Farm Science Review showcases latest and greatest in agricultural innovation

With the 2015 Farm Science Review starting today, preparations at the Molly Caren Agricultural Center in London, Ohio, have been in full swing as exhibitors set up displays and hauled in the newest equipment, and educators prepared their presentations on current trends and research findings.

Each year, the three-day annual farm show showcases the latest and greatest in agricultural innovation, and this year will be no different, said Chuck Gamble, manager of the Farm Science Review, sponsored by the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences at The Ohio State University.

“We pride ourselves in setting the bar for having the best of the best in agricultural equipment and technology on display at our show every year, coupled with our world-class educational programming,” he said. “There’s always something for everyone.”

Highlights for the 2015 Farm Science Review include:

*Field 2 Faucet Water/Nutrient Research Tours: Learn about new joint projects between Ohio State and Beck’s Hybrids featuring research on water quality and nutrients, nutrient use efficiency for nitrogen and phosphorus, precision agriculture and compaction, and high-yield factors. Shuttles to the research plots depart between gates I and J on the west side of the exhibit area.

*Ride and Drive Activities: JCB, Titan Tire and Ford Trucks will have equipment on-hand for attendees to drive and experience the latest in field and road conditions. This area is located near Conservation Avenue and Wheat Street.

* Live Streaming of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Demonstration — A live stream of the unmanned aerial vehicle field demonstrations (daily at 12:30 p.m.) will be on display for attendees to watch their data collection capabilities in action. Shuttles to the field demonstrations can be boarded off of Friday Avenue at the west end of the exhibit area.

* Climatologist On-Site: Visit the Firebaugh Building at 384 Friday Ave. to talk with a climatologist from Ohio State’s Byrd Polar and Climate Research Center and evaluate the National Climate Assessment and U.S. Climate Resilience Toolkit.

*“I’m a Farmer - Not a Spokesperson!” Social Media Panel: Join a panel of farmers and agribusiness professionals to learn how to take advantage of existing social media programs, digital tools and the panel’s experiences so that you can help shape the future of agriculture. The panel discussion takes place on Sept. 23 at 10:30-11:30 a.m. in the Morton Building, 513 Land Ave.

* New Grain Bin and Tower: Brock Grain Systems has three new additions to its lot this year with the construction of the largest grain bin, leg and tower on the show site, completed prior to the 2015 show. The Brock exhibit lot is located at 638 Soybean Ave.

Advance sale tickets for the Farm Science Review are $7 at all OSU Extension county offices and many local agribusinesses. Tickets are $10 at the gate. Children 5 and under are admitted free. Show 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 known as Ohio’s premier agricultural event and typically draws more than 130,000 farmers, growers, producers and agricultural enthusiasts from across the U.S. and Canada annually. Participants are able to peruse 4,000 product lines from roughly 620 commercial exhibitors and engage in educational workshops, presentations and demonstrations delivered by experts from Ohio State University Extension and the Ohio Agricultural Research and Development Center, which are the outreach and research arms, respectively, of the college.

For more information about the Farm Science Review, visit fsr.osu.edu