LONDON, Ohio – Three days of expert panels have been scheduled to take center stage again this year at the 2026 Farm Science Review. This conversational dive explores hot/current topics between the moderator, experts and the audience. The 30-minute sessions give 15-20 minutes of information from the experts and 5-10 minutes of Q&A with the audience. Experts include ag economists, weather scientists, Women in Ag leaders, veterinarians, ag attorneys, agronomists, animal scientists and farm management specialists.

Recent weather issues in Ohio the past two months, such as tornadoes, floods and high winds, are fresh on the minds of many producers. Aaron Wilson is an atmospheric scientist at Ohio State University and OSU College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) field specialist, will share data-driven strategies for adapting to climate extremes, including conservation practices like cover crops, no-till systems and investments in resilient infrastructure.

“We’ll talk about the extreme conditions we’ve experienced this year,” Wilson said. “It’s been a crazy summer with some severe weather and extreme flooding, and precipitation amount has affected many producers in a big way. We’ll also talk about things in terms of short term and long-term resilience and ways to build up some efforts to help farmers through these tough times.”

Wilson uses his expertise in Ohio weather and climate to assess hydrologic conditions across the state, helping to coordinate the state’s weekly contribution to the U.S. Drought Monitor activities at the National Drought Mitigation Center.

“It reminds those in the agricultural community of the value of preparedness and the need for consistent mindfulness around the management of water, nutrients and other inputs to ensure profitability and environmental sustainability on our farms,” Wilson said.

One hot topic on this year’s slate is that of the aging farmer. Nearly 1.3 million farmers are now at or past the age of retirement. The average age of today’s farmer (according to 2022 Census of Agriculture data) is 58.1.

David Marrison, field specialist in farm management and interim director for the Farm Financial Management and Policy Institute for Ohio State Extension, is a certified farm succession coordinator. Marrison is nationally known for his teaching in farm succession planning and will be addressing the issue during his Meet the Expert topic, Is Your Farm and Family Ready for your Death?

“It is the most overlooked planning function in the world of farming,” Marrison said. 

Marrison plans to remind farmers that farm planning is a “three-legged stool” that involves farm legacy, transition planning and estate planning.

“It’s vital that farmers prepare for succession of the farm and putting that plan in order,” Marrison said. “That involves a number of things. They need to make sure the ownership management gets to the next generation and then use the legal process of estate planning to make that happen. The conversation of all this needs to be held with all family members. There’s so much to pull together and discuss what assets there are and who’s going to be the caretaker of these assets in the future.”

Garth Ruff, OSU Extension’s beef specialist, will discuss the current state of beef markets, offering insights into market trends, pricing and how producers can navigate them during his Beef-o-nomics discussion.

With the U.S. beef herd the smallest it’s been in 71 years, Mike Estadt, Extension educator from Pickaway County and OSU Extension’s Carbon Central manager, will explain what economic factors will incentivize beef producers should they decide to rebuild their herd. His topic title is Rebuilding the Beef Herd in a K-shaped Economy.

There is a lot of farm accounting software on the market, but what are the principal accounting functions most needed by farm managers? Bruce Clevenger, associate professor and field specialist in farm Management at CFAES, will share this answer and other practical, science-based advice on farm management issues. 

Barry Ward, leader of production business management and director of OSU Income Tax Schools, will offer his insights on grain inputs for 2027, highlighting fertilizer, land and tax issues.

Other topics include the farm bill, meat quality, the economic impact of New World screwworm, strengthening farm household finances and engaging youth in farm finance.

All presentations will take place each day of the show from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 425 Friday Ave. on the grounds of FSR.