September is here, and that means it is time for the Ohio State University Farm Science Review.
This monumental event — sponsored by The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES) — takes place Sept. 20-22 at the Molly Caren Agricultural Center, 135 State Route 38 NE, in London, Ohio.
The 60th FSR will focus on “Embracing Time and Change.” Review hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 20–21 and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 22.
There is always so much to do, see, and learn while attending the Farm Science Review. It doesn’t matter whether you are a large producer, a small producer, or just an agricultural enthusiast – there is a lot for everyone.
The Farm Science Review highlights agriculture, showcasing lots of products and equipment, services, and education to improve profitability and sustainability.
This week, I want to highlight educational programs during FSR that will focus on specialty crops and small farm production. The specialty crop tent will be located on Friday Avenue.
Tuesday will highlight Pumpkin Production and Pest Management, Improving Tomato Fruit Quality with Cultural Management Techniques, Pollinators for Specialty Crops, and Spotted Lanternfly in Specialty Crops Update.
Wednesday will focus on Hops Nitrogen Management, Opportunities in Wine Grape Production in Ohio, Fungicides and Disease Control in Fruits and Vegetables, Herbicide Options in Fruits and Vegetables, and Elderberry Production in Ohio.
Thursday will wrap up FSR with presentations focusing on Prescription Nutrient Management of Specialty Crops, Cultivating Customer Connections with social media for Enhanced Sales, Update of Key Findings from the Special Crop Listening Sessions in 2022, and Cooperative Marketing of Specialty Crops.
The Small Farms Center will be located at 155 Beef St. (corner of Corn Avenue and Beef Street). Be sure to visit the New & Beginning Farmer help desk and talk with OSU Extension professionals and representatives from USDA. In addition, there will be several presentations as well.
On Tuesday, September 20, come and listen to presentations about Long Cane Raspberry Production, Sweet Corn Production, Beef Cattle Genetics, Do’s and Don’ts of Livestock Fencing, and Easiest Cut Flowers for Beginners.
For Wednesday, the Small Farm Center sessions will focus on Health Considerations for the Small Sheep & Goat Operations, USDA Programs for Beginning Farmers, Making Hay on Your Farm, Raising Livestock on Five Acres or Less, and What You Need to Know About Managing Lead in Soil.
Thursday programs will include Does Your Beehive Have Good Genes, Exploring Weather Observations & Equipment Options, Garlic Production, Home Processing of Food Animals, Developing Successful SARE Grant Proposals, Using EPD’s and Genomic Testing for the Small Beef Herd, and Using Caterpillar Tunnels for Season Extension.
A new mobile ticketing option will allow visitors to print tickets at home or save to a mobile device for entry. The presale ticket price of $10 will be available online at fsr.osu.edu and at participating sales locations, such as county offices of OSU Extension and at participating agribusinesses, until midnight Monday, September 19th.
Tickets may still be purchased online during Farm Science Review (FSR) for $15. Children 5 & under are free. Visitors may also still purchase paper tickets with cash or credit card at the gates. Parking is free.
As always, the premier agricultural education and industry exposition will provide valuable information to farmers and producers, while focusing on continuing to educate for the future.
More than 100,000 people are expected to attend the event, which will feature more than 100 educational sessions including “Ask the Expert” talks, the most comprehensive field crop demonstrations in the United States, 600 exhibits, a career exploration fair, and immersive virtual reality videos of agricultural activities.
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 over 30 years, currently serving Clinton County and the Miami Valley EERA.
