News Releases

  1. An irrigation machine seeds cover crops in standing corn during a precision ag demo at the 2025 Farm Science Review, where CFAES researchers showcased how drones and data-driven tools are transforming farming.Photo: John Rice

    Ohio State’s Farm Science Review draws crowds with innovation and real-world solutions

    LONDON, Ohio — Imagine a soybean farmer boosting yields and profits just by changing a planting date — and using artificial intelligence to know exactly when to make the switch. That scenario is quickly becoming a reality thanks to Agroptimizer, a new AI-powered decision-support tool being tested by Laura Lindsey, soybean and small grains specialist with The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES). Agroptimizer is just one of many innovations that embodied the theme of the 2025 Farm Science Review: “Transforming Tradition.” Held at the Molly Caren Agricultural Center in London from Sept. 16-18, Farm Science Review brought together farmers, industry leaders, educators and families to explore the future of...
  2. Photo: Adobe Stock Images

    Farm Science Review urges fire safety as Ohio faces worsening drought conditions

    LONDON, Ohio — With more than 96% of Ohio experiencing abnormally dry conditions and nearly half the state already in moderate drought, the risk of farm fires is climbing fast — and farmers are being urged to prepare before harvest accelerates. As dry crop fields and heavy equipment converge this fall, even a small spark could lead to devastating consequences for both agricultural operations and rural communities. That’s one reason why fire safety and emergency preparedness will take center stage at the 2025 Farm Science Review, set for Sept. 16-18 at the Molly Caren Agricultural Center in London, Ohio. The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES), along with Ohio State University Extension, will feature hands-on...
  3. Family members wait to board the Mobile Design Classroom during a visit to Jackson, Ohio. One-third of households in the region don't have access to broadband internet. (Photo by Corey Wilson)

    Ohio State’s 4-H Mobile Classroom brings STEAM learning to Farm Science Review

    COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio State University’s 4-H Mobile Classroom is more than just a vehicle for education. It’s a catalyst for lifelong curiosity and creativity. At a back-to-school kickoff in Grove City, Ohio, children buzzed with excitement as they explored colorful booths and activities. But one stop drew an especially eager crowd: a 34-foot bus offering hands-on STEAM learning, from digital art and app design to robotics and coding. Parents watched as their children discovered possibilities many had never imagined. This fall, families at Farm Science Review, Sept. 16-18 at the Molly Caren Agricultural Center in London, Ohio, will have the same opportunity. Hosted by Ohio State’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES), the...
  4. Farm Science Review Gwynn Conservation Area. Photo: CFAES

    Explore, learn, taste and discover at Farm Science Review’s living lab Sept. 16-18

    LONDON, Ohio — Where can you hike to a pawpaw orchard for a fruit tasting, learn to cast a fly rod, identify invasive plants and test your knowledge of tree species — all in one day? At the Gwynne Conservation Area during Farm Science Review, set for Sept. 16-18 at the Molly Caren Agricultural Center in London, Ohio, visitors can do just that while also discovering practical strategies for managing Ohio’s land, water and woodlands. Hosted by The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES), Farm Science Review draws more than 100,000 visitors annually and is a premier showcase of agricultural innovation, conservation and education. Just a short shuttle ride from the main grounds, the 67-acre Gwynne Conservation...
  5. Photo: Adobe Stock Images

    Farm Science Review to spotlight climate resilience as drought returns to Ohio

    LONDON, Ohio — The signs across much of Ohio are becoming all too familiar for many farmers right now: fields drying too quickly, streams running low and skies withholding the steady rainfall they need. While this year’s field conditions are not yet as severe as last summer’s exceptional drought, dry weather is once again testing Ohio agriculture — making the timing of the 2025 Farm Science Review especially important. The 63rd Farm Science Review, hosted by The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES), will be held Sept. 16-18 at the Molly Caren Agricultural Center in London, Ohio. The show offers access to more than 4,000 product lines and more than 180 educational sessions led by CFAES researchers and Ohio...
  6. Photo: Adobe Stock Images

    Passing the torch: Farm succession strategies for Ohio’s next generation

    LONDON, Ohio — As Ohio’s farming population ages, the most vital upcoming harvest for many families might not be corn or soybeans — it might be the successful transfer of the farm to the next generation. According to the 2022 U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Census of Agriculture, the average age of U.S. farm producers has risen to 58.1 years, up 0.6 years since 2017. Ohio’s median operator age was 55.8 years in 2017 and has continued to climb to 56.3 in 2022, underscoring a pressing need for farm succession planning. Without it, experts warn, the state risks losing not just family legacies, but the farmland and economic productivity that sustain rural communities. “At the heart of succession planning is trust and clear communication,”...
  7. Corn at the Northwest Agricultural Research Station, located in the D1 drought intensity area, shows visible stress, with lower leaves drying and yellowing up to the second leaf below the ear. Some ears are also smaller than usual, with more damage at the tips. Photo: Logan Minter

    Ohio State helps farmers manage impacts as drought conditions spread across Ohio

    COLUMBUS, Ohio — While not yet reaching the severity of last year’s growing season, drought conditions are once again taking hold across Ohio, raising renewed concern among agricultural experts and farmers about the health of crops, livestock and water resources. According to Aaron Wilson, state climatologist and field specialist with The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES), parts of northwest, east central, and south central Ohio are experiencing rapid moisture loss, with declining soil moisture and stream flows following weeks of below-average rainfall. “We’re not currently near the severity of 2024, when parts of the state were experiencing exceptional drought,” Wilson said. “However, recent...
  8. Stephen M. Techtmann

    Stephen M. Techtmann named Engineering Entrepreneurship Professor at CFAES

    COLUMBUS, Ohio — Stephen M. Techtmann has been appointed to a five-year term as the Engineering Entrepreneurship Professor in the Department of Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering (FABE) at The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES), effective Aug. 15, 2025, through Aug. 15, 2030. This appointment is subject to approval by the Ohio State Board of Trustees. Techtmann brings a deep interdisciplinary background in environmental microbiology, systems biology and computational biology to the role, along with a strong commitment to advancing student innovation and discovery. “Dr. Techtmann’s expertise in microbial community engineering, coupled with his enthusiasm for discovery-based learning, makes him an...
  9. Photo: CFAES

    Farm Science Review 2025 puts the latest agricultural technology in action

    LONDON, Ohio — Tractors that drive themselves, sprayers that use artificial intelligence to make decisions in real time and experts ready to answer farmers’ most pressing questions — it’s all taking center stage at the Molly Caren Agricultural Center this September. Drawing more than 100,000 visitors and 600 exhibitors each year, Farm Science Review is one of the nation’s largest agricultural events and a vital hub for Ohio’s producers. This year’s three-day event will immerse attendees in innovations such as autonomous tractors and AI-powered sprayers, all while honoring the traditions that have long shaped the industry. The 63rd Farm Science Review, hosted by The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental...
  10. Jen-Yi Huang

    Jen-Yi Huang appointed to endowed professorship in food engineering

    COLUMBUS, Ohio — Jen-Yi Huang has been appointed to a five-year term as the Dale A. Seiberling Professor in Food Engineering in the Departments of Food Science and Technology and Food, Agricultural and Biological Engineering at The Ohio State University College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences (CFAES), effective Jan. 6, 2026, through Jan. 6, 2031. This appointment is subject to approval by the Ohio State Board of Trustees. Huang brings extensive expertise in sustainable food systems and interdisciplinary food engineering to the role, with a research program focused on enhancing efficiency, safety and environmental stewardship in food processing technologies. “Dr. Huang’s pioneering work in sustainable food engineering, paired with his innovative...

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