Going back to Penn State’s roots, students from the College of Agricultural Sciences will be taking part in the 2010 Pennsylvania Farm Show from January 9-16 in Harrisburg.

The college will be hosting two exhibits at the show dealing with green-roof technology and water conservation. The latter portion deals with drinking water quality and testing of private wells. This may seem like a niche issue, but there are more than 1 million private wells in Pennsylvania, including one that services my house. Anyone working to make well-water not taste like you’re drinking something that came out of the ground is a hero in my book.

The event itself looks like it’ll be a real barn-raiser too. From the mushroom judging competition (PA is #1 in the nation for mushroom production) to the Rabbit Youth Showmanship Contest, there’s fun for everyone. Other events include a High School rodeo competition, rabbit meat pen judging (I have no idea what this actually is, but what I imagine it to be is nothing short of awesome), and the Junior Lamb Skillathon.

Whatever you make of this, remember – agriculture is a major part of our state’s economy, and Penn State itself was originally founded as the Farmers’ High School of Pennsylvania way back in 1855. We wish everyone representing Penn State at this show the best of luck and envy them for getting an extra week of winter break.

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