Expect unexpected at Farm Science Review

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I want to highlight some more of the upcoming Ohio State University Farm Science Review. Each year brings with it a many areas of interest one might not think of when going to a farm show such as the Farm Science Review.

One of those areas would involve the Ohio State University Extension’s Ohio AgrAbility program. Here Injured or aging farmers can find the technology they need to continue to work on the farm.

Ohio AgrAbility will offer three daily workshops at Farm Science Review Sept. 19-21 to discuss what’s available for farmers who are injured or struggling with a physical disability and don’t want to give up farming.

Two of the workshops Ohio AgrAbility will offer at the Review are on modifications to farm equipment, and another workshop is for professionals who work with individuals with disabilities. All workshops will take place under the Ohio AgrAbility tent on Land Avenue between Market and Kottman streets.

The daily workshops for those who work with individuals with disabilities, which will be at 1:30 p.m., will provide an overview of what Ohio AgrAbility offers.

The farm modifications workshops, which will be held at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. daily, and will address what changes can be made to farm equipment to allow farmers to use equipment effectively without causing undue strain or additional injuries.

Under the Ohio AgrAbility tent at the Review, people can see motorized doors for a barn, a motorized chair specially made to ride through rough terrain and a modified lawn mower that has shock absorbers to prevent a bumpy ride.

It is important to realize the assistance for farmers that Ohio Agribility will address could be helpful to anyone, even those without a disability. I think we would all agree a hand rail on a tractor or combine or a new seat with a suspension system that offers a smoother ride would be appreciated by anyone.

Farming is one of the more dangerous occupations in the country due to the amount of equipment on the farm and because farmers are working with animals and machinery with a lot of moving parts. Another fact is we are getting older as a farming community thus increasing the odds of injuring ourselves.

Another area I think gets forgotten or unrealized at the Farm Science review is the Horticultural Areas for everyone to enjoy..

The first is the Master Gardener Volunteer Program (located at Friday Ave between Kottman St and Market St). Here folks can get information and gardening resources, learn about “Ask a Master Gardener”—Answers for your tough lawn and garden questions, and of course there is lots of information regarding the Master Program and how one can become a Master Gardener Volunteer in their county.

The second area is the Turfgrass Plots (located at Ohio State Area, 426 Friday Ave). Here you will be able to talk with Ohio State turf pathology experts about all of your turf needs.

You will be able to look, touch and walk on the turf show area, get help choosing the right turf for your new lawn or renovation project. You will also be able to get some help for that persistent problem you have been fighting in your yard.

And finally at this location, see an example of synthetic turf that’s being used at all levels of sports fields.

Finally, the Utzinger Memorial Garden (near Friday Avenue and Market Street) will have several presentations in the garden gazebo, and Master Gardener Volunteers will be available throughout the garden to answer gardening questions.

New this year is the Monarch Station and the raised garden, which has a farm theme and promotes handicap accessibility. Brutus Buckeye is in his garden along with the shaded garden pots, which are a must-see!

The West Central Ohio Beekeepers Association will answer questions about how to become a beekeeper and will show some of the equipment needed to get started.

Some of the topics to be presented each day will include:

TUESDAY

10 a.m. Gardening With Arthritis

11 a.m. The Basics of Beekeeping

Noon So, You Want to Be a Master Gardener?

1 p.m. Saving the Monarch—and Other Pollinators

2 p.m. Mosquitoes, Ticks and You

WEDNESDAY

10 a.m. Effective Fertilizers: What Your Garden Needs

11 a.m. Wonderful Ohio Weeds

Noon Lawn Care Basics

1 p.m. Dazzling Dahlias

2: p.m. Backyard Vegetable Gardening

THURSDAY

10 a.m. Gardening With Arthritis

11 a.m. The Glories of Trees

Noon Organic and Non-Organic Pest Control Options

1 p.m. The FARMacy Garden…How Food Heals

2 p.m. Pollinator Power

Remember we have presale tickets at $7 for the Farm Science Review available here at the Clinton County Extension Office, 111 S. Nelson Avenue in Wilmington.

Tony Nye is the state coordinator for the Ohio State University Extension Small Farm Program and has been an OSU Extension Educator for agriculture and natural resources for 29 years, currently serving Clinton County and the Miami Valley EERA.

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OSU Extension

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