By DOUG GRAVES Ohio Correspondent
LONDON, Ohio – “Grounded in Tradition, Growing for Tomorrow.” That’s the headliner of the 64th annual Farm Science Review (FSR), which returns Sept. 22-24 on the grounds of the Molly Caren Agricultural Center in London, Ohio. Each year this show brings together ndustry leaders, researchers, educators, students and visitors to explore the future of agriculture. This year’s show is projected to attract 112,000 visitors, offer 180 educational sessions and showcase more than 700 exhibitors and commercial displays. “Farm Science Review is the perfect mix of all things agriculture,” said FSR manager Nick Zachrich. “That includes many different crops and livestock and the very latest equipment and technology along with antiques and tried-and-true equipment still on the market.” Since 1963, FSR has given farmers a place to see agricultural change firsthand, learn from one another, and connect with research and expertise they can put to work at home. Five miles of paths on the grounds crisscross among roughly 700 exhibits. “Farm Science Review has a long tradition of bringing together educators and industry to showcase the latest in agriculture innovation,” Zachrich said. “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 plant seeds of success by learning from educators and industry experts about a wide variety of topics.” The show encompasses 2,100 acres, 1,400 of which are dedicated to farming operations on the grounds. Here the latest farming practices take place at Trotter Field. Visitors can board a wagon to see the latest ag innovations, strip-tillage techniques, manure applications, drainage, precision agriculture technologies, automation, sprayers and harvest demonstrations. At the AgCrops Zone, OSU College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences specialists, Extension educators and graduate students will bring research into Trotter Field with soil health discussions and demonstrations, including a rainfall simulator and soil health testing. Field demonstrations are a big hit at FSR. Once the equipment has run through the field, attendees can walk out, lay 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 that one sees. “With many presentations by Extension educators, farmers will find resources for a variety of challenges facing the industry and also products and services from the commercial exhibitors that address many of those challenges,” Zachrich said. “Ag Innovations demonstrations highlight the tools shaping the future of agriculture, including drones, autonomous equipment, artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies.” Back on the main grounds, visitors will find buildings, tents and booths full of practical information and research-based insights on topics such as farm health and safety, farm management, financial and economic education, environmental topics, plus student engagement and community development. Here attendees can learn about agronomy, weed control, disease research, irrigation, nutrient management, soil health, water quality, cover crops and crop performance. Among the 180 educational sessions is the ever-popular “Ask the Exerts” 30-minute presentations, with topics that include farm succession, labor laws, weather risk, grain markets, tax and input outlooks, farm diversification, current crop dilemmas and financial questions. Shuttle buses will take visitors to the Gwynne Conservation Area, a 67-acre area dedicated to the latest conservation practices found on today’s farm. The Gwynne Conservation Area is divided into four areas: Forages & Grazing, Wildlife & Aquatics, Woodland and Cabin. For those who farm on a smaller scale, there is the Small Farms Center, where attendees can discuss such topics as Getting Started, Goat Production, High Tunnels for Specialty Crops and more. One of the most popular attractions at FSR is the Antique Farm Equipment Display at the William L. George Building at Friday and Hay streets. The collection includes more than 1,600 pieces of farm machinery, garden equipment and household items dating from 1800 to 1930. Featured pieces include an 1805 wooden moldboard plow, an 1860 Milwaukee reaper, a 1923 Model-T milk truck, an early 1900s horse-drawn milk wagon and several antique garden tractors, just to name a few. “As we celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, Farm Science Review shows us that the future of agriculture is bright and full of opportunity,” he said. “People from all aspects of agriculture gather to learn, collaborate and innovate at Farm Science Review each year to improve the industry.” The Molly Caren Agricultural Center is at 135 State Route 38 near London, Ohio. The event can be seen off Interstate 70. Show hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sept. 22-23 and 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 24. Tickets for the 2026 Farm Science Review are available to purchase both online or at the gate. For more infomration visit https://fsr.osu.edu/
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