Ag Progress Days town hall highlights partnerships, innovation in Pa. agriculture

August 26, 2026

Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences and Penn State Extension are working together to turn research, innovation and insights from farmers into practical solutions for Pennsylvania agriculture.

'Everybody Walk Across Pennsylvania": Extension offers free virtual walking program

August 25, 2026

Anyone interested in developing healthy habits and increasing stamina can benefit from a free Penn State Extension virtual walking program called “Everybody Walk Across Pennsylvania.” The statewide program will take place from Sept. 14 through Nov. 9.

Adaptation and a ‘Noah’s Ark for trees’ offer hope for endangered black ash

August 25, 2026

With the invasive emerald ash borer beetle decimating black ash across North America, according to the U.S. Forest Service, a team led by Penn State researchers conducted an expansive study of genetic diversity in black ash seeds collected across the tree’s geographic range and stored in seed banks. As part of the research, the team established three large common gardens — experimental plantings — of black ash that someday may play a role in producing seeds needed to bring the species back.

Wild game preservation methods at home the focus of Extension programming

August 21, 2026

Those interested in learning about methods of safely preserving wild game can attend upcoming Penn State Extension workshops and a webinar.

Brasier named faculty director of graduate education in College of Ag Sciences

August 21, 2026

Kathryn Brasier has been named faculty director of graduate education in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences, bringing more than two decades of experience in graduate education, mentorship and academic leadership at Penn State to the role.

After 30 years of research, Penn State startup reinvents the putting green

August 20, 2026

While they are on opposite sides of the country, Shinnecock Hills Golf Club in New York and California’s Pebble Beach Golf Club have at least two things in common. They are both hosting the U.S. Open Golf tournament and they both now seed their greens with a weed that most of the nation’s golf clubs spent decades eradicating.

Penn State alumni turn hands-on learning into research expertise

August 19, 2026

Three Penn State alumni now working at the Institute of Energy and the Environment are using the hands-on experiences, mentorship and technical training they gained as students to advance environmental research.

Penn State Extension workshop to focus on strategies for organic farmers

August 18, 2026

Farmers interested in organic farming can connect with fellow farmers and explore practical strategies for successful organic field crop production during an upcoming Penn State Extension workshop.

2026 Ag Progress Days draws thousands for agricultural education and innovation

August 18, 2026

For three days in August, Rock Springs once again became a meeting place for the people, ideas and innovations shaping Pennsylvania agriculture. This year’s Ag Progress Days carried added significance, marking 50 years since Penn State’s Russell E. Larson Agricultural Research Center became the show’s permanent home.

Sending a 'We Are!' to these Penn Staters — Aug. 17

August 17, 2026

As part of our regular “We Are!” feature, we recognize 22 Penn Staters who have gone above and beyond what’s asked of them in their work at the University.

Center for Nursing Research announces 2026-27 virtual talks

August 17, 2026

The Ross and Carol Nese College of Nursing’s Center for Nursing Research has announced its Research Talks for the 2026-27 academic year. This eight-part virtual series is designed to advance nursing research by fostering collaboration between researchers to bridge the gap between research theory and application.

Creamery celebrates one millionth Penn State degree with commemorative ice cream

August 15, 2026

The Penn State Berkey Creamery is joining the University's one millionth degree celebration with a flavor of ice cream called "One Million Scholar's Chip," available through December of 2026.

Newly formed Keystone AgTech Alliance to accelerate innovation

August 13, 2026

Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences has joined the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development, Team Pennsylvania, and Innovation Works/The Robotics Factory to launch the Keystone AgTech Alliance, a statewide partnership designed to accelerate agricultural innovation and position the commonwealth as a national leader in agricultural technology deployment.

Bumblebees can learn to associate new smells with their queen

August 11, 2026

Bumblebees are able to learn to associate new odors with their colony’s queen, instead of being preprogrammed to recognize the queen’s pheromones from birth, according to a new study led by researchers at Penn State.

Andrew Patterson named H. Thomas and Dorothy Willits Hallowell Chair

August 11, 2026

Andrew Patterson has been named the H. Thomas and Dorothy Willits Hallowell Chair in Agricultural Sciences at Penn State.

Stream monitoring tool the focus of Penn State Extension webinar

August 10, 2026

Penn State Extension will offer an introductory webinar on Sept. 18 aimed at teaching anyone interested in water resources how to use a new tool to assess stream health, collect data and submit findings. 

