LONDON, Ohio – Farm Science Review (FSR) turns 62 this year, and the goal continues to be the same as it was more than six decade ago: to exhibit and demonstrate the latest advancements in farm power machinery and equipment, with emphasis on methods of harvesting, drying, storing and handling of field crops.

With a theme that reads “It’s More Than a Farm Show,” officials of FSR are eager to highlight the event’s decades of providing valuable information to farmers and producers, while focusing on continuing to educate for the future.

This premier agricultural education and industry exposition is set for Sept. 17-19 at the Molly Caren Agricultural Center near London, Ohio. It is hosted by Ohio State University’s College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences (CFAES).

“Farm Science Review has a long tradition of bringing together educators and industry to showcase the latest in agriculture innovation,” said FSR manager Nick Zachrich. “This annual three-day show provides opportunities for growers in the livestock industry, row crop farming, specialty crops, or even an individual with just a few acres and a small garden to come and learn from educators and industry experts about a wide variety of topics.”

New to FSR is a one-of-a-kind virtual equipment auction, scheduled for Sept. 18 at 12:30 p.m., with Equipment Connection powered by Upper Sandusky-based Walton Realty and Auction Co.

“We’re pretty excited to announce the first-ever virtual equipment auction that’s going to be held at Farm Science Review here this year,” said Darby Walton, auctioneer with Equipment Connection and Walton Realty and Auction Co. “This is an equipment auction with live in-person bidding and online bidding, but there’s no equipment there present at the sale site. Everything will sell off of large display screens. The live bidding crowd will be there in the large College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences tent at the far west end of Farm Science Review.”

Across the 100-acre exhibit area, attendees will also see countless numbers of new innovations in farm machinery. Paths on the grounds take attendees among roughly 700 exhibits, which will range in topics of interest including livestock, electric tractors, and other tractor implements, in addition to the educational sessions and displays from OSU Extension.

Included are more than 100 educational sessions featuring “Ask the Expert” talks with ag experts, the most comprehensive field crop demonstrations in the United States, a career exploration fair, and more.

FSR has more than 600 acres of field demonstrations showcasing everything from tillage, drainage installation and drones.

“During the field demonstrations, once our equipment has run through the field, attendees can walk out, put their eyes on it, put their hands on it and talk to the company representatives who are there to answer any questions they might have about the equipment or the farming practices,” Zachrich said.

A short wagon ride away from Farm Science Review’s rows of gleaming tractors, one will see another side of agriculture: its waters, woods and wildlife. This is the Gwynne Conservation Area.

Shuttle buses will be on hand to take visitors through the Gwynne Conservation Area, a 67-acre zone dedicated to the latest conservation practices one can implement on one’s property. The Gwynne Conservation Area is divided into four areas: Forages & Grazing, Wildlife & Aquatics, Woodland and Cabin.

The Small Farms Center, at Equipment Avenue and Beef Street, is designed for the grower on a smaller scale.

Each day at the Small Farms Center, attendees can engage in a “Tent Schedule” that included discussions on such topics as Small Farm Basics, Getting Started; Poultry Production for Small Farms, High Tunnels for Specialty Crops; Sheep and Goat Production, Rabbit Production, and Mushroom Production.

Then, attendees at the Small Farms Center can engage in a “Demonstration Schedule” which includes such topics as Tractor Horsepower Needs for a Small Farm; Hoop Structures for Flower Production; Hay Equipment Demonstrations; and Hay Equipment Needs.

Master gardeners will be throughout the Utzinger Memorial Garden, a plot designed for those interested in gardens. Experts will be on hand to discuss pumpkin production, improving tomato fruit quality, wine grape production, fungicides and disease control of fruits and vegetables, elderberry production in Ohio and the marketing of specialty crops, just to name a few.

Visitors wanting a glimpse of farming of the past will want to stop at the William L. George Building at Friday and Hay streets. There visitors will see more than 1,600 pieces of machinery, garden equipment and kitchen utensils from 1800-1930. Items on exhibit include an 1805 wooden moldboard plow, an 1860 Milwaukee reaper and a 1923 Model T milk truck.

“In 2023, we welcomed 116,786 visitors during the three-day event, with 7,733 of them being youth attendees from more than 210 schools, and we offered more than 130 educational presentations from CFAES experts,” said Cathann A. Kress, vice president for agricultural administration and CFAES dean.

Even if one is not a farmer or in a secondary ag industry, Zachrich said there’s a lot to take in, as he expects to fill the commercial exhibit area with exhibitors from all over North America. 

“For newcomers, there’s something for everyone, and for those returning, there are a lot of new attractions,” Zachrich said. “For more than six decades, Farm Science Review has offered a gathering place for agriculture to showcase products, services and education to the public to improve profitability, sustainability and excitement for future possibilities.”

The Molly Caren Agricultural Center is at 135 State Route 38 near London. The event can be seen off Interstate 70.

FSR hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 17-18, and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sept. 19. Presale tickets are $10 online at county offices of OSU Extension and at participating agribusinesses, or $15 at the gate. Children 5 and under are admitted free. For more information visit fsr.osu.edu.