Heading to Ag Progress Days? Prepare to see more equipment and exhibitors than ever before.

“There’s always new pieces of equipment introduced during the show, and the latest technology will be there,” says Jesse Darlington, manager of the show, who expects about 450 exhibitors this year.

With machinery sales lagging and a lot of uncertainty regarding the farm economy, Darlington says equipment dealers have plenty of inventory and are eager to meet with farmers in need of a good deal.

“Right now, from what I’m hearing, we’re in a position where farmers don’t know what they’re going to get at the end, at harvest,” he says. “In this area, it’s been dry. The markets for crops aren’t great at this point, but that could change. As a farmer myself, you got to be cautious about things right now. But inventory is definitely a lot better right now. We’re seeing more equipment available, newer technologies out there.”

The show takes place Aug. 13-15 at the Russell E. Larson Agricultural Research Center in Rock Springs, Pa. Here’s a roundup of some of this year’s highlights:  

Field demos. The always popular field demonstrations will feature five newer-model no-till corn planters, the first time in 10 years corn planters will be running at the show. Planters include the Kinze 3605 12-row; Case IH 2150S Early Riser 12-row; Fendt Momentum 12-row; John Deere 1775NT with Exact Emerge 16-row; and a Harvest International 12-row.

Here’s the daily schedule of field demonstrations:

Up to six exhibitors of drones will be on-site, with daily demonstrations also planned.

Focus on solar. A lot is going on in and around the J.D. Harrington Crops, Soils and Conservation Building.

On Tuesday of the show, the Energy Showcase will focus on farm solar power with four presentations in the American National Learning Center Building:

South of the Harrington Building, numerous plots of popular cover crop mixtures will be on display.

A related presentation, “Mix and Match: Optimizing Cover Crop Mixtures for Your Farm's Goals,” will take place at 12:30 p.m. each day.

Hay show. The 2024 Hay Show will be sponsored by the Pennsylvania Forage and Grassland Council, Ag Progress Days and Penn State Extension. Samples may be dropped off inside the Harrington Building at the end of East Fifth Street, or at the designated Hay Show drop-off location at the east entrance of Ag Progress before the show.

Deadline for entries is noon Tuesday, Aug. 13. Placings will be announced Thursday morning, Aug. 15, at the show.

BACK TO ROCK SPRINGS: Ag Progress Days will be held Aug. 13-15. More than 450 exhibitors will be at the show. No-till corn planters will be highlighted in this year’s demonstration plots. (Photo by Michael Houtz)

Educational tours. Most tours will transport visitors by bus to locations around Penn State's 2,400-acre Russell E. Larson Agricultural Research Center.

All tours are free, and all except the Water Wellhead Safety tour require tickets, which can be obtained at the departure point at the corn crib near the top of Main Street at the show site. Here’s the list of this year’s tours:

Show still has value

Even with the recent announcement of the canceling of this year’s Empire Farm Days, Darlington thinks there is still value for producers to see equipment and technology in one place.

“There is an opportunity for farmers to look at multiple brands, compare differences right there, pricing, and these dealers don’t want to take this equipment back home,” he says. “It’s a one-stop shop. You can see multiple brands and be able to compare in one spot. We’ve learned from COVID, in-person farm shows are still valuable. Farmers want to be able to touch that thing, to look at it, inspect it. There is still value for being in person.”

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 agsci.psu.edu/apd.