“Where farmers go to dream” is the theme of this year’s Farm Science Review, which features over 80 acres of exhibits and field demonstration of the latest in farm machinery, weather permitting. Many farmers from across Ohio and neighboring states make the annual trek to the Molly Caren Agricultural Center near London, Ohio to check out equipment they have heard about, compare product lines, visit with commercial representatives or just chum around with neighbors and friends.  

The 49th edition of the FSR is next Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, with an expected attendance of over 120,000 over the three day period. Generally, Wednesday has the largest attendance, but numbers do vary from year-to-year based on weather conditions, harvest expectations and so on.  

This is the 29th FSR at the Molly Caren site, the previous 20 years conducted near Don Scott Airport northwest of Ohio State University’s campus. Those areas are long paved over with roads, shopping areas and condos. Farmers with less and grayer hair recall the early years that were confined to much closer quarters and lots of mud during rainy times. I recall driving a bus full of our vocational agriculture students to the show in the mid-70s. When we returned there seemed to be an inch of muddy soil on the bus floor. Parking the front of the bus on a curb allowed a garden hose cleaning by several of the less well-behaved students that afternoon.

For modern times, management and employees continue to progress in making the Farm Science Review experience an enjoyable one for everyone. FSR manager Chuck Gamble recently shared a few highlights for this year’s extravaganza.  

The first, as attendees enter from the public parking area, is Ohio State University Extension’s Agronomic Crops Team presence at their plot area. This group is responsible for the well-known CORN Newsletter and countless practical research plots at OSU’s branch research stations and other sites throughout Ohio. As you enter the grounds, check out their cover crop, bioenergy and corn population demonstration plots. Ask questions and share your 2011 cropping experiences. Team members seek ideas to make Extension more responsive to your needs.

Gamble noted three field demos that visitors will want to prioritize. First, plan to see twin-row corn harvested on Wednesday during the event. If you are interested in residue management, three corn heads specifically designed to handle heavy residue will show their capabilities. By the way, eight combines of various colors are slated for harvest duty.

Purchase your FSR tickets for $5 by Monday from any OSU Extension office and many local agribusinesses. Be prepared to pay $8 at the gate.

Silage harvest is well underway in our area. An important safety reminder is in order for all farmers working around silos. Silo gas begins forming within hours of ensiling. Heavier than air and very toxic, the gas causes respiratory problems quickly to exposed humans and livestock. The first three days are the most dangerous, but farmers should be wary of silo gases for 4-to-6 weeks after filling stops. Running the silo blower for 15-to-45 minutes prior to entering the silo for any reason is a bare minimum as a precaution. Be safe!

Readers with questions or comments for Roger Bender may write to him in care of this publication.