Native tree planting the focus of Penn State Extension webinar

August 10, 2026

Native tree and shrub sale customers or anyone interested in learning proper tree-planting techniques for long-term success can attend a Sept. 2 webinar hosted by the Penn State Extension Master Watershed Steward Program.

FFA officers excited to call Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences home

August 10, 2026

Six Pennsylvania State FFA officer team members for 2025-26 will call Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences home beginning this fall as first-year students.

Director named for Technologies for Agriculture and Living Systems initiative

August 10, 2026

Armen R. Kemanian, Penn State professor of production systems and modeling in the College of Agricultural Sciences, has been named director of the college’s Technologies for Agriculture and Living Systems initiative.

Ott receives leadership award from Society for the Study of Reproduction

August 10, 2026

Troy Ott, Peter and Ann Tombros Dean of Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences, has received the Distinguished Leadership and Service Award from the Society for the Study of Reproduction, one of the organization’s highest honors recognizing exceptional leadership and selfless service in advancing the science of reproductive biology.

College of Ag Sciences grad students receive Fox Graduate School scholarships

August 7, 2026

Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences students Paige Alexander and Ingrid Lara Bordin Fernandes are two of 36 Penn State graduate students recognized in a new round of scholarships from the J. Jeffrey and Ann Marie Fox Graduate School at Penn State.

AgSci Launchpad broadens perspectives and pathways in ag sciences

August 7, 2026

A new program in Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences is enriching the summer research experience of undergraduate students through shared learning experiences aimed at preparing them for future success in research and beyond.

USDA grant to help uncover opportunities and challenges facing rural governments

August 6, 2026

A new $590,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s National Institute of Food and Agriculture will help fund an ongoing project to survey county governments across the U.S. to better understand the challenges they face in providing services and enacting policies that improve economic growth and well-being in rural communities.

Gov. Shapiro issues proclamation celebrating Penn State’s Ag Progress Days

August 6, 2026

Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro issued a public citation highlighting the impact and important role Penn State’s Ag Progress Days plays in supporting the state's agricultural industry through education, research and innovation. This year marks the 50th anniversary of Rock Springs as the permanent Ag Progress Days site.

Ag Progress Days celebrates five decades of innovation and education at Rock Springs

August 6, 2026

This year marks the 50th anniversary of Rock Springs as the permanent Penn State Ag Progress Days site.

SAFES in College of Ag Sciences names student learning program grant recipients

August 4, 2026

Five projects designed to enhance student learning and hands-on learning have received grants from Penn State’s College of Agricultural Sciences through its Institute for Sustainable Agricultural, Food, and Environmental Science (SAFES) program.

Soilless farming system design can determine microbial growth, impact on crops

August 4, 2026

Vegetable production from soilless farming, a fast-growing segment of modern agriculture, addresses water scarcity, land limitations and food security, but microbial management remains a challenge, according to a team of researchers at Penn State, who conducted a study of bacteria in five soilless farming systems.

Schurman recognized in National Association of County Agricultural Agents Hall of Fame

August 3, 2026

Carol Schurman, a retired county extension educator and current volunteer for the Indiana County 4-H program overseen by Penn State Extension, was recently honored with induction into the National Association of County Agricultural Agents Hall of Fame following nearly 50 years of service.

Penn State’s sweetest course offers hands-on learning for all

August 3, 2026

Offered by the Department of Food Science in the College of Agricultural Sciences, the Chocolate Short Course brings in attendees from across the globe, including the United States, Canada, South America and Australia.

Over 40,000 answers later, Extension tool Tilva’s impact is growing, evolving

August 3, 2026

Whether identifying a plant or animal disease, interpreting a soil test, or finding educational resources, users have turned to Tilva more than 40,000 times since the Penn State Extension artificial-intelligence tool launched in January. New features introduced in recent months are designed to help users continue those conversations in English or Spanish and connect with additional sources of trusted, research-based guidance.

Media Contacts

Amy Duke
  • Associate Director of Communications
Jeff Mulhollem
  • Public Relations Specialist/Science Writer
Katie Bohn
  • Science and News Writer
Alexandra McLaughlin
  • Penn State Extension Writer (Marketing Communications Specialist)
Sean Duke
  • Marketing/Communications Specialist

Media Contacts

Amy Duke
  • Associate Director of Communications
Jeff Mulhollem
  • Public Relations Specialist/Science Writer
Katie Bohn
  • Science and News Writer
Alexandra McLaughlin
  • Penn State Extension Writer (Marketing Communications Specialist)
Sean Duke
  • Marketing/Communications Specialist