This year the Farm Science Review’s theme is “Get the Edge” for its Sept. 22-24, 2015 show. OSU Extension is heavily involved in Farm Science Review offering a wide range of educational opportunities. As you enter the show grounds from the east parking lot, I encourage you to walk through the Agronomics Crops Team plots before you get to the gates. State and Field Specialists and Extension Educators from The Ohio State University and Purdue University will be available to talk about the different treatments in the plots and answer any questions you may have about your operation.
These plots include the history of corn with varieties from thousands of years ago to today’s most current hybrids. The nutrient management section looks at different application rates and methods of commercial and manure nutrients on corn. Soil quality plot are in their second year and will continue over several years to look at differences in residue, pH, gypsum and tillage. Weed, pest and disease treatments were applied to corn and soybeans. We also have a plot of aphid resistant soybeans as well. Various types of cover crops were planted to provide a good demonstration for the show. For those interested in bioenergy crops, there are several different crops planted and a pelletizer will be on site for a demonstration of converting these crops into a usable source.
Do not forget about the field equipment demos in the afternoon. This is a great opportunity to see the latest and greatest equipment in action. Corn and soybean harvests are always popular, but other demos that might be of interest include nutrient application, tillage, planters, soil samplers and GPS. With the water quality concerns in Ohio and around the country, there are some new equipment designs that help reduce nutrient loss in these categories.
The Small Farms area and Gwynn Conservation Area offer a lot for landowners and those interested in growing specialty crops or managing a successful small farm. Some of this year’s topics include aquaponics, marketing, different types of livestock, hops, fruits and vegetable production practices and understanding food regulations. All presentation and demonstration schedules can be found at http://fsr.osu.edu/.
You can purchase advanced sale tickets for $7 at the Champaign County Extension office until September 21. We are open Monday through Friday, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm. You can also purchase tickets at Champion Feed & Pet Supply in Mechanicsburg and Westville Grain. Tickets at the gate are $10.
