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College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences

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Farm Science Review Organizers Hope to Reap Benefits of Positive Ag Climate

June 29, 2010

Editor's note: More Farm Science Review photos are available on our Flickr site: http://www.flickr.com/photos/farmsciencereview/.

 

LONDON, Ohio – Expectations are high and the climate is positive for this year's Ohio State University Farm Science Review, Sept. 21-23 at the Molly Caren Agricultural Center in London, Ohio.

 

"If exhibitor applications and desired participation are any indication, things are going very well. We've processed 571 exhibitor applications to date and are in line to, once again, sell out of exhibitor space at this year's show," said Farm Science Review manager Chuck Gamble. "The climate in agriculture is positive right now because of the dollars that have been available for farmers to spend on high-dollar equipment. Farmers came to the show last year to spend money. They may very well do that again this year."

The 48th annual Farm Science Review is Ohio's premiere agricultural event, sponsored by the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, Ohio State University Extension, and the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center.

The show attracts upwards of 140,000 visitors from across the country and Canada who come for three days to peruse 4,000 product lines from 600 exhibitors in an 80-acre exhibit area. They also don't miss the 600 acres of field demonstrations, where they get a glimpse of the latest in ag production techniques and technologies, as well as a first-hand look at the newest ag equipment on the market from the biggest names in the industry.

In addition, Farm Science Review is one of the few farm shows in the nation that supports agriculture through industry collaboration and university-driven research and education. Research and Extension specialists from Ohio State University and Purdue University lend their expertise in areas of agriculture, conservation, family, nutrition, gardening and landscape. This year, Michigan State University jumps into the fold.

"It's always been a unique characteristic of Farm Science Review to borrow some of the expertise from these other universities," said Gamble. "No doubt we are about education. If someone wants to learn something, all they have to do is attend Farm Science Review."

This year's Farm Science Review theme is "I'm more than a farmer," emphasizing the many roles of the farmer – from innovator to community leader to environmental steward. Farm Science Review is the place for everyone in agriculture, no matter the role, said Gamble.

"Farm Science Review is a great resource for farmers in Ohio, as well as surrounding states. It's a gem of our college," said Gamble. "Farm Science Review is home to countless programs, but our audience has, and will always be the farmer."

Planning on attending this year's show? Here are a few things you shouldn't miss:

• Field demonstrations – 600 acres worth of corn and soybean harvest, tillage techniques, precision agriculture, and manure application. Over 30 ag companies will demonstrate their latest equipment. "Farm Science Review showcases the most comprehensive field demonstrations in the nation of any farm show," said Gamble. Get a first-hand look at how the machinery performs in the field. Like what you see? You can make a purchase on the spot.

• Gwynne Conservation Area – 67 acres devoted to conservation and natural resource-related demonstrations and educational sessions. "I'm not aware of any farm show that has a conservation area devoted to such educational seminars and conservation practices," said Gamble.

• OSU Central – located in the exhibit area along Friday Avenue, OSU Central is the hub of educational seminars from research and Extension specialists from Ohio State University and Purdue University. Visitors will have access to three days' worth of sessions ranging from energy to ag production to economics. Visitors can peruse displays and other educational materials focusing on ag safety, family, health, nutrition, gardening, and finances.

• Center for Small Farms – Located on Beef Street in the exhibitor area, the Center for Small Farms is the place to be for individuals interested in niche farming, value-added agriculture, and sustainability efforts. Snag your seating spot early! Sessions are so popular that they are generally standing room only.

• Bailey Building – Located in OSU Central along Friday Avenue, the Bailey Building is the hot spot for youth yearning to become a Buckeye. Seven departments, one school, regional campuses, Stone Lab, College of Veterinary Medicine and 4-H all offer information on agricultural-related educational opportunities. There's something for adults, too, looking to expand their knowledge or perhaps change careers.

Farm Science Review pre-show tickets go on sale July 12 for $5 at all OSU Extension county offices. Tickets will also be available at local agribusinesses. Tickets are $8 at the gate. Children 5 and younger are admitted free. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 21-22 and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 23.

For more information, log on to http://fsr.osu.edu. For the latest news and updates, follow Farm Science Review on Twitter (http://www.twitter.com/OhioStateFSR), Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/FarmScienceReview), and Ning (http://fsrosu.ning.com).

 

Author(s): 
Candace Pollock
Source(s): 
Chuck Gamble