On a recent visit to State College, PA home of the Pennsylvania State University
, I had the occasion to visit the university sponsored Ag Progress Days. This three day event featured more than 375 commercial exhibitors displaying the latest agricultural goods and services. Interactive educational exhibits, guided tours and workshops demonstrated how agricultural researchers and educators are addressing important issues, safeguarding and improving our food supply and the environment, and helping to enhance the efficiency and profitability of agriculture and related industries.
Personally, I gained insight into the benefits of no-till farming, (http://www.no–till.com/) especially as it relates to the prevention of top soil erosion and the maintenance of important nutrients in the soil.
My kids enjoyed these activities: 
(pony rides) and the corn field maze: “A-Maze-N Corn” - Next to the Crops and Soils Tent (where there were awards given for the top three examples of hay in six different categories!!!)
My wife told me I reminded her of this: 
That’s right, boys, 100% Biodiesel! (Powered by ethanol gas from manure.)
Seriously, the Ag Progress Days were very educational. For example, these kids learned how cows are made! 
Several dads benefited from the free seminar “Getting Kids Unstuck from Trees”.
And a good time was had by all.
The highlight, for me, was running into a couple of old friends, Hobart Jeffries and Squint Stephens! I convinced them both to drop some periodic posts here on “Greetings, Dernlander!”, so keep your eyes (and ears) open for their unique perspectives on American culture.
