September brings changes in the weather — cooler temperatures and bright blue skies. September also brings one of my favorite activities — the annual Farm Science Review, an event that is for farmers and nonfarmers alike.
This year’s event is scheduled for Sept. 22-24. For a mere $7 for an advance ticket, or $10 at the gate, one can roam 2,100 acres of the Molly Caren Agricultural Center, including the 67 acres known as the Gwynne Conservation Area.
The College of Food, Agriculture, and Environmental Sciences at The Ohio State University is the sponsor of the review which translates into three days of exhibits, educational events and the latest in research, safety, technology and conservation. Take it from the 130,000 people who are expected at the three-day even: There is something for everyone at the Farm Science Review.
For traditional agricultural producers, there is plenty of cutting-edge information on corn, soybeans, wheat and cover crops, along with field demonstrations of new machinery, field drainage installation and nutrient application equipment. Specialty areas such as aquaculture, barley and hops production, small-scale poultry production and miniature cattle production are discussed in the tent and building located at the corner of Corn Avenue and Beef Street. Load up on a shuttle bus to participate in the nutrient research tours on compaction, precision ag and nutrient efficiency for nitrogen and phosphorus.
On Thursday, the Ohio Conservation Farm Family Awards will be presented. This ceremony, coordinated by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Soil and Water Resources and co-sponsored by Ohio Farmer magazine and the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation, recognizes farmers who are doing an outstanding job of protecting and conserving soil, water and related natural resources on the land they farm.
And for lunch, my favorite is the OSU Saddle & Sirloin Club’s barbequed pork chop sandwiches. You have to try one!
The Gwynne Conservation Area’s prairie, woods and waters showcase a range of conservation practices year round; however, during the review, dozens of talks and exhibits on trees, aquatics, backyard conservation, wildlife, woodland, along with energy and the environment, are covered by a variety of experts from around Ohio and Purdue and Ohio State University extensions. A few of the topics that will be covered:
• Nature’s gliders: The flying squirrels.
• Native grass and wildflower identification.
• Management and basics of pond aeration.
• Introduction to tree ID.
• Trees and taxes.
• Tree selection: Selecting the right tree for your site.
• Energy savings for households and congregations: Energy stewards.
“The Gwynne.” as it is affectionately known, offers a place away from the bustling crowds of the review’s main grounds. Deer Creek, a dugout pond, an embankment pond and a wetland are all on site, along with a soils pit, cabin and picnic shelter.
For avid gardeners, visit the Farm Science Review’s Utzinger Memorial Garden to hear talks on native plants, bees, healthy foods, the newest annuals, small space gardening, growing vegetables for all seasons and more.
For all the details, including times for all presentations, tours and demonstrations, directions to the Molly Caren Agriculture Center, and ticket information, visit fsr.osu.edu. Tickets can also be purchased at the Ohio State University extension office in Delaware County, located at 149 N. Sandusky St. Local conservation information can be found on the Delaware Soil & Water Conservation District’s website at www.delawareswcd.org.
