“Forecasting the Future for 50 Years” is the bold theme for next week’s Farm Science Review. Who in their right mind thinks an accurate half decade forecast is possible? We all know rain predictions have created unrealistic expectations this year. Who has the best idea on where the economy is headed? Will the world end tomorrow?

In discussing the theme choice with FSR Manager Chuck Gamble last week, I learned that there are indeed some mind expanding exhibits at this year’s extravaganza. With the rapid advancements in technology we observe in today’s world becoming more the rule than the exception, grasping agricultural innovations to be shown on Sept. 18-20 is pertinent. Partnering the best minds from both Purdue and The Ohio State University helps communicate creative concepts sure to benefit those who come to the Review.

Gamble excitedly described the drone exhibit that will be located at OSU Agronomic Crop Team’s tent, located near the center of the exhibit area. Whether you enter from the east or west side of the 80 acre site, walk down the main drag to 426 Friday Avenue to check out the agricultural implications posed by aircraft with no pilot aboard.  These winged wonders must be controlled presently by a pilot on the ground.

Graduate student Matt McCrink, from OSU’s Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering Department, plans to inform farmers and others about the technical potential of such aircraft. His adviser, Dr. Jim Gregory and Dr. Scott Shearer from OSU’s Department of Food, Agriculture and Biological Engineering Department, predict multiple benefits from the use of agricultural drones in the not-to-distant future.

New construction in the exhibit area includes an equipment unloading facility at the northwest corner of the grounds, where machinery is set up prior to heading out for in-field demonstrations.  Homan Equipment from Maria Stein constructed 4 new docks (one being a side unload) to streamline the process, keeping safety aspects in mind. The FSR manager also touted AGCO and Unververth for their decisions to completely rock their lots, eliminating the potential for mud for site visitors. I plan to visit a new exhibitor who will be showcasing storm shelters. When I was just a kid, the 1965 Palm Sunday tornado destroyed our barn, giving me a lifelong interest in avoiding violent wind.

As plant geneticists continue to strengthen corn stalks, interest grows on how to deal with toughened plant residue. Various kits on combines to chew up stalks and enhance decomposition, plus numerous selections of deflector type equipment add on attachments to limit tire wear will be shown. Tire companies are also interested in promoting product lines designed to better withstand stubble damage.  

Exhibits throughout the main exhibit area, field demonstrations and the Gwynne Conservation Area are sure to be of interest. A couple of “can’t miss” stops for me include the Agronomic Crops Team demonstration plots just east of the exhibit area and field drainage work provided by the Ohio Land Improvement Contractors. 

New rules await attendees who wantto  travel the grounds via golf cart. Farmers and others may bring their own cart or rent one on site only if:

One individual using the cart shows the registration form for the handicapped hang tag (BMV instructs individuals to keep the form in the vehicle where the hang tag is placed or keep on their person)

Produce a doctor’s excuse that the golf cart is needed in order to visit the show. 

Plan to attend the 2012 Farm Science Review at the Molly Caren Agricultural Center, near London, Ohio, just off Interstate 70. Purchase tickets by Monday for $5 or pay $8 at the gate.

The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of Farm World. Readers with questions or comments for Roger Bender may write to him in care of this publication.