COLUMBUS, Ohio – Farm Science Review, Ohio State University's premiere annual farm show, has been described as a potpourri of the latest and greatest in the agriculture industry.
"Nearly whatever service or product a farmer needs can be found at Farm Science Review," said Farm Science Review manager Chuck Gamble.
Indeed, attendees to this year's show will be able to peruse the latest in agricultural equipment, services and products -- over 4,000 product lines from 600-plus commercial exhibitors; view three days worth of field demonstrations spread across 600 acres of farmland; and take advantage of Ohio State University agricultural research, education and expertise in agriculture, economics, health and nutrition, conservation and horticulture.
The 47 annual Farm Science Review will be held Sept. 22-24 at the Molly Caren Agricultural Center in London, Ohio. This year's theme, "Your 2009 Bale Out," (with a bit of word play) is intended to emphasize the resources available at the show to help farmers strengthen their business.
"We are providing the resources to ensure a profitable bottom line. From preparation to planting to harvesting, farmers have the ability to gain the knowledge they need at the Review," said Farm Science Review assistant manager Matt Sullivan. "We make all of it available to farmers. It's up to them to take that information and make choices that will provide them the most profitable farming operation."
Not only does Farm Science Review provide equipment, technology, products and services essentially under one roof, the show is unique in that it incorporates the education, research and expertise of a major land-grant university.
"Having the Ohio State University affiliation is huge," said Gamble. "That education component is valued and emulated at other farm shows."
In addition to Ohio State's presence, Farm Science Review will be heading into its fourth year of involvement with Purdue University, whose researchers will offer information in field crops, family and consumer sciences, economics and conservation, among other topics.
"Having two universities present as a resource is invaluable," said Sullivan. "Visitors won't get watered-down information. They'll get as much hard data and applicable information as they'll need. It's outreach education at its finest."
Farm Science Review exhibit space sold out quickly. Gamble said the quick sell-out points to the optimistic attitude being taken in the agriculture industry, despite the downturn in the economy.
"Other farm shows this year have been witness to a positive attitude in agriculture, and we hope that upbeat optimism carries over to Farm Science Review," said Gamble. "Farmers are approaching this year's show with guarded optimism, but they are still in the market for products and services that will give them a leg up in the industry."
Gamble added that agricultural companies continue to invest in Farm Science Review with more buildings becoming permanent fixtures on the grounds, indicative of their confidence that Farm Science Review makes a solid contribution to the industry each year.
Look for such updates at Farm Science Review this year, along with other changes such as more paved roadways within the exhibit area. For future updates on Farm Science Review programs and events, log on to http://fsr.osu.edu. Tickets are $8 at the gate or $5 in advance when purchased from county offices of OSU Extension or participating agribusinesses. Children 5 and younger are admitted free. Hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 22-23 and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 24.
Farm Science Review is sponsored by the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, Ohio State University Extension, and the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center. It attracts upwards of 140,000 visitors from across the country and Canada.