Ohio State’s Farm Science Review connects university to agricultural community

The Ohio State University’s 62nd Farm Science Review is underway this week. The three-day event highlights the deep connections between the university and the state’s agriculture community.

The annual show, presented by the College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES), attracts over 100,000 visitors from across the United States and Canada and over 7,000 youth attendees from over 200 schools. The annual event is held at the university’s 2,100-acre Molly Caren Agricultural Center near London, Ohio.

Ohio State President Walter “Ted” Carter Jr., attending his first review since joining the university in January, spoke at the opening ceremony. Carter said the university’s leadership, innovation and outreach is essential to its land-grant mission.

“Today's Farm Science Review is an outstanding showcase of many of the ways Ohio State continues to advance agricultural innovation in this state,” he said. “Our mission to educate Ohioans doesn’t just mean the translation of knowledge to individuals. It also includes societal impact. Through the work, innovation and advancements being highlighted today, we are helping to transform communities.”

Carter said CFAES, the university’s largest college, is a research powerhouse that supports the agricultural community beyond the laboratory and classroom. Ohio State University Extension offices are in all 88 counties of the state, educating 2.5 million Ohioans and supporting programming for over 150,000 young residents through 4-H clubs, camps and after-school programs.

“In Ohio, agriculture is essential to our state’s economy and it’s the social fabric for our communities,” said Cathann A. Kress, vice president of agricultural administration and dean of CFAES. “One in every seven jobs in Ohio is related to agriculture. Farms make up over 50% of the land in Ohio, and 95% of Ohio’s farms and ranches are family owned.”

Kress said the college continues to work on an array of challenges impacting the state of Ohio, including drought and changing weather patterns, land use, avian influenza, water quality and human health.

“To do this work, at the caliber we need to do it, requires investment. It requires support and partnerships. We cannot do our job alone, and it takes the willingness of our communities to ensure we continue to live out our land-grant mission at the highest standard,” she said.

The tens of thousands of visitors to the Farm Science Review have an opportunity each year to explore those partnerships as well as the latest research and innovation. More than 600 commercial exhibitors display more than 400 product lines – including advanced agricultural drones and new techniques for agricultural production.

The FSR “Ask the Expert” workshops feature discussions aimed at helping farmers mitigate ongoing challenges, including the state’s drought conditions and other issues as they head into the autumn harvest season.

The 100-acre exhibit area allows visitors to experience all aspects of agriculture production, and an additional 600 acres of land is used for field demonstrations showcasing new advances in precision agriculture equipment, corn and soybean combines, nutrient and lime applications, and drainage installations.

The 2024 Farm Science Review runs through Sept. 19. Find more information at the FSR website.