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Hops just one of 120 topics at the Farm Science Review

 

By DOUG GRAVES

Ohio Correspondent

 

LONDON, Ohio — Farm Science Review (FSR) show manager Chuck Gamble often wrestles with the idea for his show’s theme, but this year’s was a no-brainer.

With the theme of "Experience the Difference," this 52nd annual event will not only showcase the latest technological advances and innovations in agriculture, but will also give participants the opportunity to learn the latest educational research on how to improve one’s farm operations financial bottom line.

"From providing the most up-to-date techniques and research to help growers improve water and soil quality, to teaching farmers and producers about new markets for agriculture, the Review can help attendees learn how to increase yields, cut costs and boost farm profits," Gamble said.

The FSR, which is sponsored by The Ohio State University’s College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences, will be Sept. 16-18 at the Molly Caren Agricultural Center in London.

One news-making venture that’s catching on in the state that will be discussed in detail at the FSR is "Hops Production in Ohio." The one-hour discussion will take place next Wednesday, the second day of the show. "The 39 microbreweries in the state is proof of a growing trend of locally produced beer in Ohio," said Brad Bergefurd, OSU extension agriculture educator at the OSU South Centers in Piketon (and monthly Farm World contributor).

"And this is where farmers can educate themselves and cash in."

There are more than 100 alluring topics at this year’s show, and organizers and presenters say hops production will be a huge draw.

"Ohio beer manufacturers send an estimated $4 million out of Ohio annually by purchasing the flowers of the hop plant, called hop cones or hops, from growers outside the state," Bergefurd explained.

In an effort to keep some of that economic activity in the state, OSU is developing a hop research program. The research is evaluating new hop cultivators, innovative hop production techniques, insect and disease control methods, harvesting, processing and marketing techniques that can be adopted by Ohio farmers.

In addition, an applied field research and marketing survey will be conducted to determine the dollars and jobs being sent out of state by Ohio’s brewing industry. According to Bergefurd, hops can be grown from the sandy soils of the Lake Erie shore to the heavy clay soils of southern Ohio, so they should be adaptable to most of the state’s soil types. "From our discussions with Ohio’s microbrewing industry, which is partnering with us on this project, brewers have shown interest in directly purchasing Ohio-grown hops and may be willing to pay a premium," he said.

"In the end, this will allow Ohio’s beer manufacturers to spend their money in Ohio by purchasing Ohio-grown hops and ultimately, help create Ohio jobs. This crop may allow Ohio growers to diversify into a high-value specialty crop."

Hops is one of many seminars in the Center for Small Farms at the FSR. Attendees can learn about manure management for the small-scale farm, aquaponics, wine grape production, commercial raspberry production, maps and apps to promote the farm business and 23 more topics.

Field demonstrations run from sunrise to sunset and include the latest in planting technology, stalk shredders, field drainage installation, GPS technology, cornstalk baling and wrapping, soybean harvest and increasing-popular drones. Many breakout sessions will be at the Aquatic Amphitheater, with anything pertaining to pond management. Experts at the Wildlife Amphitheater will discuss swan management, turkey and deer management, grasslands, wildflowers and more. The Woodland Amphitheater will hold discussions on invasive species, tree types, maple syrup production and even earthworm invasions.

Got a puzzling issue? The "Question the Authorities" segments daily will help answer some of your questions, with topics including grain outlook, raw milk, crop budgets, farm rental rates, fish farming, livestock behavior, bioenergy, antibiotic use, feral swine, veterinarian concerns and much more.

Upwards of 140,000 visitors from all over the United States and Canada will encounter 4,000 product lines from 600 commercial exhibitors on this 80-acre exhibit, and roughly 600 acres of land for field demonstrations. "When you talk about technology and innovation, that’s what farmers are looking for and what we have to offer," Gamble said.

To learn more and for schedules, directions and more, visit http://fsr.osu.edu

9/10/2014