Traveling to and from the Ohio Farm Science Review last week allowed me to see crops at various stages of maturity.  n most years, numerous soybean fields would have already been harvested, with others a few days from seeing a combine. Not so in 2011. Much of the soybean acreage exhibited some degree of yellowing, but very little leaf drop was observed by this driver. Corn silage harvest is well underway, but no corn has been taken for grain along the routes that I drove.

During discussions at the Review, very few farmers mentioned that they had switched soybean varieties or corn hybrids even with this spring’s late planting. High hopes for later planted soybeans, especially for double cropped plantings are common. Those very green soybean fields reportedly have potential for 45 or more bushel yields, if frost can hold off until mid-October. Where decent rainfall came during critical pollination and grain fill periods, a handful of folks are talking near record corn yields, albeit with drying challenges. Most others are much less fortunate.

Rain received at the FSR site made walking the grounds a little muddy and delayed corn harvest and tillage demonstrations periodically. However, field demos did go on, and new paint was dirtied as farmers were able to see some of their favorite brands take in the corn and turn the soil.

On Tuesday, my brother-in-law from Phoenix accepted the invitation to chauffeur in exchange for a ticket to the big show. Although he seemed to be constantly checking his Blackberry for messages or conferring with business clients verbally or via texts, he thoroughly enjoyed the view from the cab of a $400,000 combine. As an executive in the telecom industry, he was impressed with the technology available at a farmer’s fingertips. Numerous questions were also asked about other pieces of farm machinery, seed genetics, conservation and the virtual smorgasbord of products farmers could investigate over the three day period.  

Participating in the Qualisoy breakfast highlighted Wednesday. Farmer members of the United Soybean Board, Ohio Soybean Assoc. staff and technology representatives from Pioneer and Monsanto reviewed agriculture’s move towards high oleic/low saturate soybean oil. Both Monsanto Vistive Gold and Pioneer Plenish varieties are being developed to meet food company demands to accommodate consumer desires for healthier soybean oils.  

Mindful of the livestock use of soybean meal, panel members noted the increasing potential for food grade oil to support soybean prices as well. More on this subject can be found at www.QUALISOY.com Look forward to a future column or two also delving into the importance of this subject.

It was impressive to see how many Purdue Extension folks were helping out at this year’s FSR. While I did not have the opportunity to trek throughout the show site, Ohio State University (OSU) Extension personnel indicated they greatly appreciated the Boilermaker presence. An interesting note: At the field demonstration plot area, OSU Extension agronomist Harold Watters commented that the three topic areas of highest interest were: cover crops, marestail and “What do I do to increase soybean yields?” Three additional ideas for this column provided free for the asking.

Believe it or not, my primary reason for attending the Farm Science Review on Thursday was to meet Farm World Associate Editor Meggie Foster. Beginning the third year of writing the Ohio Farm News column generated the interest. Since Mr. Foster and Mrs. Bender were on hand to mediate the discussion, all conversation was amiable, as the editor shared valuable insight with this columnist.

Despite less than favorable weather conditions, unofficial sources estimated over 140,000 attended the event last week.

The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of Farm World. Readers with questions or comments for Roger Bender may write to him in care of this publication.