Commercial Exhibits, Field Demos Are a Staple of Penn State’s Ag Progress Days

Jul 12, 2024

Farmers and others involved in production agriculture looking to explore the latest agricultural goods, services, equipment and technology can find everything they need at Penn State’s 2024 Ag Progress Days.

The event will be held Aug. 13-15 at the Russell E. Larson Agricultural Research Center at Rock Springs, Centre County.

The event will feature more than 400 commercial and educational exhibits, along with various field demonstrations and workshops. Exhibitors will cover nearly every product category, including field machinery, milking systems, animal genetics, storage structures, feed, tools, trailers, sprayers, mixers, livestock housing, utility vehicles, fertilizers, fencing, financial products and insurance. Crop producers also can meet leaders in seed production and discover the latest hybrids available.

“Ag Progress Days is a celebration of agricultural progress and innovation,” said show manager Jesse Darlington. “Attendees can discover how Penn State’s research and extension programs are inspiring transformative change for the betterment of society. We appreciate the support from producers, industry professionals and the public.”

Field demonstrations allow potential buyers to see and compare equipment in action, such as hay mowers, rakes and tedders, hay balers, and bale handlers. A new demonstration this year will feature corn planters. Following is the daily field demo schedule:

— 10:30 a.m. Hay Mowing and Tedding

— 11:45 a.m. Cover Crop/Planting Green

— 12:30 p.m. Corn Planting

— 2:15 p.m. Hay Baling, Raking and Bale Handling

Also planned are demonstrations of working drones, ATV safety and agricultural rescue practices.

Darlington said free, daily research tours again will allow visitors to see production and management practices being studied by Penn State researchers at the surrounding, 2,400-acre Russell E. Larson Agricultural Research Center. Tour attendees are transported by bus, but most tours require some walking or standing. Topics will include equine pastures and dry lots, forest management, and a newly developed stream buffers tour.

Darlington encourages producers attending Ag Progress Days to ask Penn State faculty specialists and extension educators questions and talk with experts about the latest research findings, best practices, business issues and governmental regulations that could affect their operations. Information will be available on dairy, livestock and crop production; animal health; soil conservation; water quality; and ag renewable energy.

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.

Source : psu.edu

Video: BLOODBATH: Fund Traders Sell While Farmers Hold (Corn Prices)

Futures and options trading involves risk of loss and is not suitable for everyone.

Agricultural Market Update: Grain Prices, Crop Conditions, and Weather Impacts

Welcome back to our channel where we provide comprehensive updates on the latest trends and changes in the agricultural sector. This week, we're looking at significant movements in grain prices, crop conditions, and the effects of weather patterns. Let's dive into the details:

Grain Price Decline Grain prices have fallen to their lowest levels since 2020, with December corn down 4.3% and November soybeans losing 3.1%. This decline is partly due to the beneficial moisture brought by Hurricane Beryl to the Midwest, which has improved crop conditions significantly. The USDA reported that corn and soybean crops are in their best condition in four years, contributing to the downward pressure on prices.

Record Short Positions and Market Sentiment Fund traders have increased their net short positions in the corn market to a record level, with a net short of 347,000 contracts of corn. This reflects a bearish sentiment in the market, further influencing grain price dynamics. Similar selling trends were observed in soybeans and SRW wheat, indicating broad market caution.

Weather Impact and Forecast Hurricane Beryl has brought significant rainfall across Arkansas, Missouri, western Tennessee, western Kentucky, and southern Illinois, with more expected over Missouri, Illinois, and Indiana in the coming days. Despite this, the market is currently more focused on the moisture benefits rather than potential heat risks forecasted in the 6-10 and 8-14 day periods.

US Crop Conditions Corn and soybean conditions have shown slight improvements last week, with corn rated 68% good to excellent and soybeans at 68%. These are among the best ratings for this time of year since 2020, suggesting robust crop health that could continue to influence grain prices.

Winter Wheat Harvest and Spring Wheat Conditions The US winter wheat harvest is progressing well, ahead of schedule with significant portions already harvested in Kansas and Texas. Spring wheat conditions are also favorable, with 75% rated good to excellent, although there have been some declines in states like Idaho, South Dakota, and Washington. Brazil's Corn Harvest and US Exports Brazil's second corn crop harvest is advancing rapidly due to favorable hot and dry conditions, with 63% of the crop already harvested. Meanwhile, US corn shipments saw a substantial increase last week, indicating strong export demand, which contrasts with the recent drop in domestic grain prices.

Ongoing Developments Lastly, the USDA reported a flash sale of corn, with significant quantities sold to unknown destinations, scheduled for delivery over the next two marketing years. This could signal ongoing international demand for US corn despite lower prices.

?? Stay Updated: For ongoing insights into these issues affecting agriculture, make sure to subscribe to our channel. We bring you the latest information to help you understand the dynamics affecting global agriculture and markets.

?? Join the Conversation: How do you think these developments will impact global agricultural markets? What are your views on the current weather patterns affecting crop conditions? Share your thoughts in the comments below. Your input is crucial for our discussions.