Crops, Soils, and Conservation Tent
Up for some fun? Spend a few minutes—or several hours—with your kids wandering through the corn maze. This maze is accessible for wheelchairs and baby strollers.

Pedal Go Kart Derby
Main St. between West 8th and West 9th Sts.
Kids…this is for you! You supply the power to pedal the serpentine track at APD. Exercise that’s good for you and fun too.

Kid’s Climb
Main St., near the Equine Exhibits Building
Safely climb 40-foot-tall trees with ropes and harness, just like professional arborists.

ON THE GROUNDS

Ag Alumni Pavilion
Main St. between West 11th and West 12th Sts.
Find out about the Penn State College of Ag Sciences Alumni Society. Alumni can stop in, meet old friends, and see alumni-related exhibits. Free apples while supplies last.

AgMap
West 8th St..
For information on landscaping services, farmers markets, mulch, organic farming, pest management, or fresh produce, come to the AgMap exhibit next to the 4-H Youth Building on West 8th Street. Find out about a quick, easy, and free way to search for businesses, supplies, services, and advice close to your home. Also learn how to list your business on the AgMap Web site.

Ag Renewable Energy Tent
West 10th St.
Natural gas exploration in the state accelerated with the Penn State research discovery that Marcellus shale, a Pennsylvania geologic formation, contained a wealth of natural gas. Before you sign on the dotted line, make sure you have fact-based, timely information to help you understand all issues behind gas exploration, leasing, and drilling.

AgrAbility/Agromedicine Tent
End of West 6th St. next to the Farm Safety Demonstration Area
Learn more about AgrAbility services. Receive free health screenings, including vision and blood pressure readings and information about skin cancer. See hands-on displays of ergonomic tools for the farm and garden. One core pesticide-education credit may be earned by attending a 30-minute presentation titled “Basics of the Worker Protection Standard” at 10:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. daily.

Agricultural Safety and Health Tent
End of West 8th St. next to the Farm Safety Demonstration Area
Cargill offers farm safety activities outside the tent area under the theme “Best Safety Practices on Your Farm.” Activities will include farm safety mini-golf, a hazard hunt, and a safe-play area. Speak with farm safety and agricultural emergency-management specialists about programs and resources.

The Farm Safety and Health Quiz Bowl
West 9th St. in the tent
On Wednesday, see 4-H and FFA teams answer farm safety and health questions in this semifinal quiz bowl event. The winning teams will advance to the state finals in January at the Pennsylvania Farm Show. 4-H youth compete at 9:30 a.m. and FFA youth at 1:30 p.m. The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Farm Safety and Occupational Health Advisory Board will meet on Wednesday at 6:00 p.m. in the quiz bowl tent. The public is welcome.

Animal Sciences Facility
Above West 12th St.
Learn the truth about some common misconceptions in a new series called “Myth Busters: Animal Agriculture.” Daily programs feature “myths” involving different animal-agriculture topics and include investigations of the misleading information and presentation of evidence to debunk the myths.

	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday
10:00 a.m.		Myth Buster: Large Scale Agriculture Is the End of the Family Farm	Myth Buster: Organic Therapies Are Better than Conventional Antibiotic Treatments
11:00 p.m.	Myth Buster: High Milk Production Burns out Cows	Myth Buster: Agriculture Is Harmful to our Environment	Myth Buster: You Can’t Teach an Old Dog New Tricks
1:30 p.m.	Myth Buster: Organic Therapies Are Better than Conventional Antibiotic Treatments	Myth Buster: rBST-free Milk Is Better for Consumers
2:30 p.m.	Myth Buster: Grass-Fed and Organic Beef Is Better for Consumers	Myth Buster: You Can’t Teach an Old Dog New Tricks

 

Crops, Soils, and Conservation Tent
East 5th St.
Through exhibits, demonstrations, and tours, learn how federal, state, and local agencies and private organizations work together to ensure the future of our natural resources. Get information on crops and soils, the Farm Bill, the Chesapeake Bay, energy, cover crops, weed identification, sustainable agriculture, forestry, nutrient management, and organic farming. Specialists from Penn State, PA No-Till Alliance, and other organizations will answer your questions about crop production and no-till farming. The Penn State Rainfall Demonstrator will showcase the effects of 30-year, continuous no-till cropping on runoff and erosion compared with reduced tillage and conventional tillage. See the state’s best hay samples entered here in the Hay Show. See below for presentations.

	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday
10:30-1:30 p.m.	Alternative Energy for Grazing Systems Livestock producers and manufacturers of wind- and solar-powered water pumps will present information on current products. USDA-NRCS grazing specialists will discuss funding assistance for installing alternative energy systems.	Horse Pasture Management Learn about horse pasture management on limited acres. USDA-NRCS grazing specialists and producers utilizing proper pasture management will be on hand to answer questions.	Targeted Grazing Producers utilizing targeted grazing for harvesting of forage and control of weeds and noxious or invasive plants on both owned and rented land will be available for discussions.

 

Pasto Agricultural Museum
Main St. between East 9th and Red Barn.
See rare and antique farm and home implements in this hands-on museum of rural life. The ninth annual Silent Auction—featuring antique tools, furniture, photographs, Penn State football tickets, and more—will take place Tuesday and Wednesday. A cash-and-carry section will assist those unable to return for competitive bidding.

Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture Building
West 11th St.
Stop in and learn about the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture’s programs and services. Here, you’ll find ways to increase agricultural productivity, transition or preserve a farm, manage risk, take advantage of economic development opportunities, participate in the PA Preferred® branding program, and find agricultural lesson plans—just some of the many ways PDA is keeping Pennsylvania growing.

Yard and Garden Tent
West 11th St.
Penn State Master Gardeners will give advice and help
you solve your plant and pest problems. Flower-arranging demonstrations will be held Wednesday and Thursday at 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.

FOOD

 

PA Preferred® Best Chef of Pennsylvania Competition
Main St. between East 8th and East 9th Sts.
This “Iron Chef”–style competition will feature eight chefs from the area’s top restaurants in a heated battle for the title of PA Preferred® Best Chef of Pennsylvania—West-Central Region on Tuesday and Wednesday, Aug. 19–20. The best go on to the state competition at the Pennsylvania Farm Show in January. Special guests and local media celebrities will also take part in this exciting event.

Family-Friendly Food Demonstrations.
Food demonstrations are held throughout the day in the Family Room Building with a theme of Healthy Family Recipes—Fast and Flavorful. Check the building schedule for times and topics.

Food Vendors
Feeling hungry? Visit one of the dozens of Ag Progress Days food booths (see map on pp. 8 and 9) and enjoy delicious items prepared by local nonprofit groups and Pennsylvania commodity organizations.

TOURS

 

Get free tickets and board tours at the corn crib at the top of Main Street.

General Research
Get an overview of research conducted by Penn State's Departments of Crop and Soil Sciences, Entomology, Horticulture, and Plant Pathology, as well as the USDA Pasture Systems and Watershed Management Research Lab. Buses leave daily at the top of the hour from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Tours run until 6:00 p.m. Wednesday..

High Tunnel Vegetable Production (1 hour, 30 minutes)
See how using clear, plastic tunnels to grow vegetables, small fruits, and cut flowers can be combined with other techniques to extend the state's growing season to almost 12 months. Buses leave daily at 9:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. 

Deer Research Center (2 hours)
Visitors can view live deer and various antler displays. Discussions will focus on deer biology and current research. Members of the Quality Deer Management Association will provide information on deer management and QDMA. In the event of inclement weather, animals will be viewed from the bus and a slide show will be presented in the display room. Buses leave Tuesday and Wednesday at 9:30 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. with an additional tour at 5:00 p.m. on Wednesday.

Potato Research  (2 Hours)
Commercial potato growers and small-scale vegetable producers can see new potato varieties and disease-control strategies. This tour leaves Tuesday at 1 p.m.

Honey Bee Apiary (1 hour, 30 minutes)
Are honey bees disappearing? What is Colony Collapse Disorder? Are food prices expected to increase due to a shortage of bee pollinators? Honey bees are in the news and these are just a few of questions being asked by the public. Join us for a tour of a Penn State honey bee research apiary to get an up close and personal look into the mysterious colonial life of the honey bee. Research being conducting by Penn State faculty, staff, and students to address the crisis facing honey bees will also be discussed. Buses leave daily at 10:30 a.m.

Harvesting BTUs While Improving the Woodlot (1 hour)
With the cost of energy at record levels, the value of firewood is greater than ever. Learn how harvesting firewood can keep homes warm while increasing the growth of the remaining valuable trees. At the Ag Progress Days woodlot, trees are labeled to show species, growth potential, and present BTU value. Buses to this walking tour will leave daily at 10 a.m., noon, and 2 p.m., with additional tours at 4 p.m. on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Switchgrass for Bioenergy (1 hour, 15 minutes)
Switchgrass shows great promise for the production of renewable fuels. On this tour to the USDA-ARS Pasture Systems and Watershed Management Research Lab, you'll see long-term research sites, herbicide control plots, and variety trials. Tours depart daily at 1:30 p.m.

Basic Conservation Systems (1 hour)
Find out how implementing core conservation practices as part of a basic conservation system can conserve soil, reduce nutrient loss, improve water quality, and enhance soil health. Specialists will help you understand why basic conservation systems on the farm and in your backyard can improve and protect local watersheds and the Chesapeake Bay. This tour will include hands-on children's activities. Buses depart daily at noon and 3:00 p.m.

Stream Corridor Management and Riparian Buffers (1 hour)
What is a riparian buffer and how does it improve water quality in your community? Find out about the benefits of forested and grassed riparian buffers and how to install and maintain them. Buses leave daily at 11:30 a.m.

FIELD MACHINERY DEMONSTRATIONS

 

Live demonstrations of the latest and best in production agriculture technology. Penn State faculty will be on hand to answer questions. Times and locations of all demonstrations to be announced.

10:30 a.m.		Hay Mowing
11:30 a.m.		Planters
12:30 p.m.
1:30 p.m.		Hay Rakes and Tedders
2 p.m.		High-Moisture Hay Baling
3 p.m.		Bale Handling

 

Farm Safety Demonstration Area
End of West 8th St.
Safety specialists demonstrate safe ATV operations with a remote-controlled ATV, Tuesday and Thursday at 10:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 3:00 p.m. Also see rescue simulations involving agricultural equipment, including emergency scene stabilization and patient extrication techniques on Wednesday at 11:00 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.