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College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences

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What's New at This Year's Farm Science Review

July 7, 2010

LONDON, Ohio –Throughout its 48-year history, Ohio State University's Farm Science Review has been at the forefront of showcasing the future of agriculture.

From the first no-till demonstrations to the introduction of big farm equipment to breakthrough research on crop diseases, Farm Science Review has always been the place for visitors to see the "newest" in agriculture, as well as conservation, home improvement, health, safety, money management, gardening and education.

"Farm Science Review embraces change. It's just amazing to look at how far we've come and where we'll be going," said Farm Science Review manager Chuck Gamble. "We are constantly looking at new technologies, and new products and services, and their representation at the show is an asset to our visitors."

Farm Science Review, Ohio's premiere agricultural event, will take place Sept. 21-23 at the Molly Caren Agricultural Center in London, Ohio. Sponsored by the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, Ohio State University Extension, and the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, the event attracts upwards of 140,000 visitors from all over the country and Canada. Visitors come for three days to peruse 4,000 product lines from 600 commercial exhibitors, and capitalize on educational opportunities from Ohio State University and Purdue University specialists.

Visitors get their fill of the familiar, from field demonstrations to Center for Small Farm sessions to environmental programs at the Gwynne Conservation Center.

But each year Farm Science Review showcases a wealth of new educational opportunities. A few additions to this year's show include:

• Expansion of the ag production plot demonstration area located at the east end of the exhibitor grounds. Visitors making their way to Gates A-E can tour antique corn, soybean trials, manure application plots, weed control demonstrations, corn hybrids, forage plots, and popcorn and sweet corn trials. In addition, nearly two-dozen bioenergy crops from miscanthus to sorghum will be on display, as well as 15 cover crop varieties. Ohio State University Extension educators will be on-hand to give details of the plots and answer any questions. "Farmers are always interested in maximum production environments and the economics of creating those environments," said Gamble. "What a way to greet farmers as they come to Farm Science Review. They can walk through that plot area and see the new things going on in ag research."

• The Ohio Land Improvement Contractors Association returns to Farm Science Review to demonstrate drainage technologies and control structures. Look for the demonstrations east of State Route 38 and north of I-70 near the field demonstrations. OLICA will also have additional resources and experts available at the grain drying facility along State Route 38.

• Expansion of the Universal Design exhibit, located in the McCormick Building on Friday Avenue. Universal Design, a user-friendly method of home accessibility for all, has been a long-standing exhibit at Farm Science Review. This year, the Universal Design concept will expand to include a laundry room and a garage/farm shop.

• ATV/UTV Ride and Drive area, located north and northeast of the exhibit area, sandwiched between the exhibit area and I-70. "The Ride and Drive area isn't really new to Farm Science Review, but it may seem new to a lot of visitors," said Gamble. "It really is one of the show's best-kept secrets." The Ride and Drive area will feature Yamaha and Honda and showcase the latest in ATV (all-terrain vehicles) and UTV (utility terrain vehicles). The feature allows attendees to test-drive various models within the enclosed Ride and Drive area. There is also an emphasis on ATV/UTV safety that complements educational sessions presented by OSU Extension safety specialists.

• Rain garden installation by the Ohio Federation of Soil and Water Conservation Districts. Visitors can view the rain garden, which is located on Friday Avenue near the Ohio Department of Natural Resources Building located on the Lawrence G. Vance Soil and Water Conservation Park. Visitors can also look for a rain garden and rain collection system located in Utzinger Garden on Friday Avenue.

• Lengthening of Equipment Avenue through the Lawrence G. Vance Soil and Water Conservation Park, located on the exhibitor grounds. The infrastructure change is intended to drive more visitors to relax at the park, as well as ease attendees into the new golf cart changes. All east/west streets at Farm Science Review are now one-way golf cart lanes. Look for street markings indicating driving directions.

• Addition of more recycling containers on the exhibitor grounds, bringing the total to 350.

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 target audience has, and will always be, the farmer."

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