Penn State Brings Interactive Fun to 2026 Farm Show
Penn State is set to bring an exciting array of hands-on learning experiences to the 2026 Pennsylvania Farm Show, taking place from January 10-17 in Harrisburg. The event promises to be an engaging and educational experience for visitors of all ages, with various interactive stations and displays showcasing the university’s expertise in agriculture, conservation, and community development.
At the Penn State Extension and College of Agricultural Sciences booth in the Giant Expo Hall, attendees can participate in a range of activities, including spinning a prize wheel to learn about family well-being and mental health, creating their own newspaper pots and planting seeds with Master Gardeners, and exploring the connections between nutrition and mental health. Visitors can also test their knowledge of agricultural topics and take home personalized digital photos featuring Penn State Extension-branded backgrounds.
In addition to the main booth, Penn State experts and staff will be involved in various other exhibits throughout the complex, including displays on apples and nuts, pesticide education, grapes and wine, Christmas trees, mushrooms, honey bees, and forestry. The Center for Agricultural Conservation Assistance Training will also offer an interactive experience, guiding visitors through Pennsylvania’s conservation challenges and solutions.
Penn State’s involvement in the Farm Show is part of its land-grant partnership with the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, a collaboration that spans over 125 years. The partnership aims to support agriculture, protect and manage natural resources, and drive economic development and community resilience across the state. According to Troy Ott, dean of the College of Agricultural Sciences, the Farm Show highlights the importance of agriculture as an economic engine for Pennsylvania and reminds attendees of the critical role farmers and agribusinesses play in supporting healthy, prosperous communities.
The 2026 Pennsylvania Farm Show is expected to attract over 500,000 spectators, with 24 acres of exhibits, 6,000 animals, and more than 10,000 competitive exhibits. The event will take place at the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex and Expo Center, with admission free and parking available for $15. For more information, visitors can check the Farm Show website.
